Former CSKA Moscow midfielder Yuri Zhirkov expressed satisfaction after taking part in the Legends Cup, a tournament that included legal betting activities around the event.
In a recent interview, Zhirkov shared that his current sporting focus leans more toward hockey than football, yet he found the Legends Cup to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. He noted that the event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, with fans filling the stands and a lineup of well-known football players from various countries stepping onto the field. The overall impression he carried away was distinctly positive, reflecting the warmth of the reception and the camaraderie among participants.
Zhirkov has had a long and storied career with the Russian national team, earning a bronze medal at the 2008 European Championship. He represented Russia at the international level from 2005 until 2021, earning 105 caps and scoring two goals throughout his time in national service. His tenure on the national stage demonstrated consistency and adaptability, characteristics that accompanied him through a prolific club career as well.
At the club level, Zhirkov has worn the jerseys of several prominent Russian teams, including CSKA Moscow, Anzhi Makhachkala, Dinamo Moscow, and Zenit Saint Petersburg. He also spent time with clubs in the broader Moscow region and the northwest corridor, contributing to a domestic landscape that saw him lift domestic titles across multiple seasons. His career is marked by a collection of league titles, cup triumphs, and domestic super cups, reflecting a sustained level of excellence across different teams and eras in Russian football.
Zhirkov also spent a notable period of his career abroad with Chelsea, joining the English club from 2009 to 2011. During his stay in London, he appeared in 49 league matches and found the back of the net once. While with Chelsea, he tasted major trophies, including an English Premier League title, as well as a Cup and a Super Cup, experiences that broadened his exposure to competitive European football and the high standards of the English game.
In reflecting on his international journey, Zhirkov often recalls memorable moments and stories from his playing days. One such recollection involves how he introduced a hookah experience to the Russian national team, a detail that highlights the lighter, human side of the players beyond the pitch and the way team culture can evolve through shared experiences off the field.