Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin, currently on loan at Zenit St Petersburg, believes he had lost the confidence of boss Arsene Wenger and that he was thankful for the opportunity to move back to Russia.

The 30-year-old feared for his place in the Russian international squad, despite being captain, after a lack of action in London, and was delighted that his former club offered him a chance to prove his worth until the end of the season.

The midfielder left for north London in a £15 million deal three years ago and it is believed that he could be making a permanent return to Zenit for £6 million.

Arshavin told The Daily Mirror: "I left Arsenal in February to try and regain my level to play for Russia and after the last few months with Zenit I believe it was a successful choice.
"The offer from Zenit was good in every sense. If I had stayed in London then I am convinced that my chance to make the final squad for Russia would have passed.

"I suffered different problems at Arsenal. I lost the confidence of the coach. I wasn't sure why. But I wasn't getting the chances to play.

"I'm now with Zenit - and again after the Euros.

"After the Euros, I will study my future, think about it. And I would like to talk to Wenger before I make any decision."