Zhirkov seals Blues deal as Ancelotti says Terry stays

CARLO ANCELOTTI began his Chelsea reign yesterday by confirming the club have signed Russian star Yuri Zhirkov and insisted John Terry would be at Stamford Bridge “forever”.

The Italian used his first formal press conference since succeeding interim coach Guus Hiddink to reveal Zhirkov had joined in an £18 million (€21m) deal and the club has signed Daniel Sturridge from Manchester City.

However, the former AC Milan boss refused to confirm Deco and Ricardo Carvalho would be leaving west London despite the pair being heavily linked with Inter Milan.

“Zhirkov, Sturridge – these are Chelsea players,’’ Ancelotti said.

As for what Ancelotti anticipated Zhirkov’s role in the team would be, the Italian added: “Zhirkov is naturally on the left.

“I think he can do all the work and can play in defence and in between.”

The 25-year-old is understood to have signed an £80,000 a week deal until 2012 that will have the option of adding a fourth season.

Zhirkov has played 28 times for Russia and came to prominence during Euro 2008 when the national side reached the semi-finals under former Chelsea boss Hiddink.

And Zhirkov marked his arrival by targeting Champions League glory with the Blues.

“At Chelsea they’ve always wanted to win this trophy and for a number of reasons it hasn’t happened,’’ he said.

“I hope that with my arrival their bad luck will change and that Chelsea will finally win this trophy.’’

Ancelotti, for his part, also moved to make it clear he saw Terry as part of the Blues’ long-term future despite interest in the England defender from Manchester City.

“John Terry is a symbol of this team,” said the former AC Milan coach.

“He will be captain next season. He said he wants to stay forever and we want to keep him forever.

“Now there is a question of Manchester City, but for Terry (there is) no price. Terry will be at Chelsea forever.

“He said he wants to stay, there is no problem for him for us, the story continues – Chelsea and Terry.

“I like to have a captain like Terry, he is very close to (former AC Milan defender Paolo) Maldini for professionalism, for quality and he will be the best captain for Chelsea.”

On the futures of Carvalho and Deco, Ancelotti said: “Carvalho and Deco are Chelsea players. If in the future a player wants to go they have to speak with the club and we will take the right decision for the player and for us.”

Inter Milan, for their part, have cooled their interest in the duo.

The Portugal internationals have been strongly linked with the Serie A champions having both worked previously under Nerazzurri boss Jose Mourinho.

But Inter president Massimo Moratti believes the current squad is strong enough without bringing in two players in their 30s. “Deco and Carvalho? They are two champions but at this time I don’t feel there’s a need to buy them.”

Ancelotti, meanwhile, for his part was also asked about the future of Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko. The player is set to return to the club for pre-season training on July 9.

He spent last season on loan to AC Milan but only started two matches under Ancelotti and now looks certain to serve the final year of his contract out at Stamford Bridge.

“Shevchenko is a Chelsea player and I want to speak with him,” said Ancelotti. “Shevchenko will come to London on July 9 in pre-season and at this moment we will speak with him to find the right solution for us.”

Ancelotti added that the club were in no rush to add to the squad.

“We are not in a hurry, the market closes 31 August, and if there is a good opportunity for us, we can do it.’’

And the Italian is hopeful he can bring stability to the club. “I hope to stay a long time. I come from a good experience, eight years in a team and I want to stay as long as possible. I will (give) all my energy for this.’’