Chelsea left-back Yuri Zhirkov hints at Russia return, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Andriy-Shevchenko-c6014 to retire after Euro 2012
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Yuri-Zhirkov-c37683 nearing Stamford Bridge exit
Yuri Zhirkov, the 27-year-old Chelsea left winger and left back, revealed he was considering a move back to Russia because of the lack of playing opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
The Russian international has made 21 appearances this season, most of them as a substitute and has gone on to score just one goal.
Zhirkov arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2009 from Russian side CSKA Moscow for an estimated fee of £18 million.
The start to his career at http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 was tainted with injuries, picking up a knee injury in pre-season which affected the rest of his season.
His first season was comparatively better as the left wing player went on to make 27 appearances, and secured the left-back position in the first team.
However, he has been unable to recreate his form this season and has been reduced to the role of a substitute.
The Russian left-back revealed this was the reason why he was willing to make a return to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Russia-c2991, in hopes of regular first team football.
Zhirkov said while speaking to reporters:
“I am not ruling out a return to Russia, I have received several proposals.
I am a Chelsea player and I am only speaking of an eventual return to Russia because I want to play regular football.
At Chelsea, unfortunately, I have not had enough practice in the last season. I want to play football instead of sitting on the bench, which is why there has been talk of moving back to Russia.
There is nothing more to say, we’ll see how everything goes in the future.”
Shevchenko confirms retirement after Euro 2012
Andriy Shevchenko, the 34-year-old Ukrainian striker, confirmed he would be retiring from football after the 2012 Euro.
The former AC Milan and Chelsea striker revealed he was set to retire after the European competition, which was being held in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ukraine-c3032.
The striker revealed he was excited at the opportunity to represent his country in the competition and the possibility of leading them to success.
Shevchenko said:
“I have decided to retire right after the Euro-2012. This is my final decision.
We are all set to perform at our best at our home European championships.
And I believe we can challenge the clear favourites in the battle for the title if luck is on our side.”
Shevchenko is currently the third highest goal scorer in the European competition and the highest goal scorer in the derby between AC Milan and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567 Milan, with 14 goals.
He had a highly successful seven season spell at AC Milan, after which he transferred to English Premier League side Chelsea.
He failed to make the expected impact for the Blues, and after two seasons made a loan move back to AC Milan.
In 2009 he moved to local side Dynamo Kiev, going on to make 32 appearances in all competitions and scoring 9 goals.
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