Yury Zhirkov: I had problems in everyday life in England and didn’t know whom to ask for help

Anzhi Makhachkala new signing Yury Zhirkov has told about the difficulties he encountered during his time at Chelsea.

«You’ve mentioned some problems in everyday life in England – what exactly did not suit you in London?»

«For a start I’d like to emphasize that I felt comfortable at Chelsea. All these speculations that I couldn’t find contact with the teammates because of my poor English are utter rubbish. From the football point of view there was only one thing I felt unhappy about: it was little time for me on the field. But it’s the most important thing. When you play regularly, you just ignore the small difficulties in your life. But in a situation like mine they add to the bad mood and you get even more nervous.

«There were constantly some problems with visas – in the end they have even refused a visa to my child. I also had problems in everyday life, when I just didn’t know where to go and whom to address. I’m grateful to my friends who have been helping me, but they cannot do it all the time.»

«What did this English experience give you? Can you say that it was a useful thing?»

«Of course. Working at a top club side by side with top stars cannot be useless. Still, I had too many injuries which as a result affected my playing time, but it doesn’t cancel all I’ve got at Chelsea.»

«Will you stay in touch with any of your former teammates?»

«One way or another, the relationships will remain with all of them, I think. However, the closest ones are – and will be – with Branislav Ivanovic.»

«What did he advise you about leaving?»

«He said that he understood me perfectly well, that the decision was very tough, and that it was up to me to make the choice. The same thing, by the way, I was told by Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko,» Zhirkov said in an interview with Sport-Express.