LONDON (AP)—Arsenal completed the signing of Andrei Arshavin from Zenit St. Petersburg on Tuesday, hoping the Russian star can boost it back into the top four in the Premier league and a berth in next season’s European Champions League.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder was one of the stars of Euro 2008 after helping Zenit win last season’s UEFA Cup. He finalized his move after delays caused by paperwork, which took the announcement past Monday’s transfer deadline.
“It was very hard days for me but now it doesn’t matter,” Arshavin said as he stood outside the Emirates Stadium holding an Arsenal No. 23 shirt with his name on it. “I’m a Gunner. I’m happy to be at Arsenal. I like Arsenal’s style. I like Arsene Wenger as a coach. I like some of the players from this team.”
Arsenal said Arshavin signed a long-term contract but the fee was not disclosed. Zenit said the player had signed a 3 1/2 year deal and the transfer fee was around $21.3 million (15 million pounds).
“He is a player I have admired for a long time,” Wenger said. “He is a versatile player with great experience, who will add real quality to our squad.”
Arshavin is not eligible for Champions League games with Arsenal this spring, having played for Zenit in the first round. Arsenal is due to host AS Roma in the first leg of the second round on Feb 24.
Arshavin is also unlikely to play against north London neighbor Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday. He has been idle since the Russian season finished in November.
Arsenal is fifth in the Premier League at 12-5-7, 10 points behind first-place Manchester United and five points behind third-place Chelsea and fourth-place Aston Villa.
Associated Press writer Frank Griffiths contributed to this report.
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