5 more players whose careers dipped after joining Chelsea

#2 Yuri Zhirkov

Yuri Zhirkov failed to get the better of Ashley Cole at Stamford Bridge

Russian left winger and left back Yuri Zhirkov joined Chelsea in a £18 million deal in January 2009, which made him the most expensive Russian footballer of all time. However, Zhirkov failed to live up to the massive expectations that were placed on his shoulders following the move.

The left-back position was dominated by Ashley Cole when Zhirkov arrived at Stamford Bridge. The Russian found it tough to beat the Englishman for a starting berth and got meagre chances to prove himself. Adding to it, injuries also restricted him from establishing himself as a regular at the Bridge.

In two seasons, Zhirkov appeared only 49 times and scored just once before being sold to Anzhi Makhachkala in 2011.