Arshavin wants no excuses

We have to finish speaking about how young we are. We need to play like we are a big and strong team.

Andrey Arshavin
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Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin has urged his team-mates to put excuses of inexperience behind them.

Russia international Arshavin signed for the Gunners from Zenit St Petersburg in the winter transfer window for a reported fee of £15million.

Arshavin has enjoyed an impressive start to his career at Emirates Stadium, scoring six goals last term that helped the club secure UEFA Champions League football.

The 28-year-old is currently in pre-season training preparing for his first full campaign in North London and is hopeful he will continue to shine.

He is also focused on ending Arsenal's search for silverware, which extends back to when they lifted the FA Cup trophy in 2005.

Arshavin told Sky Sports magazine: "Next season will be like my first real season.

Joy

"This has been like the preamble, a demo version before the start of the real game. Everything will start for real next season.

"We'll have to see how that unfolds. My main concern will be making sure I keep my place in the team.

"I want to enjoy a good pre-season with the team. I have already adapted. I am very happy. The fans love me, which is important for me.

"We all believe that there will be trophies, and that the new season will be full of joy for the players and the fans.

"But we have to finish speaking about how young we are. We need to play like we are a big and strong team."

Read the full interview in the August edition of Sky Sports Magazine.