Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

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Arshavin admits to struggles

03 Mar 2009 - 10:40:17

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Arsenal's recent signing Andrey Arshavin has admitted that he is still striving to reach full fitness following his arrival in England from Zenit St Petersburg.

The 27-year-old Russia ace has started the last two games for the Gunners, and played the full 90 minutes in the weekend goalless draw at home to Fulham.

However, he clearly found it hard going against the Cottagers, saying: "Even before the end of the first half I felt as if I had spat my lungs out.

"It was a hard match for me. In the second half my legs simply refused to serve me. I am not physically strong enough yet to play the whole of the match.

"But I think with each coming game I play, it will be easier in this sense."

Arshavin also admitted that he is still finding his feet among his new colleagues, adding: "We do not fully understand each other yet.

"I need to get used to the new kind of football and to my new team-mates before I begin playing my usual way."