Andrey started the season at Arsenal, returned to Zenit St Petersburg for a successful loan spell and then lit up Euro 2012 with some superb displays.

The diminutive forward played a key role in helping to kick-start the Gunners' season in September after a difficult opening had left them in the bottom half of the table. In desperate need of a morale-boosting win against Swansea, Arshavin scored the only goal of the game when he took advantage of a Michel Vorm error to secure a vital three points.

But that was far from his only important contribution in Arsenal colours before his February departure to Russia. As one of the elder statesmen featuring in the Carling Cup fourth-round tie against Bolton in October, an inspirational Andrey sent the Gunners on their way to victory by firing home the opening goal and then setting up the winner for Ju Young Park.

Then, in his final match for the Club before his move to Zenit, Andrey reminded everyone of his enduring class with a superb cross to set up Thierry Henry's last-gasp winner at Sunderland.

Andrey joined Arsenal in February 2009 from hometown club Zenit, and just weeks later made history by scoring all four goals in a memorable 4-4 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

Captain of his national side, Andrey has regularly stood out at major tournaments, not least during Euro 2008 when his inspired performances helped Russia to the semi-finals.

A huge hit on the domestic front in Russia, Andrey has twice won the Premier League crown in both 2006/07 and 2011/2012, together with the UEFA Cup in 2008. He was named Russian Footballer of the Year in 2006.