In the wars: Zhirkov endured an injury dominated
first season at Chelsea
Zenit St Petersburg are considering a £21million bid to
take Chelsea defender Yury Zhirkov back to Russia.
The 26-year-old endured a torrid first season at Stamford
Bridge, struggling with injuries in both knees and making just 10
Premier League starts following an £18.6m move from CSKA
Moscow.
Chelsea agreed to sign Zhirkov before Carlo Ancelotti arrived
and the Russia international has struggled to fit into his
manager’s plans.
He has mostly been used as Ashley Cole’s understudy, despite
forging a reputation at CSKA as an attacking left winger.
Runaway Russian Premier League leaders Zenit would give
Zhirkov a prominent role as they build a side for the Champions
League and are also on the brink of signing Porto captain Bruno
Alves for £18.2m.
Zhirkov refused to comment, saying he was only focussed on being
fit for the new season with Chelsea.
‘I can say that I am a Chelsea player and It’s a great honour to
play for the club,’ he said.
‘The knee is not a worry. The competition in our club for places
is great . But I really want to play and will do everything I can
to break into the team.’