Andrey Arshavin has hinted his future could be away from Arsenal after the Russian forward described his loan move back to Zenit St Petersburg as “without doubt the right decision.”
The 30-year-old Russia international signed with Arsenal from Zenit three years ago for a fee worth around £15 million.
However, he struggled to find form for the last year and, following the arrivals of Gervinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain last summer, found himself increasingly on the fringes of Arsene Wenger’s squad.
Arshavin’s bit-part role this season led to his loan back to his former club in February, and last weekend he helped them retain the Russian Premier League title.
The loan move gave Arshavin the opportunity to gain regular football leading up to Euro 2012, and the diminutive forward believes it will pay off in the summer.
“Without a doubt it was the right decision,” he told Russian newspaper Sport Express.
“There are many reasons why. First of all, I am now playing, and that is paramount for any player as training is no substitute for matches.
“Second, I have returned to my hometown. Third, Zenit have done everything to make me feel comfortable and my thoughts are now only focused on football.”
Arshavin also suggested he could be set to leave Arsenal, but added that nothing would be decided until after the Euros.
“Everything will be decided after the European Championships,” he added. “Of course the result and the quality of play there could affect my destiny.”
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