Former Russia International Yuri Zhirkov Rules out Coaching Career

Ex-Chelsea Star Focused on Business and Spending Time with Family

Zhirkov Enjoying Retirement After 18-Year Playing Career

Former Chelsea and Russia international Yuri Zhirkov has announced that he has no plans to pursue a coaching career, preferring to focus on his business interests and spending time with his family.

The 39-year-old retired from playing in 2021 after an 18-year career that saw him win multiple titles with CSKA Moscow, Chelsea, and Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Zhirkov, who played 105 times for Russia, told the Russian news agency TASS: "I am not planning to become a coach. I have already decided that I will not be a coach. I want to do business and spend more time with my family."

Zhirkov, who played as a left-back or left-winger, enjoyed a successful career at club level, winning the Russian Premier League five times, the Russian Cup four times, and the UEFA Cup in 2005 with CSKA Moscow.

He also had a successful spell in England with Chelsea, winning the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Zhirkov returned to Russia in 2016 to join Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he won another three Russian Premier League titles and the Russian Cup twice before retiring in 2021.

Zhirkov was a key member of the Russia team that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2008 and was also part of the squad that played at the 2014 World Cup and the 2018 World Cup on home soil.

He retired from international football in 2018 after making 105 appearances for his country.