Santi Cazorla is one of my favourite ever players. He’s probably one of yours too.
Sid Lowe is one of my favourite football writers.
I don’t want to do either a disservice, so here’s a link to the Guardian where Santi, who left Arsenal this summer, talks to Sid about returning to the football field in the colours of another former club, Villarreal; something that, until recently, seemed a pipe dream.
On his relationship with the Gunners supporters, Santi had this to say: “The people love me there and I’ll always have a connection with Arsenal, so much affection.
“Not being able to say goodbye playing at the Emirates is like a thorn in my side. If I had to leave, I wanted it to be in front of the fans.”
Santi. You were. Are. And always will be. An inspiration.
I hope one day very soon you return to N5 and get the welcome you deserve. We love you. We miss you.
tries not to cry…
What a guy.
If my girl told me that she was leaving me for Santi, I’d help her pack her bags and drop her off at the airport myself.
Santi is a good person. Always smiling.
Why would you wish misery on him?
Lool, then bang RVP’s girlfriend ?
Well said, Arseblog!
We should do a Rosicky type testimonial with Santi, Podolski, Giroud, Rosicky, Arteta, BFG, Monreal vs Villareal, Malaga+few legends from Spain NT(Combined xi).
Clubs typically, grant testimonials to/for players who have served for ten years (or on account of some disability-related retirement, I would imagine), but Santi deserves the exception, if it comes down to that.
So glad that our little genius is able to play again after all the complications, so sad we never got the chance to give him a well deserved Mertesaker style send off, at least there’s still time I guess…
I enjoyed watching Santi, but I’m afraid I had my fill of mawkish articles after Wenger left.
You know that no one is forcing you to click on it, much less forcing you to read it and comment about it, right?
Ohhhhhh, Santi cazoooorrrrla!
This is what he has to say about Arsène …
“… And Arsène always supported me. He renewed my contract before the first operation, which was an incredible gesture. He called me in: ‘Santi, I’m going to give you the optional year. It’s here, sign it, have your operation with peace of mind.’ That helped me focus on my rehabilitation without fear. I’m eternally grateful for that.”
Another example of how classy the club is…epitomized by Arsene Wenger. Touching gesture, in an era when the commercials mean more than having a human face…..
Fecking cried reading this.
Santi Carzola, the best player I have seen at Arsenal in the past 10 years. I try to watch each and every game that Villarreal plays, just to see our little magician and he is ours. No matter where he goes, Santi is the one Arsenal player that remains ours, even after leaving. He is an example of a player who loved football and loved this club. He was the everyday man, with incredible ability and a smile that illuminated the club. I hope he gets back to his best, I wouldn’t mind celebrating if he scored against us. I… Read more »
Cant believe so called world class doctors can fuck up so bad. I mean 10 cms of decay inside your body?? Even my village doctor would not have let that happen!
Everyone makes mistakes.
But what I didn’t like is they had a holier-than-thou attitude after it was clear they’d made a mistake. Just apologise for giving an incorrect professional opinion.
Why is god unfair on us…. Eduardo leg break and Santi injury
2 epls slipped through
Santi had all in what a footballer wanted
Gutted to see him leave
No disrespect to Ozil, but looking back, I feel that Santi’s been a better player for us. So impressive how he transitioned from brilliant wide playmaker to number 10 to deep lying playmaker. I’ve never seen a player so skillfully with both feet. He’s brilliant the way that Ronaldinho was, even though they have very different styles. Oh Santi, so happy to see him come through this ordeal and play football again. Coming back to Villareal is a beautiful story in its own right. Also, big kudos to Arsene Wenger, showing his class and humanity. “Here’s a year long contract.… Read more »
There’s no need for a comparison, Santi is a magician and Mesut is a wizard. This article is about Santi. So pleased to see him playing again and hopefully we’ll see him play at a legends game in the future, he may be visiting today and if so we’ll all be singing his song for sure.
Yeah you’re right. I just thought in my mind always that Ozil is a step above him, but now, thinking back, I come to the conclusion that that’s not the case.
Guess Mesut is a wizard, as he can disappear for long periods of time.
No idea why he couldn’t come on in the last game of last season, it’s not like the game mattered
Santi. Class. Irreplaceable to date. We still miss his Connection, and smile of course.
Arsene. Class. His Team failed to recover from the loss of Santi. Let’s hope Mr Emery’s way helps us turn that corner. Green shoots COYG
Love to see the magician back for a testimonial/ charity match.
This may make me a pussy but I don’t care. The ending to that article made me cry
Santi – A Arsenal Legend in the hearts of many fans
That cannon free kick in FA Cup v Hull. Stuff of legend.
My favourite player over the last decade. I miss you as much as anyone else who supports the Arsenal. I suspect even more.