Russia’s Zhirkov announces retirement

Russia midfielder Yuri Zhirkov has retired from international football, saying he “does not have enough energy to play at this level”. The 34-year-old was a stand-out performer as the World Cup hosts defied gloomy pre-tournament predictions to reach the last eight before bowing out to Croatia on a penalty shoot-out, a match Zhirkov missed due to concerns over a calf injury. He says now is the right time to take a step back having won 87 caps for his country. “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,” he said.