Farewell Arsenal, hello St Petersburg (again): Arshavin rejoins Zenit St Petersburg

'I just want to play football. And I want to do it in my hometown'

Arshavin celebrates the third of his four against Liverpool in 2009 (Getty Images)

Andrei Arshavin has rejoined former club Zenit St Petersburg after his contract with Arsenal expired.

The 32-year-old had been on loan at Zenit for a spell last season after seeing his chances limited at Arsenal, where he had been the club's then recording signing in a £15 million deadline day deal in February 2009.

Arshavin, who has agreed a two-year deal, said on the Zenit website: "I am very glad that it happened. I am glad to get back to the city. It's good to wear the Zenit shirt. I just want to play football."

"Of course, I want to return to the national team. I do not know whether being at Zenit helps this or not. I just want to play football. And I want to do it in my hometown."

Arshavin made 144 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 31 times over the course of five seasons - including all four against Liverpool at Anfield in April 2009.

PA