ANDREI ARSHSAVIN CONTINUES EXPLOITS IN KAZAKH CLUB

Former Arsenal striker Andrei Arshavin continues his playing time at Kazakh club Kairat Almaty, since joining them on a one year initial contract.

The Russian was released from his former deal at Kuban Krasnpdar in February this year and the former Russian captain decided to go to a relatively unknown area in World football.

The 34-year old played all his youth team in Russia at Zenit St. Petersburg until he made a record-breaking switch to England to play for the Gunners in 2009 for £15 million. He was regarded as one of the most exciting young players to watch in European football. His performance at Euro 2008 for Russia set his name in the international scene as a player for the future but those dreams have since died.

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger went out of his way to sign the player as the deal was a departure from the club’s usual transfer policy. He started the season well with his six goals in 12 Premier League appearances helping the club finish in UEFA Champions League qualification spot.

His four-goal thriller against Liverpool endeared him to Arsenal fans. He played regularly for the club scoring 22 goals in 91 games for the club. He has a reputation of being lazy or dormant then springing up a surprise but with time the surprises declined. He would best be remembered at Arsenal for his goal against Barcelona when he sealed a 2-1 victory in 2011. He was sent on loan in 2012 back to Zenit in February but returned at season end. He rejoined Zenit officially in 2013 on a free transfer before moving to Krasnodar in 2015.

He has scored five goals between April and July for Kairat in the Premier Liga. He scored in both legs against Aktobe. First in the 3-0 victory in April then he scored again two weeks ago in the 6-2 mauling of the opposition. He has started 14 games so far and for now continues his exploits there.