Arshavin: Exit Was Only Real Option

Andrey Arshavin admits it was an easy decision to leave Arsenal when Zenit St Petersburg offered him an escape from the Emirates Stadium.

The Russia captain joined Zenit on loan until the end of the season last week after falling behind Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the Gunners' starting XI.

Arshavin came under sustained criticism during Arsenal's recent dip in form and the midfielder revealed he had to leave north London or risk missing out on Euro 2012.

"I hope here in Zenit I will receive everything I need to prepare for the 2012 European championships in the best possible way," Arshavin is quoted as saying in The Sun.

"I believe that it's been the best possible decision for me - to return to my native town, to help my native club and myself.

"Zenit made me the right offer at the right time as I was having certain problems at Arsenal with too little match practice."

Arshavin joined Arsenal from Zenit in a club record £15m deal in January 2009, scoring 23 goals in 98 league appearances for the club before his departure.

It is believed the Russian club have agreed to pay Arsenal a £1m loan fee as well as fronting the playmaker's wages until the end of the current campaign.

Arshavin will wear the number 29 shirt at Zenit and revealed the Russian side were the only club who were interested in his services.

"It was unlikely for me to join any other club as Zenit were the only side who made Arsenal and me a serious proposal," he added.