Arsenal's Andrey Arshavin has said he would like to play for Barcelona, emphasising that it would be the highlight of his career.

Before Arshavin joined Arsenal in February 2009, Zenit St Petersburg rejected a lower offer from the club, to the Russia international's frustration.

"If I have the opportunity to play one season in Barcelona, it would be the peak of my career," Arshavin was quoted as telling the English-language website of the Russian newspaper Sport Express.

Arshavin played in the first leg but was injured for the second when Arsenal were knocked out by Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals earlier this month.

"After Arsenal played against Barça in the Champions League, my feeling of excitement changed to a feeling of dissatisfaction because the Spanish club has become much stronger than any other," the 28-year-old said, before adding that he would prefer to finish his career back in the Russian league rather than playing for an English team that is not challenging for the title.

"If some day I have to choose between a mid-table English club and a leading Russian championship team, I would prefer to return to Russia."

Arshavin's second season at Arsenal will end without a trophy – the Gunners are third in the Premier League, which they have not won since 2004.