“Zhirkov is a vivid example when diligence outweighs all regalia” – Masalitin

Yuri Zhirkov is a good example of hard work outweighing all regalia, says former Russian football player Valery Masalitin.

On Sunday, it became known that Zhirkov, 39, had retired from football.

– Not only in CSKA, but also in Zenit, Zhirkov made a good career. He left a solid mark: he shone in the national team, and Chelsea had a good period. This is a vivid example when diligence outweighs all regalia. The case when patience and work grind everything.

It was only through his work and desire that Zhirkov achieved such a magnificent career. I wish him good health. It is desirable to stay in football. There is a lot of experience that needs to be passed on,” Masalitin told the “Championship”.

Zhirkov is a five-time champion of Russia, a six-time winner of the Cup and Super Cup of the country, winner of the championship, Cup and Super Cup of England, winner of the UEFA Cup. With the national team, he became the bronze medalist of Euro 2008. The footballer played for CSKA, Khimki, Dynamo Moscow, Anji Makhachkala, Zenit St. Petersburg and Chelsea London.

The Russian football season will resume on February 22 with FONBET Russian Cup matches. On March 3, the WORLD RPL draw will continue. Watch live broadcasts of RPL matches and the Cup of the country on the Match TV federal channel and the thematic channels of the holding, as well as on matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru websites.