Russia

Arshavin On Strike

Andrei Arshavin has allegedly gone on strike at Zenit St Petersburg after refusing to play in his side’s Russian Cup defeat on Wednesday night.

Aug 7, 2008 12:17:02 PM

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RPL: Andrey Arshavin - Zenit

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Zenit crashed out of the competition in Siberia against second tier opponents Sibir Novosibirsk, but Arshavin reportedly ruled himself out of contention for the game.

It has also been reported that the 27-year-old has vowed to stay away from training until Zenit succumb to his transfer demands.

Arshavin’s impressive Euro 2008 form caught the eye of a number of potential suitors, including Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur.

It is believed that Zenit are steadfastly asking for a fee in the region of £25million, a price tag that both Barça and Spurs have hitherto been unwilling to pay.

Arshavin had earlier favoured a move to boyhood idols Barcelona, but now apparently has his heart set on a move to north London and will not work until his wish is granted.

The player’s agent, Dennis Lachter has accused Zenit of mistreating the playmaker, and suggested that the club is run like a ‘dictatorship.’

He told the Independent: "This is the Russian way. Nothing will change because this is the old Soviet Union way. For the Russian sports establishment the desires of the player mean absolutely nothing. They are the big bosses. It is a dictatorship. He is a slave."