Chelsea Sign Yuri Zhirkov For $29 Million

Analyst Written on July 06, 2009

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - AUGUST 20: Yuri Zhirkov of Russia is shown in action during a friendly international soccer match against Netherlands at the Lokomotiv Stadium on August 20, 2008 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Dima Korotayev)

(Photo by Dima Korotayev)

After months of speculation, the Russian Ronaldinho is headed to West London as Chelsea have confirmed the signing of CSKA Moscow left-back Yuri Zhirkov to a four-year $29-million-dollar deal on Monday.

The 25-year-old was captured by local media as he left Moscow to fly to England's capital to undergo a routine physical. Zhirkov gained recognition during last summer's European Football Championship with Russia as he displayed great poise and ability to play both his position as well as midfield.

While being introduced as Chelsea's fourth manager in two years, Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the signing of Zhirkov stating that he would ideally like to play him on the left flank. Zhirkov becomes the Italian's third summer signing as the team has already brought in goalkeeper Ross Turnbull of Middlesbrough and striker Daniel Sturridge of Manchester City.

Zhirkov started his professional career at 18 with minnows Spartak Tambov where he scored 26 goals in 74 appearances. He then signed with CSKA, who would become the first Russian team to ever win a major European trophy when they captured the UEFA Cup in 2005. With the Moscow club Zhirkov would net 15 goals in 139 appearances as well as appear in former Chelsea interim boss Guss Hiddink's national side.

It is believed that Hiddink suggested Zhirkov to Chelsea before leaving as owner Roman Abramovich had a strong tie to the Moscow club when he first bought the club. Abramovich is also believed to have had a hand in the negotiations.

Zhirkov becomes the third Russian national player to come to the Premier League joining teammates and countrymen Roman Pavlyuchenko of Tottenham and Andrei Arshavin of Arsenal.

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written on July 06, 2009 Breaking News

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