Andrey Arshavin has urged Russia to block any attempt by Chelsea to keep manager Guus Hiddink on a permanent basis.

The 62-year-old is only in charge at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season, when he is meant to leave to concentrate on his international side's qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

Although Hiddink has repeatedly insisted he will honour that timetable, the fine start he has made in west London could prompt the Chelsea board to tempt him into extending his stay.

But Arsenal forward Arshavin, who is a key figure in the Dutchman's Russia set-up, said: "Hiddink is a very important chain in our team - really, he's its brain - he made us believe that we can play and he showed us how to do it.

"I fear that if someone else comes in to replace him they will not have the same respect of the players. That said, I wish him good luck at Chelsea except for the games against us."

As well as a Premier League clash on 9 May, the Gunners face Chelsea in next month's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley and the clubs could meet in the Champions League Final in May.

Arshavin is ineligible in Europe this season but has been in fine form domestically following his £15million January move to Emirates Stadium from Zenit St Petersburg. Indeed, the 27-year-old's great goal against Blackburn earlier this month was a hugely promising sign that he is adapting to life in England.

"It has been difficult to play a lot in a short space of time but it's something I need to do," he said. "And I'm getting to know the league - it's very quick, stronger physically and defenders hardly give you enough time to think.

"Everything is unusual for me because it's my first experience of being alone. But I'm getting used to it. I have to say, though, that parking is like mathematics for me here and the food is difficult to get used to.

"My wife, Yulia, arrived a few days ago - for now my daughter will stay with my mother-in-law. We'll live in a hotel together at first but from next month I hope we'll have an apartment or house of our own."

Arshavin also revealed the reasons behind his decision to finally quit Russia after nine years playing for his hometown club. "I had my first thoughts to test myself abroad two years ago," he said. "Then, a year ago last winter, I asked the president of Zenit to let me go but after that he was replaced.

"After I won the UEFA Cup with Zenit, I became convinced that there was nothing else for me to do in Russia."

Standing a mere 5ft 8in, Arshavin's build was a source of much debate prior to his move here but he insists there is no cause for concern. "During my childhood there were problems in this respect," he said. "But I just played football and in the end I succeeded."