Arshavin became Arsenal’s record signing in January 2009 when the Gunners spent £15 million to secure his services from Russian outfit Zenit following a highly impressive Euro 2008 campaign with Russia. It seemed like Arshavin would easily repay every penny as he started life in London with a bang.

He produced some scintillating displays in his first few weeks at Arsenal as he build a formidable attack down the left hand channel single-handedly, scoring goals and providing assists on a fairly regular basis. He exploded onto the scene and became one of the most fearsome attackers in the English league after Arsenal’s game against Liverpool at Anfield in 2009 when Arshavin scored all 4 goals in a pulsating 4-4 draw.

Though sadly, that performance was the last time we saw Arshavin on song. He was dogged by injuries soon after which further affected his fitness and ultimately, his form. He gradually lost his place in the line-up over the next few seasons and was reduced down to a squad player, as he barely featured for the club the previous campaign.

With a return to the Arsenal starting 11 at the age of 32 seeming bleak, Arshavin was desperate to move to another club where he will have a chance to play regularly in order to boost his quickly diminishing chances of featuring in next year’s World Cup. SkySports reveals that his former club Zenit have come to his rescue after it was disclosed that Arshavin will be returning to his boyhood club on a free transfer after his Arsenal contract expires on July 1.

Arshavin was delighted with the transfer and said, “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.”

Are you sad to see him leave Arsenal? Will you have positive memories of Andre looking back?