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Soham Mukherjee

'Every Real Madrid defeat is a balm for my heart' - Former Arsenal icon rooting for minnows Kairat Almaty ahead of Champions League clash

Former Arsenal icon Andrey Arshavin will be rooting for minnows Kairat Almaty in the Champions League as he doubled down on his hatred for Real Madrid. The Russian playmaker, famed for his flair at Zenit and individual brilliance in north London, has nailed his colours firmly to the mast; and there is no white included. Having ended his career in 2018 wearing the Kairat shirt, the 43-year-old insisted he will be backing his old side against Real Madrid.

  • Arsenal v Queens Park Rangers - Premier LeagueGetty Images Sport

    Anti-Madrid feelings run deep

    This isn’t just about loyalty to Kairat. Arshavin has long made it clear that Real Madrid sits at the very top of his personal blacklist. His hatred for the Spanish giants is no secret; in fact, he seems to revel in voicing it.

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    Arshavin makes his stance clear against Madrid

    Speaking to EFE inside Kairat's home stadium, Arshavin didn’t hold back: "I hope Kairat wins. Every Real Madrid defeat is like a balm for my heart." For him, it’s not about being neutral or polite. His feelings toward Los Blancos are personal, entrenched, and unshakable.

  • Wouldn't touch Madrid 'for all the money in the world'

    Arshavin's burning dislike isn’t new. Back in 2011, while still dazzling fans at Arsenal, whispers emerged that Real Madrid were keen on his services. But he shut down the talk with a line that shocked the Russian press: “I wouldn’t play for Madrid for all the money in the world. My friends are also surprised, but for me, Real Madrid is a complete taboo. I've been a fan of Barcelona for a long time."

    It is clear that Arshavin’s unwavering allegiance to Barca fuels his loathing of their greatest rivals. It’s not just that he enjoys seeing Madrid lose, it’s that each setback for them feels like a personal victory.

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    Real a wounded animal after shock derby rout

    Madrid’s humiliation in the derby last weekend will no doubt have delighted Arshavin. Diego Simeone’s Atletico tore through their city rivals with a ruthless 5-2 win, as Julian Alvarez struck twice to leave Xabi Alonso’s men red-faced. Now, with Real Madrid arriving in Kazakhstan, Arshavin will be in the stands, hoping lightning strikes twice after their derby humiliation, this time on the European stage.