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Andrey Arshavin targeted for Russia return: Gas giants
fuel Zenit St Petersburg's ambitious plans, starting with Arsenal star
By Ashley Gray
Zenit St Petersburg are ready to re-sign Andrey Arshavin as part of long-term
plans to be one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Billionaire backers Gazprom are ready to increase their investment in
the Russian club following the start of construction on a 62,000-seat
stadium bearing the company's name.
And Zenit president Alexander Dyukov says he is on permanent standby to
open talks with Arsenal over the return of Arshavin, who left St Petersburg
for north London in a ?15million deal in February.
To Russia with love: Andrey Arshavin has indicated he would like to
re-sign
for Zenit St Petersburg at some point in his career, but is in no hurry
to move
The sale was followed by a budget cut by Gazprom because of the financial
crisis, but the energy giant is ready to once more bankroll efforts to
challenge with Europe's elite.
'We must think about stable funding for Zenit in the long term,' said
Gazprom chief executive Alexei Miller. 'The club have more than $60million
(?37m) on their own in the past year.
'Transfers from Gazprom will not only continue, but will probably even
increase. Our challenge is to become one of the best clubs in Europe and
we will fulfil it.'
Arshavin has indicated he would like to go back to Zenit
before the end of his career, but he is in no hurry to leave Arsenal just
yet. But Dyukov will welcome him with open arms as soon as the situation
changes.
Struggle: Zenit president Alexander Dyukov admitted any attempt to
buy back
Russia captain and star playmaker Arshavin is likely to be rebuffed by
Arsenal
'Even today we are ready to open negotiations with Arsenal,' said the
Zenit head honcho. 'But I'm sure they would lead nowhere.'
Arshavin's bitter struggle to leave Zenit after Euro 2008, which included
talk of a strike if he was not allowed to leave, has not soured the relationship.
The 28-year-old has since returned to the club to train and seek medical
advice when back in the country on vacation or international duty and
Dyukov said the very public transfer saga was down to the player's skill
at media relations.
'In my opinion, Andrey only said that he wanted to move to a stronger
championship and that this was his dream.
'Generally, he is good at both football and when it comes to information.
He is like no other in the Russia team for being able to work with the
Press and use them to promote his brand. This was such a case.
'But at the same time he played and practice with total commitment. For
our part, we believe we met our obligations to Andrey.'
Dailymail.co.uk,
24th September 2009
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