Arsenal hero confirms he’s spoken with Mikel Arteta over making emotional return
'I have a very special affection for Arsenal.'
Arsenal hero Santi Cazorla has confirmed he’s spoken with manager Mikel Arteta over making an emotional return to the north London club.
Cazorla was a big fan favourite at the Emirates during his six-year stint from 2012 to 2018, known for his hard-working attitude, versality and high technical ability.
The 39-year-old, who won the Euros with Spain in 2008 and 2012, helped the Gunners land two FA Cup trophies and was Arsenal’s Player of the Season in 2013.
Cazorla left Arsenal six years ago for a third stint at Villarreal, and following a spell at Qatari side Al Sadd, the midfielder is now playing for Real Oviedo back in Spain.
He could soon swap the second-tier of Spanish football to join Arsenal’s coaching staff, though, with Cazorla expected to end his playing career this summer.
‘I have a very special affection for Arsenal,’ Cazorla told Sky Sports. ‘I spent six wonderful years there and I know how much all the people love me there.
‘Of course, I was fortunate to share a dressing room with Mikel Arteta and now he is the manager.
‘We had conversations about that but right now I am not focused on anything other than contributing to this club, Oviedo, and continuing to enjoy football as a player.
‘After that, we will see what the future holds for me. It is clear that Arsenal is a club that has always left the door open to me to return.
‘But right now, I have enough on my mind with the play-offs and trying to enjoy the last days of my playing career.’
Cazorla focused on promotion semi-final
Santi Cazorla’s boyhood club Real Oviedo face Eibar in the Spanish second division play-offs on Saturday, looking to clinch a spot in La Liga.
‘It would be a great achievement [to get promoted] and a different achievement,’ Cazorla said. ‘When you play in your home, the feeling is different. I have been lucky to win trophies, with Spain and in England as well. But it’s different when you’re playing in front of your friends and family.
‘You feel responsible because you are contributing to the club of your heart. The level of responsibility is different with that added pressure.’
Arteta has certainly made no secret of his desire to add Cazorla to his coaching staff at Arsenal.
‘Depending on the role. You know my sympathy for Santi,’ the Arsenal boss said in April. ‘We used to get on really, really well.
‘I think he had an unbelievable energy that, as a coaching staff to have someone like that, that can trust with his knowledge, but his energy as well to the team. I think it’s going to be valid.’
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