Flying Russian wingback Yuri Zhirkov has signed for Premier League club Chelsea in an £18Million deal. Zhirkov, who impressed at Euro 2008, signs from CSKA Moscow – and has represented his country 31 times.
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke on Monday to the press “I think that Zhirkov, (goalkeeper Ross) Turnbull, and (striker Daniel) Sturridge are all Chelsea players. I don’t know very well Sturridge or Turnbull, but I know Zhirkov,” – which will hardly bode well for Chelsea’s other two new signings. He went onto add “Zhirkov is naturally on the left. I think he can do all the work and can play in defence and in between,”
Ancelotti, who played in the World Cup in 1990 when Italy won bronze, was also quizzed about the future of club captain John Terry – who has been linked with a big money move to Manchester City. The Italian quashed rumours that Terry could leave Stamford Bridge: “There is a question from Manchester City but for Terry there is no price. John Terry is the symbol of this team. Terry will be captain of Chelsea for ever. He said he wants to stay, we want to keep him no problem. For him and for us the story continues.” He also compared the England captain to that of legend Paulo Maldini in terms of professionalism.
Yuri Zhirkov has finally started coming good for Chelsea, after injuries and settling in. He looks like a class act – especially when playing alongside Terry and Ashley Cole! Bringon 2010/11!