Yuri Zhirkov's first publicised words since sealing a lucrative £18 million switch from CSKA Moscow to Chelsea will have surprised many quarters as the Russian international declared his affection for an unfashionable outfit, Blackburn Rovers, and indicated that he arrived in England ill-prepared to work.
Carlo Ancelotti revealed that the 25-year-old had been signed during his first press conference, after the left-sided player had passed a three-hour medical on Monday.
"I once cheered on Blackburn," the new Blue explained to The Daily Mail.
"I didn't come to England ready for work. I have just two shirts and two pairs of jeans. When I told Chelsea, they laughed, of course. ‘Don't worry,’ they said. ‘We'll give you kit and boots.’
"I've been welcomed very warmly and feel like I've already been here a long time. I look forward to starting work properly with Chelsea."
Zhirkov concluded by reserving special praise for his former club, CSKA. "Above all, I must bid farewell to the management, coaches and players of CSKA - and all those involved at the club where I spent many happy years and achieved so much. CSKA will forever remain in my heart," he said.
Zhirkov will return to his homeland before arriving back in west London with his family, wife Inna and son Dmitry, when they will then look at potential accommodation
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