Chelsea Odds Following Yury Zhirkov Signing
Chelsea odds remain favorable following the confirmed signing of what many consider to be the "Russian Ronaldinho", Yuri Zhirkov.
Prices at Sportingbet.com have Chelsea at 7/1 odds to win the Championship League outright and nearly 3/1 odds to win the next Premiership.
Zhirkov was signed away from CSKA Moscow for a reported £18m.
He joined CSKA Moscow on January 2004. Zhirkov won the 2004-05 UEFA Cup with CSKA Moscow scoring in the final itself. His goal against Hamburger SV in the UEFA Champions League 2006-07 was chosen as best goal of the competition by UEFA Magazine "Goal". He made six appearances in the group stages, scoring once.
Zhirkov has played 28 times for the Russia national football team, and was named to the UEFA Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament.
In October 2008, Zhirkov was named as one of the 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or award, given to the top player in Europe.
The 25-year-old completed his medical in London on Monday and has agreed a four-year deal
New Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the Zhirkov deal was complete during his inaugural press conference at Stamford Bridge on Monday morning and said he was looking forward to exploiting the Russian's versatility.
"Zhirkov is naturally on the left, Ancelotti said. "I think he can do all the work and can play in defence and in between.''
Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com
