Andrey Arshavin says securing qualification for Euro 2012 with Russia has relaxed him, and he hopes he can now perform better for Arsenal.
The forward recently described his efforts since joining the Gunners as average” but believes the mental boost from reaching top spot in Group B to confirm his country s presence in Poland and Ukraine next summer will help remedy that.
Since Russia qualified for Euro 2012 I ve felt completely relaxed and comfortable, Arshavin told the Arsenal website.
Hopefully that will show in my performances, because mentally I feel much better than before.
International results are very important to me and it s vital that Russia go to big tournaments we missed out on the World Cup but have made a big step now.
I think people are happier and I certainly know everyone s hoping that we are drawn to play our games in Ukraine. The fans won t need visas there and we will have huge travelling support.
That can only be good for us. The mood is good; the media has been very critical but since we qualified they have been silent, which is fine by me.
The former Zenit player, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium in January 2009, is looking to win a regular starting place in Arsene Wenger s side, having warned recently that he may seek to leave the club if he does not get more game time.
