kissedthebadge

Andrey Arshavin, who is currently starring for Russia at Euro 2012, claimed that the only badge he would kiss is the one of his country, not any club.

“I think I’d be lying if I called myself a patriot of the club,” Arshavin said in April 2010. “Of course, I am faithful to the club and I’m glad that I’m a part of it. I am very grateful to the Arsenal fans, who love me. In principle I could kiss the badge in the next match, but I’ve never kissed any badge. Just once have I pointed to the flag after Russia beat Holland at the European Championship. I don’t think it proves anything. I clearly remember one example, at Zenit, when (then president) Vitaly Mutko told us: “We have one player here who kisses the club’s badge. I want to see you guys do as such.” And in the following winter this player was offloaded to Dynamo Kiev.”

Less than two years later, Arshavin returned to FC Zenit Saint Petersburg on loan.