Petersburg’s Zenit legend Andrey Arshavin spoke about his 10-year-old son Arseniy, noting that the boy isn’t keen on joining the blue-white-blue academy associated with Moscow’s Spartak school. sport24.
“Should we push him toward the Zenith program? We did try yesterday, but he remained hesitant. He’s deeply loyal to Spartak; he lives and breathes the club. Spartak is his favorite team,” explained Arshavin Sr.
Arshavin’s career spans St. Petersburg’s Zenit, London’s Arsenal, Kuban, and Kazakhstan’s Kairat. He also wore the national team jersey, earning 74 caps and scoring 17 goals for Russia.
As a blue-white-blue icon, Arshavin helped Zenit win the Russian championship three times, capture the UEFA Cup, and lift the Russian Super Cup—achievements that solidified his status as one of Russia’s most celebrated forwards.
In a reflective moment, the former Zenit star hinted at knowing a Russian footballer who resembles a younger version of himself, suggesting a shared drive and style that often draws comparisons among peers.
Throughout his career, Arshavin demonstrated versatility, technical skill, and a knack for shaping important moments on the field. His international appearances with Russia showcased his ability to compete at the highest level, and his time in top European leagues left a lasting imprint on fans and aspiring players alike. The conversation about his son’s academy choices highlights a broader theme in player development: the pull of club loyalty, the pull of family tradition, and the evolving pathways that young talents navigate in modern football. (Source: sports24)