Terry to look after Zhirkov at Chelsea

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Published: 18 July, 2009, 13:22

John Terry

TAGS: Sport, Hiddink, Football, Premier League

Capitan John Terry will look after Chelsea’s new signing Yury Zhirkov during his first month at the club, says Russia’s coach Guus Hiddink.

Talking to Sovetsky Sport newspaper, Hiddink said the Russian winger has everything needed to fit into the starting lineup of one the best clubs in the English Premier league.

“It’ll take several months to adapt to local life. But I have no doubt Zhirkov will succeed in this challenge – Yury is hardworking and very effective on the field,” Guus Hiddink said.

Yury Zhirkov was part of the triumphant Hiddink squad who reached the Euro 2008 semis, and was included in the Team of the Tournament. The 25-year-old was also among the 30 nominated for the Golden Ball 2008, awarded to the best footballer in Europe.

“I had a talk with John Terry recently and asked him to look after the Russian guy and help him adopt. John promised to help,” the coach added.

Chelsea signed Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow for an estimated price of $28 million, and reports in the media claim it was Hiddink who recommended the player to the club’s scouts.

Yury Zhirkov was named Russia’s footballer of the year in 2008. Since joining CSKA in 2004, he has won the championship twice, triumphed in the Russian Cup four times – including a win in the final against Rubin last June – and grabbed the UEFA Cup in 2005, scoring the winning goal in the final.