Andrei Sergeyevich Arshavin born 29 May 1981 is a Russian footballer who plays for the English Premier League team Arsenal and captains the Russian national team. He has won both the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup with Zenit.
The 2006 Russian footballer of the year is a versatile attacking midfielder who can also play as a second striker. Arshavin gained international attention during his breakthrough performance at the UEFA Euro 2008 championship in Austria-Switzerland which resulted in his inclusion in the Team of the Tournament.
Signing for Arsenal in 2009, Arshavin enjoyed a successful start to his career with the Gunners, becoming Premier League Player of the Month in April 2009 and Arsenal's player of the month in March and April 2009. During the 2008–09 season, he scored six goals in 12 league appearances for Arsenal. In a match against Liverpool, Arshavin became the first player to score four league goals at Anfield since 1946.Former Arsenal forward Dennis Bergkamp has speculated that Arshavin has "every chance of becoming a favourite of the London fans"
Personal information
Full name: Andrei Sergeyevich Arshavin
Date of birth: 29 May 1981 (1981-05-29) (age 29)
Place of birth: Leningrad, USSR
Height: 1.72 m (5 ft 7 1⁄2 in)
Playing position: Attacking midfielder,Second striker, Winger
Club information
Current club: Arsenal
Number: 23
Youth career
1999–2000 Zenit
Senior career*
2000–2008 Zenit 236 (51)
2009– Arsenal 69 (21)
National team‡
2002– Russia 58 (16)
