Much speculation was surrounding the potential transfer of Andrey Arshavin from Zenit St. Petersburg to a Western European club, specifically to Tottenham of the EPL. The deal never happened during the fall transfer window but may still happen in January or the following summer. Zenit currently stands 7th in their table and are a full 14 points off the lead. Come January, we may see Arshavin playing in England, Spain or Italy. My question is whether or not this is good for the game of football?
I understand that every good footballer wants to play in England, Italy or Spain but there is something to be said for a great player who chooses to stay and play in his own domestic league. When Beckham went to Madrid a lot was lost. Beckham now playing in LA has become little more than a circus sideshow. I feel the same about Ribiery playing in Germany. Why? More money, I guess. A couple of more relevant examples would be Shevchenko and Rebrov. Instead of staying home and bringing the Russian league to a higher level of prominence, they pursued the big money in England and found their games disappeared somewhere between Moscow and London.
I for one, hope to see Arshavin playing on the cold Russian pitches for many years to come. It will be good for Russia, good for Arshavin (who should annually be considered for FIFA player of the year), and good for international football.
I understand that every good footballer wants to play in England, Italy or Spain but there is something to be said for a great player who chooses to stay and play in his own domestic league. When Beckham went to Madrid a lot was lost. Beckham now playing in LA has become little more than a circus sideshow. I feel the same about Ribiery playing in Germany. Why? More money, I guess. A couple of more relevant examples would be Shevchenko and Rebrov. Instead of staying home and bringing the Russian league to a higher level of prominence, they pursued the big money in England and found their games disappeared somewhere between Moscow and London.
I for one, hope to see Arshavin playing on the cold Russian pitches for many years to come. It will be good for Russia, good for Arshavin (who should annually be considered for FIFA player of the year), and good for international football.
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