With two-months to go on his current deal with Arsenal, Andrey Arshavin claims that he is ready to quit football.
The winger, who signed from Zenit St. Petersburg for an Arsenal club record $23m (£15m) in February 2009, was hugely popular among supporters after his initial move to the Emirates where he collected 6 goals and 5 assists in 12 matches. Four of those goals came in fantastic fashion against Liverpool in a historic 4-4 clash at Anfield.
The good times kept rocking in 2009/10 when he racked up 10 goals and 1 assist in 30 league matches and in 2010/11 when he scored 6 goals in 37 league appearances and impressed with 11 assists in a new found role as provider.
But in Fall 2011 the wheels came off as Arshavin’s once-devastating quickness evaporated leaving the him short on confidence and visibly upset. During that time the Russian international was also believed to be going through a split from his wife, who soon thereafter gave birth to their third child. His form slumped prompting Arsene Wenger to inform Arshavin that he would not be considered a first-team regular but could stay and fight for his place.
Arshavin accepted the challenge earning 26 league appearances over the two year span but only scored a single goal during that time. He also failed to impress during a six month loan spell at Zenit last Spring and returned back to the Emirates in the summer. Arshavin’s on and off field tribulations had turned a once brilliant footballer into a shell of his former self.
Suffice to say, Arsenal will not be offering Arshavin a new deal this summer. Even worse – other clubs have yet to inquire about his services. It was thought that the MLS would be a good place for the player to clear his head but rumors of interest from the Los Angeles Galaxy have since been deemed inaccurate. This past January he was reportedly available for as little as £1m. Reading was the only club to make an offer but Arshavin declined it stating privately that he had no interest in playing for a club at the bottom of the Premier League.
With Zenit and London-based clubs no longer interested in his services Arshavin is reportedly prepared to retire from football. Sources close to him claim he could still sign somewhere if presented with the right situation. There’s little doubt that clubs will inquire about the forward’s services – whether Arshavin is willing to get on with the game or hang up the boots, is solely up to him.
Arshavin’s impending departure means his $145k (£95k) per week salary can now be allocated to the contracts of recently re-signed players like Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott, or, can be used to bring in fresh blood during the summer transfer window. Arsenal are rumored to be interested in a variety of players including Newcastle’s Yohan Cabaye, Barcelona’s David Villa, Montpellier’s Younes Belhanda, Swansea’s Ashley Williams and Athletic Bilbao’s Fernando Amorebieta.
