Russian football player Andrei Arshavin has decided to return to his former club Zenit St. Petersburg on loan from the English club Arsenal. The sportsman is intended to get regular playing time ahead of Euro 2012. The transfer deal was signed by both clubs last Friday. 

       Andrei Arshavin is one of the top-level football players and a rather effective goal-scorer. He joined Arsenal in 2009 from Zenit and was part of the team when it won the 2008 UEFA Cup. He scored 30 goals in 133 competitive matches for Arsenal. However, Arshavin has been in a poor form this season, so he was dropped to the Arsenal reserves a week before his leaving the club.

      The 30-year-old forward remain with Zenit until the end of the season, playing under number 29. The St. Petersburg football club is currently at the top of the Russian Premier League, six points clear of CSKA Moscow. The season resumes next weekend with the top two clashing in Moscow, where Arshavin is expected to start.

      However, Arshavin won't be able to assist Zenit in their Champions League campaign, already having played in the competition for the Gunners this season.

      Another important point of Arshavin's returning to Russian football scene is his taking part in matches of Russian national football team within Euro 2012. He has already been called up for friendly match, against Denmark, one of at least four warm-up games for the tournament, which starts in June. The match will take place today, on February 29. 

Sources: RIA Novosti Sportbox.ru Image: Versii.com

      Related News: Arshavin Moves to Arsenal (3.02.2009)

      All 2012 Games for Russian Football Team are Announced (19.01.2012)