Arshavin has become the scapegoat in his homeland for Russia’s Euro 2012 exit. Could this see him stuck at Arsenal?
A week ago we were discussing Andrei Arshavin’s mini-renaissance since moving back to Russia on loan in January, which culminated in two excellent performances for his country at Euro 2012.
On Saturday night the unthinkable happened, Russia fell victim to the Greek machine, who churned out a trademark 1-0 win sending Arshavin’s nation straight home.
The drama was just beginning, and the outspoken Arsenal midfielder has caused huge controversy after arguing with fans after his country’s elimination.
“The fact that we didn’t meet your expectations is not our problem — it’s your problem,” – he is reported to have told supporters.
This was condemned by the president of the Russian FA who said; “Such words are not worthy of the captain,, Arshavin has never been in the position of traveling across the country to support the team at his own expense.”
He went onto demand Arshavin is removed as captain of the team, and no longer plays for his nation in future.
The debate has caused national outrage in Russia, and Arshavin has become public enemy number one.
If he was thinking about making his loan move to Zenit St Petersburg a permanent one, he may now suddenly be forced to re-assess. Zenit may not want a player who bring such controversy with him, and at 31 too.
Russia is his homeland and Arshavin will have to build bridges, but to move back this summer might just be a case of bad timing.
If Arsenal were watching Russia’s start to Euro 2012 with glee thinking Arshavin’s progress could earn them a big fee, or anything above £10 million, they will have been brought back to earth with a bump.
His return to Zenit has now probably gone to a 50-50 scenario, and Arsenal fans will be split on their attitudes if Arshavin returns to the club.
He is clearly talented, but his attitude is questionable and at the Emirates despite a few flashes he has been a disappointment. There were no tears shed when he left on loan in the middle of Arsenal’s campaign last season and nor will there be if he is sold this summer.
If his move to Zenit falls through, there may be other suitors at least willing to take him on loan. Italian and German clubs were both linked in January and they might just re-enter the running, and would not care for Arshavin’s current falling out in Russia.
It would still be a surprise if Arshavin is a Arsenal player when the season kicks off, but in the last week his exit has moved further away, rather than closer.
What would you like Arsenal to do with Arshavin?
image: © Ronie Macdonald
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