Gooner rant: I miss Arshavin

There is no specific reason about why I am writing this article, it is not even an article, just a few random ramblings. I have been planning for a while, to write an article about Arshavin, specially since he was booed by the crowd against United. I thought of writing an open letter to him, requesting him to stay. Then I got convinced his future wasn’t at Arsenal. He was through with his time at Arsenal and he should go back to Russia. It was obvious he wasn’t enjoying it here. But all the memories, right from Euro 2008 started coming back. So I thought I will miss him at the club. In short, I couldn’t decide what I want.

It’s 4 am in the morning and I am not able to sleep, and my thoughts wander back to the pint sized Russian genius. As I couldn’t decide what I wish for him, so I am where I started, I miss Arshavin.

I miss Arshavin, the player who almost single-handedly took Zenit to the UEFA Cup final in 2007-08.

I miss Arshavin, the player who beat Holland in that glorious quarter final in Euro 2008.

I miss Arshavin, the player who scored four goals in a thrilling match against Liverpool.

I miss Arshavin. The player who ensured that we were in the CL in 2010.

And I miss Arshavin, the player who scored the winning goal in THAT famous victory against Barcelona last year.

Yes I couldn’t feel worse, when the crowd booed him a couple of weeks ago, I know the boos were directed towards the Ox being substituted, but they were boos, nevertheless. I know it felt like he wanted to be anywhere but on the field that day, and many other times this season. He doesn’t feel the same anymore. He doesn’t track back, is lazy, and doesn’t look like he is proud to wear our jersey. As I have heard a billion times now, his heart isn’t in it anymore.

But I am very sentimental Gooner. I would forgive him, as I want him back, at any cost. Other Gooners will mock me, laugh at me, but I want him here. I love him, more than many other players in our squad. Sometimes you cannot explain why you love a player, sometimes you can. In his case, we all know why we love him, he is just so skillful, so elegant, at his very best, Arshavin is bloody brilliant.

It’s obvious he isn’t being played in his preferred position, it’s obvious he doesn’t enjoy it here. We know he has failed doing business back home and is in need of money. We know Anzhi will gladly accept him, and play him in his preferred position. And most importantly most Arsenal fans will happily see him go. Thinking sensibly it is the right decision. We will always play van Persie as the main striker, and with 4-3-3, we will not have anyone play behind the main striker, the position Arsha loves. We have The Ox, Miyachi, Walcott and Gervinho to play on the wings. Arshavin is never a main striker and hence cannot play in lieu of RvP. So it’s right for him to go.

But as I said, in the early hours of the morning, with no efforts to construct a proper readable article, this one just comes from the heart. I would give money, if I had any, to witness Arshavin celebrating with his trademark finger on his lips, one last time. Just once I hope I get to see the Russian genius pull out a miracle in his 23 jersey.

I miss Arshavin.