Andrei Arshavin

Andrei Arshavin was born on May 29th in the year of 1981. Arshavin was born Leningrad, and in this day and age the industrialised city is known as St. Petersburg.
Andrei began playing “the beautiful game” at the age of seven and he subsequently graduated from Smena football school.

It was here at Smena Football School where Arshavin developed the fundamental technical ability and ball skills which are pivotal to his current day success. Andrei’s capabilities on the field were spotted from an early age and he was encouraged to play football with Zenit.
In 1999-2000 Arshavin plied his trade with Zenit-2. Zenit 2 are the academy team for the world renowned Zenit- St. Petersburg. In the time he spent with Zenit-2, Andrei was able to develop his technique and furthermore, develop as a person. He remained away from the limelight, concentrating upon his football. In the same year, Andrei was included in the first team squad of Zenit. Andrei made his competitive debut for his club against Bradford City in the Inter Toto Cup. Andrei was utilised as a right winger during his debut game. Having been given this opportunity to play for Zenit’s first team, Andrei grasped it. He held his position in the team and he adopted several positions upon the field playing as a second striker and as a primary striker during his debut season. Andrei capped off his break through into Zenit’s first team as he was awarded the Russian Premier League Award for the player. At the tender age of nineteen, Andrei Arshavin had taken huge strides, as he developed as a technically gifted footballer who could fulfil his potential in several positions across the field. After showing great ability and potential within his debut season, further silverware followed in the years of 2001 an 2003 for the Zenit St. Petersburg man.
Andrei Arshavin somewhat disappeared from the headlines following the 2003 season as the Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich, entered the football world acquiring ownership of CSKA Moscow. Abramovich’s millions were utilised to fund the transfers of many highly skilled up and coming football talents. Abramovich’s millions stunted the growth of native Russians as Brazilians and Italians graced the Russian Football League.
However in December 2005 Gazprom, the largest extractor of natural gas in the world, seized control of FC. Zenit St. Petersburg. In May, 2006 the market value of the Russian state run gas giant Gazprom has soared to more than $300 billion, making Gazprom the world’s third-largest company. This financial backing was of fundamental importance to FC. Zenit, as it enabled them to rebuild their team, spending one hundred million in a rebuilding process on both team and stadium. Consequently Arshavin developed playing alongside great talents, similar to that of himself.
On the international scene Andrei Arshavin had made his debut in 2002 against Belarus, however his international career stagnated due to Russia’s failure to qualify for any major tournaments.
The 2007-2008 season was a year to remember for Arshavin, as on both the domestic and international stage, he came to the headlines. FC Zenit St. Petersburg clinched the EUFA Cup, playing against Glasgow Rangers in the final. The Russian victory was instigated by Arshavin as he claimed the man of the match award in the European Final.
A brilliant year on the domestic front was topped off for Arshavin by a visit to the Euro 2008 Finals in Austria and Switzerland. However, the first two group games would elapse without the presence of Arshavin as he served a three match ban following a sending off in qualification for the finals. Upon returning Arshavin was selected by coach Guss Hiddink and duly took action to confirm the justification behind his selection. Arshavin scored one goal and inspired victory against Sweden, paving Russia’s pathway to the second round of the Euro 2008 Final.
In his next match Andrei Arshavin repeated the feat as he scored against Holland and almost single handedly tortured the Dutch defence. Arshavin’s display against the Dutch set people thinking about this young man’s future prospects and comparisons were made between Arshavin and past football greats. However in the semi final of the Euro 2008 competition Russia were sent packing by the Spanish. Arshavin had a poor game as the Spanish midfield dominated.
Arshavin was named in the UEFA’s squad for Euro 2008 despite only playing three competitive matches, this fact is a testament to the influence of Andrei Arshavin within the competition.
Rumours at the present time are rife concerning the future of the Russian and it is believed that Andrei Arshavin may be set for Spain, with FC. Barcelona having made a formal approach for the Russian talent.