New Delhi: Chelsea have made their first major signing of the summer as CSKA Moscow winger Yuri Zhirkov was named as a confirmed acquisition at Carlo Ancelotti's unveiling as the latest boss of the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Ancelotti, enunciating clearly in assured English, said, "I think that Zhirkov, Turnbull, and Sturridge are all Chelsea players. I don't know very well Sturridge or Turnbull, but I know Zhirkov."
When asked if he had signed Zhirkov, he said, "Yes."
The 25-year-old played 139 games for his former club, scoring 15 goals. He was a shortlisted candidate for last year's Ballon d'Or, and has developed a growing reputation as one of the most fearsome prospects down the left flank.
Zhirkov has also displayed his credentials on the international scene in last summer's European Championship where, like Arsenal's Andrey Arshavin, he shone brightly.
Zhirkov is believed to have signed in an £18 million deal. He will provide competition for both Ashley Cole at full back, and Florent Malouda at left wing.
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