Arsenal Cult Hero Sparks Controversy After Entering Real Madrid Store Wearing Barcelona Shirt
Andrey Arshavin, a former favourite of Arsenal supporters, has made headlines once more, although not for his skill as a football player this time.
This week, the Russian legend was seen proudly wearing a Barcelona jersey with his name on the back inside a Real Madrid store.
The strange image went viral right away, provoking fury and hilarity as the former striker once again expressed his anti-Madridista sentiments.
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Arshavin was seen casually entering one of Real Madrid’s official club stores on Wednesday in bizarre video that went viral online. He was dressed in the colours of Barcelona, Real Madrid’s biggest rival.
The former Zenit and Arsenal winger seemed unfazed by the symbolism, taking a quick picture next to a rack of Madrid shirts before heading off.
Fans ridiculed the 44-year-old’s cheeky demonstration of loyalty to the Catalan giants, which naturally sent social media into a frenzy.
A few days before to Arshavin’s audacious move, Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso defeated Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season.
The Russian would have been unhappy by the outcome, but his most recent antics made it clear where his allegiances remain.
However, it was considered heresy by many Madrid fans to see a Barcelona shirt in their club store, let alone one worn by a well-known former player.
His choice also rekindled long-running discussions about rivalry and respect in sports, with some supporters praising it as classic Arshavin mischief and others labelling it “petty.” Few were surprised, considering his vocal past on Real Madrid.
Arshavin has never concealed his affinity for Barcelona and his distaste for Real Madrid. The former Russia international previously said, “I wouldn’t play for Madrid for all the money in the world,” in an interview with Sport Express. Real Madrid is completely taboo for me. I’ve long been a supporter of Barcelona.
Before Almaty’s match against Los Blancos, Arshavin expressed his sentiments once more in an interview outside Central Stadium: “I hope Kairat win.” I find solace in every Real Madrid setback.
Although it was a light-hearted remark made with a smirk, the sentiment revealed a long-standing prejudice.
The former forward, whose career ended in 2018 with Kairat Almaty, has regularly supported his former team in continental games, especially when they play Madrid.
Even when praising someone, Arshavin can’t help but poke fun at them. “Xabi Alonso did excellent work at Bayer Leverkusen, but replicating that style in Madrid will be far more difficult,” he stated in reference to Madrid’s manager.
It will never be exactly like what he created at Bayer, even if he succeeds. Arshavin feels that any discussion regarding Real Madrid is lacking if his contempt isn’t brought up.
Arshavin has a long history with Spanish football, but Catalonia has always held a special place in his heart.
He was frequently linked to important teams throughout Europe, notably Madrid, during his best years with Zenit and Arsenal.
However, any such conjecture was essentially put to rest when he declared in 2011 that he would never don the renowned white shirt of Los Blancos. His love for Barcelona is a result of his respect for their players, philosophy, and style.
Arshavin has discussed the impact of Lionel Messi’s skill and Pep Guardiola’s team during his playing career, once referring to Barcelona as “the purest form of football.”
Therefore, his choice to wear a Barcelona shirt inside a Real Madrid store was more of a confirmation of his long-time football identity than an impulsive joke.
The video of Arshavin visiting a store in Madrid is still circulating online, sparking contentious discussions amongst supporters of the two Spanish powerhouses.
The 44-year-old Arshavin appears to be enjoying the attention. Having once declared that “every Real Madrid defeat is like a balm for my heart,” he seems committed to maintaining that rivalry even when he retires. He won’t have been pleased with Los Blancos’ most recent Clasico victory, though.
