Published: 6 July, 2009, 14:37
Edited: 6 July, 2009, 14:37
Chelsea has officially signed midfielder Yury Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow. New manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed the signing Monday at his first news conference with the club.
However, Ancelotti did not immediately disclose details of Zhirkov’s contract.
Rumors about Zhirkov moving to Chelsea appeared even before Euro 2008, fueled by the close friendship of Abramovich and CSKA president Evgeny Giner.
Zhirkov was part of Hiddink’s squad, which reached the semi-final of Euro 2008, 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.
In 2008, Zhirkov was named Russia’s footballer of the year. Since joining CSKA in 2004, he has won the championship twice, triumphed in the Russian Cup four times – including a win in a final against Rubin last June – and grabbed the UEFA Cup in 2005.
At the news conference, Ancelotti also said John Terry would remain captain next season, and that the defender was not for sale at any price.