Klitschko on EURO, Kyiv and Shevchenko

World heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko took time out from his busy schedule to talk to UEFA.com about the UEFA EURO 2012 host city that will always have a special place in his affections: Kyiv. Ukraine's volunteer programme ambassador for the tournament – who has homes in the Ukrainian capital and Hamburg – also spoke of his love for football, his admiration for Andriy Shevchenko and his opinion of the finals so far.

UEFA.com: How big a football fan are you?

Vitali Klitschko: I love football and attend matches whenever I have the chance. When I can't, I watch them on TV. At EURO 2012, I was keeping my fingers crossed for Ukraine, while I also have a soft spot for Joachim Löw's Germany. Me and my brother's footballing tastes are similar: as Kyivans, we are both fans of FC Dynamo Kyiv and also FC St Pauli from Hamburg.

UEFA.com: Has Kyiv changed much for UEFA EURO 2012?

Klitschko: Of course, Kyiv has changed a lot in anticipation of this football festival. Many things have been updated and there are many new buildings. For example, the NSC Olympiyskiy was practically rebuilt from scratch and the country's main arena now meets international standards. A terminal for Boryspil airport was also built and new metro stations were completed. All this will be left for Kyivans.

UEFA.com: Where in Kyiv would you advise supporters and tourists to visit?

Klitschko: To acquaint themselves with historical Kyiv, I would suggest they start with the Golden Gate and Saint Sophia Cathedral. They should also visit Volodymyrska Hill, where there is a breathtaking view of the left bank of the Dnepr as well as Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, the old and new botanical gardens, and Pyrogovo Museum. There are many interesting places for a nice walk in the capital. As co-hosts, we have to show all of these places to our guests and do everything we can so they will want to return to Ukraine.

UEFA.com: Have you attended any of the games?

Klitschko: Unfortunately, I was in Ivano-Frankivsk during the Ukraine v Sweden match. I watched the game on TV and after it I called Andriy Shevchenko. I thanked him for the excitement he gave to us and for the opportunity to feel pride in our country. I will definitely come to the final in Kyiv regardless of who is playing.

UEFA.com: Which players at UEFA EURO 2012 do you like?

Klitschko: When Ukraine are playing, my brother and I expect big things from Andriy Shevchenko. We are friends of his – we have been on friendly terms for many years. We stay in touch and work on projects together, including charity work. Andriy is not only a talented player but also a great friend, and a man with a big heart.

UEFA.com: What is your message to fans attending the tournament?

Klitschko: In life, like in football or boxing, it is important to have mutual respect. I hope all the fans treat each other with respect and conduct themselves with dignity. Sport should always be about sport. The important thing is the result which an individual athlete or team achieves. Let's sit down side by side in the stands and enjoy the football. Let's share the joy of victory and sadness of defeat together.