Sevilla's Russian striker Alexander Kerzhakov has returned to his homeland after being sold to Dinamo Moscow, the Spanish club have confirmed.Kerzhakov joined Sevilla just over a year ago from Zenit St Petersburg but, after a promising start, the 25-year-old has struggled to tie down a first-team spot at the Andalusian outfit, with Frederic Kanoute and Luis Fabiano ahead of him in the pecking order.

Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriguez Monchi said of Kerzhakov's departure: "Given the circumstances it was the best thing that could have happened."

Regarding Kerzhakov's performances during his time at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium, Monchi added: "You need to differentiate between the Kerzhakov of the first year and of this.

"Last year his performances were quite good and he adapted quickly.

"This season, with the level of performances given by our usual strikers, he has had fewer minutes and he started saying he wanted to go as he feared for his place in the national team.

"We have looked for the best solution for both parties."

Sevilla did not reveal the transfer price for Kerzhakov, but Monchi added on his club's website: "It was a profitable operation, beneficial on a financial level."

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