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Zhirkov Prefers Barcelona Over Chelsea And Milan

Barcelona would not have much trouble convincing Yuri Zhirkov to join them...

Jun 10, 2009 3:34:00 PM

Zhirkov - Iniesta - Spain-Russia (Marca)

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Yury Zhirkov

Yuri Zhirkov has revealed that he would prefer to move to Barcelona over Chelsea or AC Milan despite the best efforts of Roman Abramovich to lure him to London.

The CSKA Moscow winger has previously stated that he has received no firm offers from any clubs this summer, but has now explained who he would like to hear from.

Chelsea seemed to have had the upper hand as their owner looked to make the move possible for his compatriot, but Barcelona is Zhirkov's preferred destination.

"I would prefer to join Barcelona, but that does not automatically mean I would turn down Chelsea," he explained in Sport Express.

"I should stress again that there is a difference between playing for a club and sitting on the bench. If I had to sit on the bench, I wouldn't even want to join Barcelona.

"I am still yet to receive any specific offers."

AC Milan have also been linked with the 25-year-old, but he insisted that Barcelona would be his first choice ahead of the Rossoneri too.

"It would depend on the contract," he continue. "With all else being equal, I would perhaps go to Barcelona because it is a city I like very much and I have friends there.

"However, we are talking about something that is a long way from reality right now."

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

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