Former Chelsea midfield star Yuri Zhirkov has been looking back on his playing career recently and while he has some positives to pick from it, he also has some regrets to look back to as well. Signed by Chelsea from the Russian Super League some years ago, Zhirkov was expected to be a hit at Stamford Bridge after his brilliant performances for Russia at the Euros 2006. He was also a star player for his club side and had a hand in a run of fine performances and good results they were able to record, and he immediately became a highly sought-after player.

Arsenal, Tottenham, and Chelsea were all linked with a move for the player after his beautiful campaign with Russia at the Euros, but they were not even the only clubs linked with a love for him back then. Barcelona and AC Milan were also on the queue of interested clubs and were ready to pounce on a move for the player who was dubbed the Russian Ronaldinho, but he ended up at Chelsea instead.

The Blues were made to fork out a fee of £25 million for his signing and after signing on the dotted lines at Stamford Bridge, the Blies’ fans began to show excitement and elation that they had gotten a world star on their books.

However, after a couple of months at the club, the Russian failed to adjust to the physicality and playing style in the Premier League. He became a liability and also struggled with injuries that hampered his performances. He fell out of favor with the manager back then and it was decided that he had to be sold after an unsuccessful campaign at Stamford Bridge.

After being asked recently if he had any regret in his career, he said he regrets not living up to the expectations everyone had for him when he moved to Chelsea.