Villarreal have confirmed that Santi Cazorla has re-joined the club for pre-season as he continues his rehabilitation from a long-term Achilles injury.
The Yellow Submarines have used the hashtag #CazorlaVuelveACasa (Welcome Home Cazorla) to announce the news on Twitter and are understandably excited at the return of a player who appeared 241 times for them between 2003-2011.
Hoy tenemos una cosa muy especial que contaros porque es la hora de volver a ver a alguien muy querido por los groguets… ¡Bienvenido de nuevo, @19SCazorla ???! #CazorlaVuelveACasa ?? pic.twitter.com/CPwaLUj1Me
— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) June 5, 2018
The midfielder left El Madrigal in 2011 to move to Malaga for a season before being snapped up by Arsenal in 2012. He was released by the Gunners this summer after six successful years at the Emirates that included three FA Cup triumphs and countless jinking runs.
Santi’s aim now is to see if his body can cope with the rigours of pre-season and then to persuade his former club that he’s worthy of a contract. In recent days he’s been working on his fitness using the facilities at Alaves while also checking in with his surgeon Mikel Sanchez.
If the next few weeks go well, we could well see him playing back in England very soon – Villarreal have a friendly with newly-promoted Wolves pencilled in for 4 August.
Best of luck Santi!
I miss him already
Looks like I am buying a Villarreal shirt.
Shine on you crazy diamond
🙂
Perhaps more suited to Wenger.
Good luck and best wishes to him – ooh Santi Cazorla
Big loss to us and really hope he makes it back to full fitness and get a full contract with Villarreal
I really hope he demands an Arsenal clause in his new contract such that he can come back to us for minimal fee if he finds some form.
One can dream.
Pretty sure this is his final act signing. Back home, back with his first love, it’s quite wonderful, and even more so if he can make it. No stress, doctors he can trust in his native language, and a way to do what he loves most.
There are good times to part ways and now is one for Cazorla.
As a side note, I’m really jealous of that kind of retirement. It sounds. so. freaking. amazing.
Good luck Santi!
Still disappointed not to see hun again in the arsenak shirt. We should have extended for another year w him…
If there’s any chance of him playing competitive football again then I would have agreed.
But maybe he didn’t want to? The prem is very demanding and he spent a long time there. I hope he is happy and healthy. Looking forward to his appearance along side kallstrom at future legends games
Good point Goonerink. It hadn’t occurred to me that he might have chosen what he thought might be a less physically demanding place to close out his career – but it makes perfect sense.
and the weather might be easier on his body too…
His central midfield berth can be fillled with …….. Fellaini
*vomits
Wish him nothing but the best.
Best of luck little magician, miss him already. That smile!
One of the genuine “Good Guys” who I wish nothing but the best for. An absolute joy to watch. Good Luck Santi. Keep smiling!
My favorite ever. Best of luck. Thanks for everything.
Really wish he was still with Arsenal. Love Santi!
Good luck little dude.
Good Luck Santi!
Amazing player. Makes the game look effortless and looks like he’s always having a blast. The way it should be done IMO. We will miss you.
We love you Santi we do, Ohh Santi we love you!!!
OOhhh Santi Cazooorllaaaa
Good luck Santi. Miss your smiles and jinking runs.
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A legend of the 2nd half of the Wenger era! I don’t think any other player has been as fondly and as universally loved and adored by fans in recent memory. I hope someday they bring him back in a coaching capacity. Thank you and best of luck from the heart Santi.
That little dance, alongside Bergkamps Newcastle goal and Henrys goal on his return are my 3 favourite arsenal moments
Legend Santi Cazorla! Respect!
I know this should make me happy but I’m just a little bit sad…so badly wanted him to play for us again. At least just one more time.
Good luck Santi
Agree with most comments and I hope he stays injury free/