Football World Cup 2018 World Cup 2018 Zhirkov retires from international football Russia surpassed expectations in reaching the World Cup quarter-finals but Yuri Zhirkov has opted to call time on his international career. Jon Fisher 11 July, 2018 14:33 IST The 34-year-old Yuri Zhirkov was a stand-out performer at the World Cup for Russia. Jon Fisher 11 July, 2018 14:33 IST 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 host 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.And he says now is the right time to take a step back having won 87 caps for his country.He said: "I do not have enough energy to play at this level."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."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." Read more stories on World Cup 2018. For more updates, follow Sportstar on :