Football agent Dmitriy Seluk in an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net told about the failed transfer of former Arsenal player Andrey Arshavin to Barcelona.
- Andrey Arshavin could be on the list next to Yaya Touré. Why did his transfer to Barcelona in 2009 fail?
- Zenit did not want to let him go. Although I talked to everyone, I communicated with all the parties. Barça was ready to pay €15 million, Zenit asked for Messi for €20 million.
- You are well acquainted with the president of Barcelona Joan Laporta. How did he react to that offer?
- He liked the reaction. Zenit responded with humor.
- Could Barcelona have made a bigger offer when Zenit refused 15 million?
- No, they said from the start that this was the maximum, they hadn't planned to give more for him.
- Was that Zenit ban on the transfer a trauma for Arshavin?
- Yes, he took it hard. I've known him for a long time. When I lived in Belgium, I helped Yury Morozov (former head coach of Zenit, with whom Arshavin made his debut - note: Telecomasia.net) to organize friendlies with Belgian clubs. Arshavin was only 18 then, but he already wanted to play in Barcelona so badly he trained in a cap with its logo.
I myself was sad that the transfer did not happen. Arshavin was an extraordinary player, he could strengthen Barcelona. I think he and Mostovoy are two of the most talented Russian footballers ever. I wanted to help Arshavin end up in the best team in the world.
Arshavin left Zenit in January 2009 for London's Arsenal. According to the Transfermarkt portal, the transfer amounted to €16.5 million. The Russian footballer played 144 matches for the English club, scoring 31 goals and making 46 assists.
