Saturday, 29th June, 2013
Andrei Arshavin has revealed that he almost succumbed to depression during his time at Arsenal last season and is glad to have left England.
The Russian forward has headed back to sign for former club Zenit St. Petersburg after being released by the Gunners following the expiry of his contract with Arsene Wenger’s men.
Arshavin fell badly out of favour at the Emirates Stadium last season and struggled for playing time, being consigned to the bench when he was selected in the club’s match day squad.
Now he is delighted to be back in Russia and has spoken out about his switch.
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"The fact is that I did not want to stay in England", Arshavin told Sport-Express. "That was already clear in January.
"I do not regret anything, but I had to leave.
"It was a punishment for me to have a place sitting on the bench.
"Mentally, it is very difficult to train while at the same time not playing. I nearly suffered from depression, but I avoided it because of my mental strength. The monotonous life had hold of me."
Arshavin will now bid to roll back the years in the familiar surrounds of Zenit, a club he helped to win the 2008 UEFA Cup.
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