Andrey Arshavin reveals "Arsenal depression"

Russian international winger Andrey Arshavin has shared some of his thoughts about his recent transfer to Zenit St Petersburg. Arshavin swapped Arsenal for his homeland after his contract with the Gunners expired.

The player has now revealed that his lack of playing time almost turned him to depression. The forward struggled for first team opportunities for the whole of last season and eventually was told by manager Arsene Wenger that he wouldn't be in his future plans.

Arshavin has now re-joined his former club Zenit St Petersburg, to the delight of club supporters.

"The fact is that I did not want to stay in England," said Arshavin. "That was already clear in January.

"I do not regret anything, but I had to leave. It was a punishment for me to have a place sitting on the bench.

"Mentally, it is very difficult to train while at the same time not playing. I nearly suffered from depression, but I avoided it because of my mental strength. The monotonous life had hold of me."