Zenit wish to take Chelsea misfit Zhirkov back to Russia
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Yury Zhirkov lined up by Zenit St Petersburg for £21m swoop to take Chelsea misfit back to Russia
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.’