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SAINT PETERSBURG: Arsenal striker Andrei Arshavin, who is on loan at Zenit St Petersburg, has said the move back to Russia has been ideal for him in the buildup to the Euro 2012 championship.
“I believe that it's been the best possible decision for me - to return to my native town, to help my native club and myself,” the Russian skipper said.
“Zenit made me the right offer at the right time as I was having certain problems at Arsenal with too little match practice.”
The 30-year-old forward also dismissed rumours that he could join another Russian Premiership side, the big-spending Anzhi Makhachkala, saying Zenit's proposal was the only serious one he had received.
“It was unlikely for me to join any other club as Zenit were the only side, who made Arsenal and me a serious proposal,” he said.
“I hope here in Zenit I will receive everything I need to prepare for the 2012 European championships in the best possible way.”
Zenit last week took Arshavin, who cost the Gunners 15 million pounds (20 million dollars) when he arrived in London two and a half seasons ago, on loan until the end of the season.
The reigning Russian champions Zenit reportedly agreed to pay a fee of around 1.5 million dollars and also pay his wages.
Arshavin scored 30 times in 133 appearances for Arsenal since joining in February 2009, including four goals in a 4-4 draw with Liverpool at Anfield in his debut season.
He also scored the winning goal against Barcelona in last year's 2-1 Champions League victory at the Emirates Stadium.
