Moscow: Russian mid-fielder and captain Andrei Arshavin has apologised to fans for the country's group stage exit at Euro 2012.

Russia started the tournament brightly with a 4-1 demolition of the Czech Republic, but stalled in a 1-1 draw with Poland before a 0-1 defeat to Greece saw them fail to reach the quarterfinals.

"The result we showed disappointed us and, obviously, the fans," Arshavin told Russian channel 100 TV.

"As the captain, I want to apologize on behalf of myself personally and of the players for the result we showed."

Arshavin has 74 caps for Russia and has scored 17 international goals.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg after failing to hold down a first-team place at Arsenal, and is reportedly seeking to make the return to his first club permanent.

Euro 2012 was the last tournament in charge for Russia coach Dick Advocaat because his contract expires at the end of June, when he will join Dutch club PSV Eindhoven. (IANS)