| ZHIRKOV: I LACK LANGUAGE AND FRIENDS
Ahead of one of the key matches of the English
Premier League Chelsea vs. Arsenal Sport Express interviewed the Russian
representative of the Royal Club Yuriy Zhirkov.
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Yuriy Zhirkov Photo SPORT EXPRESS
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"Though many people say that I would adapt easily to
England and its football I cannot admit that the adaptation is full,"
said the Russian defender. "The problem rests on my poor knowledge
of the language."
"In April I am to pass an obligatory English exam and at the moment
I am expecting it as an undiligent schoolboy."
"Language in a foreign country is by no means essential. But I understood
already that an everyday adaptation depends on football one."
"When I was sitting on the subs' bench everything looked alien and
unattractive and when I started to appear on the pitch the mood changed
for the better at once and all the problems turned easier to solve."
"I cannot state that I will appear on the field regularly - this
question is for the coach to decide."
"In Chelsea there are many good players and the rotation is inevitable.
But I try to take advantage of every chance given to me and it seemed
to work out bit by bit."
"Besides the language I also lack my friends. I always talk to them
in Skype - with Saenko, Torbinsky and some others. I think if they have
been in London everything would have been perfect."
"I regularly meet with Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko. Bilyaletdinov came
to London a couple times. But at home I have many more friends."
"I hope that in Chelsea I am not changing as a player in general.
Every player should have something in him no matter what club he plays
for. If you have it would be easier to prove your competence in any club."
Sport
Express Daily, 08 February 2010
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