Arshavin reveals Arsenal ´monotony´

Andrey Arshavin has claimed he was bored of sitting on Arsenal’s bench after completing a permanent return to Zenit St Petersburg.

The Russian playmaker, who remains the Londoners’ record signing, made just 11 appearances in all competitions last term, and was allowed to leave on a free transfer upon the expiry of the contract he signed after moving to the Premier League for £15 million in 2008.

After moving back to the Petrovsky Stadium on loan during the 2011-12 season, he has now completed a permanent move back to his first club, and is delighted to have escaped his spell under Arsene Wenger.

“The fact is I didn’t want to stay in England, this was clear since January,” Arshavin told Sport Express.

“I don’t regret anything, but I had to leave.

“It was a punishment sat on the bench. To train even though you know you won’t play – it is psychologically difficult.

“I nearly suffered depression, but I didn’t because I’m mentally strong. The monotony of life there was crushing me.”