Yuri Zhirkov

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I'm changing the topic title, this isn't confirmed. Yet.

[5354 204]

i thought he was like 23 not 25

and 18 million is very pricey for the power abramovich has in russia.

true true

seems like Roman's name can't get any discount for us. 

[the wes 7,212]

CSKA Moscow winger Yuri Zhirkov is in the dark over a move to Chelsea.

"I honestly know as much about it as everyone else," he told Sport Express ahead of Russia's impending 2010 World Cup qualifier against Finland.

"I read the papers, listen to the radio and I am genuinely surprised, given that no actual offer from Chelsea exists."

While distancing himself from a switch to Stamford Bridge at the present time, Zhirkov did admit he would be open to a move to West London should a suitable opportunity arise.

"Clearly we are talking about one of the best clubs in the world, who regularly compete at the highest level," he added.

"It is very possible that I would say yes. But before that I would have to weigh up the pros and cons. To sit on the bench and only get on the pitch from time to time doesn't interest me, not even at Chelsea.

"Moreover, I have nothing to lose (by staying in Moscow), given that CSKA now have a very interesting team who will begin competing in the Champions League in the autumn."

[EskWeston 696]

Actually this could prove a stumbing block in our signings. We have an incredibly strong main 11, and it will take a very special player to break into that straight away, someone like Zhirkov would have to work his way into that starting 11 and it sounds like he may not be willing to do that. Same could be said of someone like Pato.

[jerryballoono 0]

My wife being a CSKA Moscow fan (as well as Chelsea of course) means I have watched a lot of their matches this season, I think he would make good addition if he comes here, but CSKA & their fans will really miss him if he leaves, which could well be why he is being reticent about any negotiation taking place at present.

[the wes 7,212]

Barcelona are planning to hijack Chelsea's bid for Russia star Yuri Zhirkov.

The newly crowned European champions are buoyed the CSKA Moscow player's comments that he would not go to Stamford Bridge to be merely a squad player.

The 25-year-old was also gushing in his praise for the Catalans in the run-up to the Champions League defeat of Manchester United.

However, Chelsea are still favourites to complete an £18.6m deal and Zhirkov would also face no guarantees of a starting place at the Nou Camp.

Pep Guardiola identified five areas to boost his treble-winning team and sees versatile Zhirkov as a two-in-one because he would cover for Eric Abidal at left-back as well as providing a threat on the left wing in the absence of Thierry Henry.

Former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink dodged questions about Zhirkov in his first interviews since returning his full attention to the Russia national team, but he hinted that his players would benefit from playing abroad.

Hiddink confirmed he would informally continue to advise Chelsea and says he has already had a conversation with his successor Carlo Ancelotti about a number of topics.

But the Dutchman would not go into detail about Zhirkov, who he and Blues owner Roman Abramovich watched play against Aston Villa in the UEFA Cup earlier this year.

Asked if he had recommended the player to Abramovich, Hiddink smiled broadly before saying: 'Let me not comment on it. I am here to deal with the affairs of the Russian national team.

'I've kept a good relationship with Chelsea. As for Yuri, I called him up for Russia, I am their head coach, and as for anything else except the national team - such as Chelsea or CSKA - it is not my intention to comment.'

But he did say that Russians would benefit from the English experience, just as Andrey Arshavin at Arsenal and Roman Pavlyuchenko at Tottenham Hotspur have.

'The difference between Russia and Chelsea is that Chelsea have many world-class stars who train hard to achieve their success.

'Russia players are also learning this abroad and are beginning to be recognised among the best players in Europe.

'They are learning that to be a top star in international football, they must work very hard in training and never complain.'

Barcelona realise they are second favourites to sign Zhirkov because of the close relationship between CSKA and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. The Spanish club are also considering former Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise and Deportivo la Coruna's Filipe Luis.

[SystemBlueBob 0]

Perfect. Buy a kid who is already whining about a starting job. That looks promising

I know, I know.....the kid has a lot of talent. I recognize that and if he comes, he has my full support

I just never get the good feeling about our buys when PT is being OPENLY criticized by the person.

[jerryballoono 0]

No player who is a big fish in a small pond likes the idea of moving to a bigger pond where all the fish are at least his size so I can understand his gripe, but as both Chelsea & Barcelona are packed with talent he aint going to get an automatic place in either, & we do at least have a Russian owner.

Edited June 5, 2009 by jerryballoono

[zolayes 14,489]

Zhirkov is actually a good player, but I just can't stop myself from calling him Jerkoff.

have the same problem with wenger ...keep calling him wanger or something like that

[SystemBlueBob 0]

No player who is a big fish in a small pond likes the idea of moving to a bigger pond where all the fish are at least his size so I can understand his gripe

Everyone feels that way yet I don't find many who take it public to gripe

Keep it to yourself and move on

[the wes 7,212]

Yuri Zhirkov admits he would rather join Barcelona than Chelsea Football Club.

The Blues are expected to complete a £13million deal for the CSKA Moscow forward this summer, but the Russian international admits he would rather head to the Camp Nou.

“I can clarify my position now,” Zhirkov, 25-years-old, told Sport Express. “I would prefer to join Barcelona, but that does not automatically mean I would turn down Chelsea.

[Fulham Broadway 17,299]

Yuri Zhirkov admits he would rather join Barcelona than Chelsea Football Club.

The Blues are expected to complete a £13million deal for the CSKA Moscow forward this summer, but the Russian international admits he would rather head to the Camp Nou.

"I can clarify my position now," Zhirkov, 25-years-old, told Sport Express. "I would prefer to join Barcelona, but that does not automatically mean I would turn down Chelsea.

Idiot if he has said this. Depends what the source was, but if its goal.com or some other shite, I would discredit it