Advocaat will let Arshavin quit Zenit

Published on Tuesday 24 June 2008 10:22

ANDREI ARSHAVIN will not meet with opposition from his club manager Dick Advocaat if he makes the expected exit from Zenit St Petersburg after Euro 2008.

The 27-year-old Russia playmaker has been arguably the star of the tournament in Austria and Switzerland, playing a key role in his country's progression to the semi-finals, and has already expressed a desire to move.

Arshavin, who also helped Zenit claim the UEFA Cup this season at the expense of Rangers in Manchester, would be keen on a move to Spain, preferring the style of football in La Liga, but is also thought to be a target for several Barclays Premier League clubs.

And given his newly-elevated profile, Advocaat admits he will not stand in the player's way if he opts to quit the Dutchman's team.

Advocaat said: "We had a meeting and he said at his age this is the time to move on.

"If you lose one of your main players you don't like it as a coach but you have to be realistic."

He added: "I can understand that he wants to play in Europe.

"I think he has some clubs in his mind, some in England and others in Spain, because they are the only two countries he would like to play in."