Transfer News: Arshavin to return to former club

Arsenal’s former little Russian Andrey Arshavin will move back to his former club Zenit St. Petersburg after seeing out his contract at Arsenal.

Arshavin started off his career at the Emirates with a bang, but fell heavily out of favour in his last two seasons at the Emirates often being criticised for lacking interest and a poor work-rate.

There was no doubting he had potential and he did offer glimpses of brilliance to Arsenal fans, but unfortunately he never performed on a consistent basis.

A statement on Zenit’s official website says:

One of Russia’s best football players of the last decade is returning to his home town.
Zenit football club welcomes the return to Andrei Arshavin to St. Petersburg and wishes the athlete new success in the squad.

Arshavin is also quoted as saying by the Daily Mail:

I am very glad that it happened. I am glad to get back to the city. It’s good to wear the Zenit shirt. I just want to play football.
Of course, I want to return to the national team. I do not know whether being at Zenit helps this or not. I just want to play football. And I want to do it in my hometown.

Personally, I was a big fan of Arshavin when he first came to the Emirates. He looked the part and produced some unforgettable moments, such as his four goals against Liverpool and his winner against Barcelona.

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In saying this however, Arshavin was a player that only performed when he was interested and constantly being stuck out of his preferred position on the wing contributed to his progressive lack of form and confidence. His disinterest and work-ethic thereafter only compounded problems further.

I expect upon his return he will produce good performances for Zenit when he is placed back in his preferred position in behind the striker as a play-maker. It is what he made himself known for and he will no doubt enjoy himself more playing that role. We here at allArsenal.com wish him success back in his homeland!

What did you guys think of Arshavin? Feel free to leave a comment below!