Arsenal fans have been left devastated after hearing that the club have announced midfielder Santi Cazorla will leave the club next month after joining from Malaga six years ago.
The 33-year-old has not featured for the Gunners in some time, not since October 2016 in fact, which led to the news on Monday via the club’s official Twitter page and website:
We’ve got some news on @19SCazorla… #GraciasSanti https://t.co/RpgQlAYoeG
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 21, 2018
After suffering multiple foot and Achilles tendon problems and operations which nearly resulted in the player having an amputation, the club have decided not to take up the option of extending his contract by a further year.
There had been hope after he was named in Arsenal’s Europa League squad that a comeback was on the cards but it would seem that is all up in smoke now.
Cazorla made 129 appearances for the Gunners in the Premier League during his time in North London, scoring 25 goals as well as 36 assists, and judging by the reactions from fans the Gunners favourite will be sorely missed.
In a season where the side have lacked bite in attack on away days, the genius of the player known fondly as the ‘Little Magician’ could have been the difference between a Champions League place and Europa League spot which they eventually ended the season with.
Here is a selection of reactions on social media from distraught supporters after hearing the news:
You have made my son cry on his birthday.
— g (@Akpommed) May 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/Sanogology/status/998618522103279617
— P™ (@SemperFiArsenal) May 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/WoolWitchGooner/status/998618452175683584
The most underrated Arsenal midfielder of all time, such a class and such a talent!??#GraciasSanti pic.twitter.com/3av77EH51E
— TheArseneView (@TheArseneView) May 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/NickVann1987/status/998619504765755393
https://twitter.com/ClassyGunners/status/998619309072150529
https://twitter.com/MrAubameyang/status/998621467368673280
https://twitter.com/CoquelinsSon/status/998618521109180416
https://twitter.com/MaitIandesque/status/998618950010392577