Yuri Zhirkov joins up with Chertanovo as Technical Director

Former CSKA Moscow star will oversee youth development

Yuri Zhirkov has returned to Russian football by joining PFC Chertanovo as Technical Director. The former Russia international will oversee youth development at the Moscow club, which has a strong reputation for producing talented young players.

Zhirkov, 38, retired from playing in 2021 after a successful career that saw him win the UEFA Cup with CSKA Moscow in 2005 and the Russian Premier League title on three occasions.

Zhirkov: "I want to help Chertanovo become a top club"

Speaking about his new role, Zhirkov said: "I am very happy to join Chertanovo. This is a club with a great history and a bright future. I want to help Chertanovo become one of the top clubs in Russia and develop young players who can go on to play for the national team."

Chertanovo president Nikolai Larin said: "We are delighted to welcome Yuri Zhirkov to Chertanovo. He is a great role model for our young players and we are confident that he can help us to achieve our goals."

Zhirkov is the latest in a long line of former Russian internationals to take up coaching roles in recent years.