Santi Cazorla has been reflecting on his relationship with the Arsenal fans, and what it meant to him to have their support over the years.
looks on during the Liga match between Villarreal CF and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de la Ceramica on September 01, 2019, in Villareal, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Cazorla left Arsenal for Villarreal in 2018, after spending six years in North London. The final two of those were unfortunately spent recovering from injury, and there were fears the midfielder would never reach his old level again.
Those worries were unfounded, as Cazorla is back on top form this season. He’s scored four goals and assisted four in 11 matches, pushing Villarreal up to seventh in the league after they only narrowly avoided relegation last year.
The Spaniard has been back playing in his national team recently too, and he says his only regret is not being able to say a proper goodbye on the pitch for his old club.
“Arsenal is the team who supported me so much and gave me so much love,” Cazorla said. “The warmth they have for me is often incomparable. It meant so much to me.
“Football moves us in so many ways, so when you’re not playing well, you feel bad, but the fans were amazing. It was sad to not be able to properly say goodbye to them, but I truly cherish my time there.”
Cazorla certainly made himself a fan favourite winning a couple of FA Cups and Community Shields with the club.
The midfielder was injured for the final FA Cup of his spell with the club, but arguably the trophy drought would never have ended in the first place without his free-kick in that first final.
Cazorla helped get the team back to winning ways, at least for a few years, and we’re all grateful for that.