Santiago Cazorla is arguably the most naturally gifted player to pull on the Arsenal shirt since Cesc Fabregas. The tail end of the Spaniard’s career in London was hampered by an Achilles tendon injury that saw him ruled out for a year. It was later revealed that the 34-year-old underwent eight operations and almost lost his foot to gangrene after contracting a dangerous infection.
Cazorla returned to Villarreal after his Gunners contract expired trained with El Submarino Amarillo during pre-season and earned himself a contract ahead of the 2018/19 campaign but he has never hidden the fact he has missed playing for the Arsenal.
This quote, found on Twitter (via Independent) has prompted these supporters to declare their love for the midfield-maestro with some claiming he could still do a job at the Emirates Stadium.
Would take him back in a heartbeat. Even now he’s better than every midfielder we have
— Marley Worth (@MarleyWiggan) November 14, 2019
Boy do we miss you in midfield Santi! Great player and a cracking fella.
— Bazza UFC (@bazzaufc) November 14, 2019
One of the best signings in the Emirates era.
— Jamal Abdinasir ?? (@SolidMali) November 14, 2019
This guy would walk into our team even now.
So underrated…?
— SG (@__SG17) November 14, 2019
Come back Santi ?
— Temitope? (@iam_teefirst) November 14, 2019
Cazorla could walk into our team right now yet he was deemed surplus by Sir Emery
— DBO (@DBO187) November 14, 2019
Baller
— Clayton Mills (@claytonmills11) November 14, 2019
What do we think?
Santi Cazorla was, and still is, a magnificent footballer best known for his ability to pick out key passes, dribble, shoot from distance and strike the ball brilliantly with both feet. A fan favourite who captured the hearts of the Arsenal faithful right from when he first arrived.
Whilst his former team-mates and supporters will be thrilled to see him back in action and dictating games in the way only he can, given his injury record there is an understanding as to why the club decided not to renew his contract. In terms of talent, there is no doubt he would warrant a place in the current Arsenal side but unfortunately football is never that simple.