Zhirkov failed to settle at Stamford Bridge following his ?18million transfer from CSKA Moscow in July 2009.
Poor form and a number of injuries hampered his progress in west London and has now decided to return home with ambitious Russian side Anzhi.?
Heading home: Zhirkov's unsuccessful spell at Chelsea is over
Sportsmail revealed that more established powers such as Zenit St Petersburg, Dynamo Moscow and Rubin Kazan are also keen on Zhirkov, but Anzhi look set to win the race thanks to their billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov.
Zhirkov has signed a four-year contract with the club and was presented to the crowd before their home game against Tom Tomsk on Saturday.
'I am very glad to be here and I hope I will have the chance to make my debut on Anzhi's next game,' Zhirkov told the club's official website.
Calling the shots: Villas-Boas is slowly establishing his mark on the Blues
?CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAMEZhirkov poised for Chelsea exit as ambitious Anzhi close in on ?13.2m RussianLuka who's on his way to Chelsea: Blues agree deal with Anderlecht for RomeluAll the latest Chelsea news, features and opinion
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail