Pogrebnyak rules out Russia return

St. Petersburg - Reading striker Pavel Pogrebnyak is happy in the English Premier League and rules out a return to Russia for now.

Pogrebnyak has scored four goals in 14 appearances this season, and is eager to stay and improve his game despite his club’s desperately poor form.

“I don’t want to return because I’m playing in the strongest European league,” the big front man told R-Sport.

“I’d like to stay here as long as possible. And not just stay and fight for survival, but to play real football.”

The Russia international signed a four-year deal at the Madejski Stadium in June after a four-month loan stint with Fulham.

Pogrebnyak, 29, added he could not confirm rumours that he is set to be joined by fellow Russian Andrei Arshavin in the January transfer window.

The 31-year-old playmaker can leave on a free in the summer, so next month is the last chance for the Gunners to recoup some of the £15 million they spent on him in 2009.