Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: We were interested in signing Yuri Zhirkov

Bayern Munich chairman board Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted that the Munich club had been interested in signing Russian midfielder Yuri Zhirkov before he moved to Chelsea.

«When Yuri Zhirkov was being transferred to Chelsea, we were also interested in him. Taking into account the good relationships between Chelsea and CSKA Moscow, it was clear that the London club will succeed in acquiring the player. However, our desire to get Zhirkov was quite a determined one.»

«As for the money, I believe it is a good practice not to offer a certain amount, but rather to discuss it in the process of negotiations and finally find a mutually convenient solution. So if you read in the media that we are offering 18-20 million for a player, this must be untrue in most cases.»

«Now Zhirkov has little playing time at Chelsea. Are you still interested in him?»

«We are currently looking for a right defender rather than a left one. But I still think Zhirkov is a strong player, despite his lack of practice at Chelsea», stated Rummenigge as quoted by Sport-Express.