Many Arsenal fans have always wondered when the “let’s not forget how young players are” tag will be part of the past.

Russian midfielder Andrei Arshavin believes the time has come as the Gunners look to end their title drought next season.

Arshavin told Sky Sports magazine:

Next season will be like my first real season.

This has been like the preamble, a demo version before the start of the real game. Everything will start for real next season.

We’ll have to see how that unfolds. My main concern will be making sure I keep my place in the team.

I want to enjoy a good pre-season with the team. I have already adapted. I am very happy. The fans love me, which is important for me.

We all believe that there will be trophies, and that the new season will be full of joy for the players and the fans.

But we have to finish speaking about how young we are. We need to play like we are a big and strong team.