Talk about out of the frying pan and into the fire. Those close to Andrey Arshavin say the maligned Arsenal ace has his sights set on a role in Russian politics.
Arshavin has copped it from all sides in recent weeks. Fans, pundits, Gunners legends, people inside the club, people inside the locker room! The Russia captain has been slaughtered for his form this season, particularly the performance in defeat to Manchester United.
Most people would crumble, but Arshavin is made of sterner stuff. And he knows the abuse received as a footballer is a breeze compared to what lies ahead should he decide to try his hand at politics.
On away trips, teammates are always winding up Arshavin about having his head in the latest political book. While they're busy playing Xbox, Arshavin will be engrossed in a political best seller.
Russian football expert Kate Partridge, the sports anchor for RT, told tribalfootball.com: "Russian pundits believe Arshavin will return to his native St. Petersburg to end his football career and then probably start a political one. He is a member of the United Russia party, and refused the deputy mandate in 2007."
For all the criticism levelled at him, Arshavin is still among the most popular celebrities in Russia. He's a prolific writer, anyone visiting his personal website will know his love of communication, and has penned three books including one called '555 Questions and Answers on Women, Money, Politics and Football'.
Partridge continues: "He has just been voted as Russia's best sportsman by readers of gazeta.ru, despite some scepticism at the result.
"The romantic streak among some of the Zenit fans is that he will return, a move which would find favour with Andrei Kanchelskis and any Russia fan who would like to see their players match fit and not bench-strapped in the run up to Euro 2012.
"The Russia captain also remains one of the country's most popular sportsmen, and currently has several advertising and endorsement deals in his native country, as well as being involved in several charities."
Indeed, only this season, Arshavin used a £15,000 win bonus to buy hundreds of tickets for disadvantaged kids to see Russia's Euro 2012 qualifier with Andorra.
This will be Arshavin's last season at Arsenal - but possibly not in England. He wants UK passports for his children and at 30 still feels he has plenty to offer in the Premier League.
On what the local press are reporting, Partridge reveals: "The Russian media are quoting British reports of Arshavin going to Chelsea, rather than the other way round. As Arsenal are injury-hit and missing the services of Gervinho to the African Cup of Nations, it seems unlikely the Gunners will part with the 30-year-old in the transfer window - particularly after they paid £15 million for him almost three years ago, and are not renowned for losing out financially in their transfer deals."
Some Gooners are surprised by Arsene Wenger's unwavering support of Arshavin. But he sees the Russian every day in training. For all the abuse and hostility, Arshavin keeps fronting up, day-in, day-out, it really is water off a duck's back.
And given his political ambitions, none of us should be surprised that Arshavin refuses to hide.
