After scintilliating performances for Russia in Euro 2008, CSKA Moscow’s attacking full-back Yuri Zhirkov has emerged as one of the top-left sided players in Europe, with most of the top European team vying for his signature. Champions League semi-finalists Chelsea and Barcelona have both shown keen interest in pricing Yuri away from Russia and it seems that the player prefers the Spanish giants to Chelsea.
In a press interview, Zhirkov said that he had apprehensions about playing for Chelsea as he would be no more than squad cover to Ashley Cole and Florent Malouda, while the style of Barcelona’s football would be more suited to his game. Chelsea though have an added advantage in the sense that their owner Roman Abramovich has a close relationship with CSKA Moscow – a club he used to bankroll in his younger days.
Yuri was a Chelsea target since January and was poised to make a 15 million pound switch to the Bridge, beofre Barcelona intervened and declared their admiration for the full back. Barcelona would want him to replace Eric Abidal at left back or play in rotation with Thierry Henry on the left side of attack.
I can say now that, if it was my decision, I would choose Barcelona, but this does not mean I would automatically decline Chelsea’s offer. They are a great club and it would be a dream for anyone to play for them.
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