Former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Alexander Hleb has joined Russian Premier League side Krylya Sovetov until the end of the season.

The 35-year-old, who was on the Gunners' books between 2005 and 2008, had been a free agent since leaving BATE Borisov in 2016.

However, Hleb - who previously had at spell at Krylya Sovetov in 2012 - is back at the club with the option to extend his latest stint by another year.

A statement on the club's website read: “Alexander is well acquainted with our club and our fans.

“He is a great professional and a true leader both on the field and in the locker room. Hleb will definitely help us.”

Hleb joined Arsenal from Stuttgart and was part of the squad which lost the 2006 Champions League final against Barcelona, before moving to the Liga giants two years later.

He struggled for regular game time at Camp Nou, though, and was shipped out on loan spells to Stuttgart, Birmingham City and Wolfsburg before leaving the Catalan club permanently in 2012.

Hleb has represented several clubs over the years including Konyaspor and Genclerbirligi before re-joining Krylya Sovetov.

http://m.goal.com/s/en-gb/news/683/main/2017/02/15/32708872/official-former-arsenal-midfielder-hleb-joins-russian