Carvalho and Zhirkov definitely not leaving Chelsea

There have been constant rumours this summer that Ricardo Carvalho was going to be purchased by Real Madrid and be reunited with his old boss Jose Mourinho, and that Yuri Zhirkov was going to return to Rusiia with Zenit St Petersburg, but both clubs have admitted that there is no chance now of either move happening.

Jose Mourinho said: “Ricardo is a good player, but he is at an age that, if somebody is looking to build a team for the future, he cannot think of him,”

“Ricardo belongs to the current moment. He is a man with a great professional and private life, so he has no problem when it comes to playing at a high level at the age of 32.”

And Zenit sporting director Igor Korneev said of Zhirkov: “It’s true we were interested in Zhirkov but Chelsea made it clear they won’t let him go.”

So good news all round. Both players played a big part in last season’s success and there is no reason why they can’t do the same this year.