Santi Cazorla says he still has some way to go in his recovery from the injury nightmare he’s suffered, but is hoping to play some part between now and the end of the season.
The Spanish international has been sidelined since October 2016, but last week surprised everyone by training at the Emirates ahead of the 1-1 semi-final first leg draw with Atletico Madrid.
The midfielder’s contract expires in June, and if he does make it back in one of our final Premier League games, it could be his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt.
Speaking to AS about his recovery, Cazorla said, “I still have a lot left, because after 18 months, everything has to go in due course, but the sensations are getting better and I am optimistic about the future.
“The objective is to participate before the end of the season, but we must be cautious.”
Santi was training with his former club, Real Oviedo as he steps up his recuperation, so we’ll keep fingers crossed that he can pull on the red and white once again.
He also admitted it would be strange to see Arsenal without Arsene Wenger next season, as the Frenchman heads into the final stages of his career in North London, but that the club will always recognise the work he’s done in his 22 years in charge.
“We hope that the club knows how to value it,” he said. “He has been a lifetime linked to Arsenal. It has been decided now, and I hope that the one who comes in has all the luck in the world.
“England is exemplary in appreciating the work of people who dedicate themselves to a club, hence the farewell at Old Trafford [on Sunday].”
Would give my kingdom to see him play in red and white for one more time.
I knew her Majesty supported us.
Or more than once, obviously
I’d give my pinky to see him play and lift the Europa League trophy this season. Maybe. Or is it a little too much? What I’d give though.
‘I would give my only Son to be butchered by the Romans’ Bergkamp
Strangely I have mixed emotions about this…lol
I would also do the same (give your son to the marauding Romans) to see Carzola strut his stuff at arsenal for one more time
I would expect someone well versed in Bergkamp’s Scriptures to know that His Son was not butchered in the name of the Roman’s Bergkamp, but in fact by the Priests of Bergkamp who managed to convince the Romans to do their killing for them.
But would Harry Kane give his daughter’s life?
This would be amazing! I’d give him another year as we’ve missed him so dearly.
We played him as a deep lying midfielder. He is a fantastic player but not tall and physical enough to play that role hence the injuries he has sustained.
So I hope we don’t do the same thing to him again.
I’m no doctor, but I don’t think Santi picked up an infection in hospital because he was short
Santi is a God.
3 minute cameo against Burnley, curls in a free kick, job done.
I was thinking Europa League final… guess he’d be ineligible/not listed in the squad?
He was listed in our Europa league team so yes, he can make it to the final, god willing. But can we make it to the final?
I really hope they extend his contract for another year or so. He plays with such a sincere appreciation of the game which is fun to watch in itself.
and no inconsiderable amount of skill
Great comment. Totally agree.
Players like Santi, amazing ability and look like they’re having a blast the whole time and the game is easy.
I’d really, really like to see him back before the end of this season or next but fear that, as with other long term absentees, return will be followed by various other muscle/tendon/ligament strains which see further layoffs. At his age it may be a struggle but his skills may just see him through.
The last of the two-footed footballers.
Oh we have missed the maestro his twinkle toes
Could nut meg you in a phone box lets hope he can grace the playing field again in the mighty red and white
I liked the comment (albeit about Messi) that he could nutmeg a mermaid.
My favorite player. BUT I won’t hold my breath that he will play competitive again. Maybe the odd game here and there. Next season, we will do ourselves a favour to find better options in midfield. Granit is a vastly improved player and key at the moment with his ability to accurately switch play quickly using his long range passing. Elneny is a limited player but improving and one who doesn’t shy from hardwork even if he can be flimsy at times. Ramsey is better sited higher up the pitch but can put a shift next to another more mindful… Read more »
Wouldn’t touch Max Meyer with a bargepole (and neither would many clubs in Germany it seems). Have you read how he threw his toys out of the pram recently, apparently at the behest of his odious agent/advisor? Schalke have now finally told him to bugger off for the rest of the season until his contract expires.
Watching the u18 in the FA cup final you can see there is a big issue with defensive training, beginning to think it is endemic throughout the whole set up!!! The lack of awareness and positioning is worrying!!!
My favorite ever player. I hope he plays again; best with us, but just hope he plays again.
Hands down my favourite Arsenal player from the 2010’s. Others could may have had a bigger impact but he was so fun to watch. I hope he gets to play for us at least one more time, just to have a proper goodbye.
I think in the season’s he was playing, he had a big impact, our win percentage changed drastically whenever he was absent. I’ll admit I’m too lazy to find actual evidence of this but I’m pretty sure you can trust me…
Am eager to see cazorlar back in action for Arsenal. Am also wish an new coach to replace Wenger a success and good luck ahead.Gunners for life
ah. that left foot. that smile. that right foot.
A new manager(c’mon allegri) and few new signings could b a real force,but with Santi coming off the bench to calmly control the game or to get creative of needs be would b amazing. Hes a genius of a footballer
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤?❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤??❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Sorry its a different topic but mirror reporting arsenal offered new deal worth around 100k plus a week plus incentives to wilshere…I think a clean break is better for all parties but who knows,this might twist things at the last minute.
I hope not, he’s not worth it.
Such a genious with the ball. Still remember laughing when I used to see him decide which foot to use for corners and free kicks. I couldn’t do good with either foot and here’s this little guy switching feet based on the angle. The sheer audacity!!
Hmmm, not sure about that, clutching at straws I think
Even if it’s a late substitute role I would love nothing more than to see him come on this weekend in the last home match late just to be able to take the pitch and get the ovation he so deserves. I am not optimistic that he’ll be here next year, would love him to, but don’t think the new manager will sign him to a new contract so do hope he can get the send off he deserves from the home supporters.