Yuri Zhirkov burst on to the scene for PFC CSKA Moskva as a tricky left-winger during their run to victory in the 2004/05 UEFA Cup, but he came of age at international level as a left-back at UEFA EURO 2008. He subsequently moved to Chelsea FC but returned to Russia in 2011, joining FC Anzhi Makhachkala.

• Joined CSKA in January 2004 from FC Spartak Tambov − his home-town club − and proved an immediate success, scoring six goals in 25 appearances as CSKA finished runners-up to FC Lokomotiv Moskva in the 2004 Premier-Liga.

• Began 2005 by earning his first international cap − in a friendly against Italy − then scored in the UEFA Cup final (3-1 against Sporting Clube de Portugal) and the Russian Cup final (1-0 versus FC Khimki), which were 11 days apart.

• Added to his collection of silverware with back-to-back Russian titles in 2005 and 2006 and further Russian Cup successes in 2006, 2008 and 2009, starting every final.

• Scored a memorable solo goal, with a run from the halfway line, against Hamburger SV in the 2006/07 UEFA Champions League − his first in the competition.

• Outstanding performances at left-back for Russia during UEFA EURO 2008 earned him recognition in UEFA's Team of the Tournament.

• Departed for Chelsea in July 2009 for a reported fee of €18m, which made him the most expensive Russian footballer of all time; scored his first Blues goal on his return to Russia, a 2-0 victory against FC Spartak Moskva on matchday 3 of the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League.

• Left Chelsea for ambitious Anzhi in a reported €15m deal in August 2011 after only 29 league appearances for the London club.

UEFA honours
UEFA EURO 2008: Team of the Tournament
UEFA Cup: winner 2005