The Nigerian press have picked up on an interview Santi Cazorla did with Arsenal’s magazine in which he describes his relationship with the younger members of the squad.

Referring to Nigeria international, Alex Iwobi, as well as Chuba Akpom and Jeff Reine-Adelaide, the Spaniard explains how his approach to helping them is far from aggressive and much more paternal.

“I struggle to say things in an aggressive way,” Santi said to Arsenal Magazine [via Complete Sports Nigeria].

“I prefer to discuss things from a calmer point of view, always trying to give a message.

“I am more paternal in that way, rather than aggressive.

“With the dressing room we have, and just with the age, you see you can be – not necessarily a reference – but someone who can show the young players coming up, like Alex Iwobi, [Chuba] Akpom, Jeff [Reine-Adelaide].

“Me, when I was young, I always looked to the veterans of the team to say how it was, so I try to be an example and give them advice.”

This isn’t the first time Santi has spoken about acting as a mentor to the younger members of the squad. He recently spoke about helping the likes of Hector Bellerin and said that he feels the more senior players have a responsibility to help the new ones.

It’s a fantastic approach to have, although perhaps it’s his lack of aggressive that currently prevents him from being Arsenal captain.

Saying this, I don’t think anyone minds that 31-year-old, who is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury he picked up during Arsenal’s 6-0 win over Ludogorets at the Emirates, is upbeat.

Never change, Santi.