Ex-Arsenal star Arshavin reiterates Real Madrid hatred before Kairat: ‘Every defeat is a balm for my heart’ | OneFootball

Former Arsenal and Russia star Andrey Arshavin has this week turned heads across the world of football.

This comes owing to a round of comments regarding La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid.

Xabi Alonso’s Real, of course, are primed to return to action later this evening.

In the 2nd outing of their 2025/26 Champions League campaign, Los Blancos have made the trip to Kazakhstan, for a meeting with Kairat.

Many fans, particularly those of a Barcelona and Atlético Madrid persuasion, will no doubt be hopeful of a shock result in the clash, one which would go down in the history of continental competition.

As alluded to above, though, none appear to be more passionate when it comes to the prospect of Real Madrid tasting defeat as Andrey Arshavin.

Drawn on this evening’s upcoming action in Almaty during an exchange with media outlet EFE (as cited by Marca), ex-attacker Arshavin responded:

“I hope Kairat wins. Every Real Madrid defeat is like a balm for my heart.”

This is far from the first occasion on which the one-time Arsenal man made clear his disdain for Real Madrid, with Arshavin known to be a long-time supporter of arch rivals Barcelona.

Conor Laird – GSFN