Andrey Arshavin: I needed this loan more than Zenit or Arsenal

Zenit midfielder Andrey Arshavin, on loan from Arsenal, admitted he needed to return to St. Petersburg is now willing to proves his worth to Spalletti.

«When they made an official offer I thought hard about it and realised it would be the right move. Coming back to my home team and city would be beneficial to both sides. I haven’t been playing regularly for the Gunners lately and it didn’t seem like things would change soon, so the offer came at the right time and place. I think that at the moment a loan is more important to me than to the clubs. I hope to play more football in St. Petersburg.»

«Have you discussed that aspect of your move with Spalletti yet?»

«Can you really discuss such a thing? No, you have to earn your right for a first-team spot. Hopefully I can prove my worth to our head coach,» the Russia skipper told Sport-Express.