"I do not have enough energy to play at this level," Zhirkov said in the interview. "The latest injury was the final signal. I've had no time for my family and children and this was another summer without a vacation." 

Yuri Zhirkov is among the top 10 most capped players in the Russian football history having won 87 games, including playing at the Euros and World Cup. 

"I would like to thank everyone who I played with, all the coaches, our fans and of course my family, who persuaded me to stay in the team long enough play to play at the World Cup. I am proud that I was lucky enough to represent my country at two World Cups and two European Championships.

In June, Yuri extended his contract with Zenit until the end of the 2018/19 season.