18.03.2016 14:11 h

Former Arsenal striker Arshavin signs with Kairat Almaty

Former Arsenal striker Andrei Arshavin has signed a one-year contract with Kairat Almaty, the Kazakh club said on Friday.

The 34-year-old Russian striker spent the first half of the season with Kuban Krasnodar, but his contract was ended by mutual consent last month.

The terms of Arshavin's contract with Kairat -- which contains an option for a second season -- were not disclosed.

Arshavin -- who began his career with Zenit Saint Petersburg -- won three Russian titles, two Russian cups, the 2008 UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup with the club.

Arshavin set up the crucial first goal of the UEFA Cup final against Glasgow Rangers and gave viewers a glimpse of his array of skills ahead of Russia's glorious run at Euro 2008 and his eventual transfer to North London giants Arsenal in January 2009.

The then Russia coach Guus Hidinck valued him so much he had taken him to Euro 2008 despite a two-match suspension and he went on to terrorise Sweden, in a match that Russia won 2-0.

He also put in a spellbinding show when scoring the clincher in the 3-1 extra-time win over Holland in a quarter-final that was one of the highlights of the competition

He made more than 100 appearances with Arsenal club before returning to Zenit.

Arshavin, a former captain of Russia's national squad, scored 17 goals in 75 matches with the team.