Zenit Must Keep Arshavin - Ex-Coach

© RIA Novosti . Mikhail Mokrushin / Go to the mediabankAndrei Arshavin
Andrei Arshavin - Sputnik International
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Zenit St. Petersburg should do everything in their power to keep Andrei Arshavin at the club after his loan deal from Arsenal expires in the summer, one of their former coaches said Sunday.

Zenit St. Petersburg should do everything in their power to keep Andrei Arshavin at the club after his loan deal from Arsenal expires in the summer, one of their former coaches said Sunday.

Arshavin rejoined his old club in the winter break and has played a pivotal role in helping Zenit secure their second-straight Russian Premier League title.

The diminutive forward said after Saturday's title-clinching 2-1 win over Dynamo Moscow that he will decide his future after Euro 2012, where he is expected to feature heavily for Russia.

Russia veteran coach German Zonin, who worked with Zenit for four years in 1970s, said the St. Petersburg side has to tether Arshavin to the club to ensure future success.

"Zenit need Arshavin," said Zonin. "The club should make every possible effort to keep him."

Arshavin's presence at Zenit will persuade coach Luciano Spalletti to remain, too, Zonin said.

"They need a strong team to give Spalletti motivation to stay in St. Petersburg as long as possible. But with their current squad it will be hard to compete in the Champions League."

Arshavin joined Arsenal for a reported club record fee of 15 million pounds from Zenit in 2009, and after a promising start he failed to hold down a regular starting place.

He scored 30 goals in 133 games in his time at Arsenal. He won the 2008 UEFA Cup with Zenit and took Russia to third place at the 2008 European championships.

Arshavin's contract at Arsenal expires at the end of the 2012-13 season.

 

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