Santi Cazorla has said he’s happy Arsene Wenger kept faith with him despite his difficulties with injury and plans to repay him by working hard to get back playing for Arsenal.

The Spaniard has been absent since last October due to an achilles injury but appears to finally be on the road to recovery. There were fears that Cazorla may never play again as the injury refused to heal properly.

However, Cazorla always remained positive and believed he would play for Arsenal again. Speaking to Onda Cero, he said: “Do not pay attention to that [rumours]. Those who want to retire me will get to see me [play] again. I will return.

“I do not know how far I am [off returning] but I am convinced that I am going to play football again and at my best level. I am working on it and hopefully it can be as soon as possible. I am convinced that I will come back.”

No return date has been set for Cazorla’s return, but Arsene Wenger believes that he will be fit in time to play again in the upcoming season. The Spaniard confirmed he was offered a new contract by Wenger and is thankful for it.

“Three days before the first operation [in December], the manager called me to his office to give me a new deal. He told me that Arsenal counted on me ahead of next season.

“It was a relief. Having another year of contract at Arsenal has made me facing [the injury nightmare] in a better way. Now fortunately I will be able to have the option to return to play in a great club like Arsenal.”

Cazorla is an important part of the Arsenal team as few players in the squad can match his skill and creativity. With Arsenal struggling to find a consistent partner for Granit Xhaka, having him back would be a huge bonus.

Despite his advancing age, his composure in possession and quick-thinking on the pitch is a big advantage. He started the 2016/17 in fantastic form before succumbing to injury, scoring and creating four goals in seven Premier League.

Arsenal supporters are desperate to see the 32-year-old back in action as soon as possible. Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey have formed a decent partnership in the engine room, most notably at the tail-end of last season.

But having Cazorla in such an influencing role gave the Gunners more control which is why Wenger lamented his absence so much in the previous campaign.