Carlo Ancelotti has made Russian left-back Yuri Zhirkov his third summer signing. Zhirkov joins on a reported £18M fee from CSKA Moscow.
The 25-year-old left-back, who has played 28 times for Russia, came to prominence during Euro 2008 when the national side reached the semi-finals.
Zhirkov, who can also play in midfield, has joined on a four-year deal.
New Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the signing at first official news conference saying: “Zhirkov is naturally on the left.”
He added: “I think he can do all the work and can play in defence and in between.”
During his time with CSKA Moscow, Zhirkov helped the Russian club win the Uefa Cup, scoring the second goal in the 3-1 win over Sporting Lisbon.
He was in London on Sunday and underwent a medical before completing his transfer yesterday.
The new signing, who joins Ross Turnball and Daniel Sturridge at Stamford Bridge, has been a long-time target of the London club, mainly due to his ability (and the owner being Russian), and no doubt influenced by former manager Guus Hiddink, who still has an advisory role with the club.
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