Arsenal star out in the cold (video)

Andrey Arshavin was Arsenal’s record signing in January 2009, as a £15m purchase from Zenit St. Petersburg. As he departs on a free transfer, four and a half years later, did he ever really live up to that billing, or was his status as one of the world’s most sought after players misplaced?

In April 2009, the Russian gave apparent notice that his settling in period was at an end, scoring four times in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Liverpool at Anfield. It is undoubtedly this tremendous feat alone that saw Arsenal supporters vote him second in the club’s Player of the Year competition.

In truth, things could only go downhill for Arshavin from here. In his first two full seasons with the club he showed undoubted potential, scoring 22 goals across this period, but only two goals and four assists in the 2011-12 season led to a loan spell back at his former club Zenit.

He never recovered his best form in England, and with his £80,000-a-week wages being among Arsenal’s top contracts, it is no surprise to see him leave the Emirates Stadium. So can he be judged a success or failure?

Well, he did not negotiate his own transfer fee, nor did he understand the English taxing system before signing his contract, as he voiced concerns that the tax man was getting 50% of his wages. This can’t have helped him settle in, and his loan spell back home makes you wonder whether he ever did. It cannot be denied that Arsenal fans expected more, and few will be sad to see his contract running out.

At least he created one amazing memory of his time in England - that night at Anfield.

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