Arshavin - Barca my dream

Russian star keen on move to Camp Nou

Last updated: 24th June 2008

Arshavin - Barca my dream

Arshavin: Barcelona fan

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Andrei Arshavin admits Barcelona are his 'dream' club, but he is focused on Russia's Euro 2008 semi-final against Spain.

The playmaker has emerged as a star of the European Championship after sparkling displays in Russia's wins over Sweden and Holland.

He is tipped to leave Uefa Cup winners Zenit St Petersburg at the end of the tournament and has claimed he has received offers from clubs in England and Germany.

Arshavin has also acknowledged a preference to play in Spanish football and he concedes Barcelona are his favourite club.

Genuine chance

"I have supported Barcelona all my life," Arshavin told euro2008.com. "Barcelona are my dream.

"I never thought I would have a genuine chance to play for the club. Let's see how the situation unfolds. For now I can't say anything for sure.

"At the moment I'm a player of team Russia and I'm only thinking about doing well in the semi-finals."

The 27-year-old missed the opening two matches of Euro 2008 through suspension and is grateful to coach Guus Hiddink for selecting him in the Russia squad.

Unusual

He added: "I came here hoping I'd get a chance to play at such a big tournament. I've never been to an event like this before.

"We had some very tough training sessions and it was difficult for me to be training a lot knowing I wouldn't be playing. It was an unusual feeling.

"Even so I'm happy Guus Hiddink brought me here despite the ban and let me become a part of the tournament."