Midfielder – Leaving Arsenal Was The Best Decision For Me

Guest post submitted by DBSfootball:

Arsene Wenger is well known for his admirable support and defence of his players when it comes to criticism, and there are few Arsenal players who received more criticism than Andrey Arshavin.

The Russian captain moved back to his boyhood club, Zenit St Petersburg on loan this February whilst the Russian transfer window remained open, and has since spoken of the suitability of the move for him.

He had been experiencing particularly difficult times of late among Arsenal fans due to his questionable performances in a red shirt, yet retained the support of his manager despite growing adversity.

The 30 year-old attacking midfielder believes that moving back to Russia for regular first team football and a relieving of pressure has been a positive move for him because of “problems” he was having at the Emirates. He told the Sun newspaper:

“I believe that it’s been the best possible decision for me – to return to my native town, to help my native club and myself.”

“Zenit made me the right offer at the right time as I was having certain problems at Arsenal with too little match practice.”

Arshavin was linked to several other clubs in the January transfer window but the player says that his former club were the only ones to make a serious move, whilst insisting that the loan deal will improve his preparations for Russia’s participation in the upcoming Euro 2012 competition. He continued in the Sun:

“It was unlikely for me to join any other club as Zenit were the only side, who made Arsenal and me a serious proposal.”

“I hope here in Zenit I will receive everything I need to prepare for the 2012 European championships in the best possible way.”