Former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Yuri-Zhirkov-c37683 completes his move to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala
Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala confirmed they have completed the signing of Chelsea left-flank midfielder c*m defender Yuri Zhirkov. The Russian international returns to his homeland club on a long-term four year deal on an undisclosed fee.
An official statement released by the club stated:
“FC Anzhi has come to an agreement with Chelsea for transfer of the Russian national team player Yuri Zhirkov to our club.
This morning the newcomer to our team, after a medical check-up, signed a four-year contract.”
The move brings an end to Zhirkov’s two year spell at Stamford Bridge, which was marred by recurrent injuries. It was mostly because of the injuries that he failed to establish himself in the starting line-up at the London side.
Chelsea signed the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Andrei-Arshavin-c5771, making the 27-year-old the most expensive
Russian footballer in the Premier League.
Zhirkov made a more than impressive debut for the Blues in their pre-season clash against AC Milan, scoring the winning goal. Unfortunately he picked up a knee injury and was unable to feature again until late September.
Even after returning, the Russian had to wait until late December to make his debut in the English Premier League. The start of his Chelsea career should have prepared him for how things were going to be for him at the Bridge.
Since then Zhirkov was mostly used as a substitute, only brought on when a spot was open due to injury or suspension. Apart from scoring one goal during his time at Chelsea and providing countless assists that led to important goals, Zhirkov did not leave
a lasting impression.
In his two seasons at the club Zhirkov went on to make a total of 48 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions. The Russian had made it very clear he would leave the club if he was not guaranteed regular football in the upcoming season.
New Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas failed to promise him a spot in the starting XI in the new season and it was eventually decided Zhirkov would leave the club. The young Portuguese manager revealed the decision to leave had ultimately been Zhirkov’s,
but that he was satisfied with the deal.
Villas-Boas said in an interview:
“Yuri is in between reaching a full agreement, between club and player, with Anzhi and in the end it was mostly his decision.
It is a great financial offer for him, it is a return home and I think he has decided to part company.”
Zhirkov confirmed the deal and said he was extremely pleased at having signed with Anzhi Makhachkala. The player was greeted by a hoard of supporters after his contract was confirmed and he revealed he was flattered by the welcome.
Zhirkov said while speaking to the club supporters after completing his move, he said:
“I am very glad to be here in Makhachkala. I did not expect such reception. It is fantastic.
I want to thank Anji fans and wish to our team great success today.”
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