Santi Cazorla, Arsenal legend and current Real Oviedo captain, reflects on his three most cherished career moments, including his emotional return after his devastating injury.
Santi Cazorla, one of Arsenal’s most beloved midfielders and a two-time European Championship winner with Spain, has revealed the three moments that stand out most in his illustrious career.
Speaking in an interview with Marca while sidelined with a calf injury, the Real Oviedo captain reflected on the journey that has defined him as a player and a person.
At 40, Cazorla’s playing days are winding down, but his passion remains undiminished, particularly for his boyhood club, Oviedo, which he now captains in Spain’s Segunda División.
For Cazorla, the dream of leading Oviedo to La Liga outweighs all other achievements. “Getting promoted to La Liga with Oviedo would be the most important trophy of my career,” he said. “We’re where we want to be, fighting for promotion because that’s the ultimate goal.”
Cazorla has been out of action since December due to a left calf injury, which interrupted a season where he had been a critical figure for manager Javi Calleja, contributing a goal and four assists in 19 appearances. Calleja stressed the need for caution in managing the veteran midfielder’s recovery, noting that Cazorla will return only when he is fully fit.
Despite the setback, Cazorla’s memories are far richer than his recent frustrations. When asked to name the three highlights of his career, he pointed first to his debut for Spain, which came in 2008 under Luis Aragonés. That moment marked the start of his journey to winning two European Championships, in 2008 and 2012, as part of one of football’s greatest international teams.
His second highlight was deeply personal: returning to professional football with Villarreal in 2018 after a two-year battle with a career-threatening Achilles injury.
Cazorla’s injury, which led to eight surgeries and a dire prognosis that nearly resulted in the amputation of his foot, is well documented. Doctors doubted whether he would ever walk again, let alone play, yet
Cazorla defied the odds. His emotional return for Villarreal, capped by his sublime performances that season, remains one of modern football’s most inspiring comebacks.
Finally, Cazorla pointed to his return to Real Oviedo in 2023, a poetic full-circle moment for a player who began his journey at the Asturian club’s academy.
“The important thing is that the team gets promoted, whether I’m here or not,” he emphasised, hoping they can achieve their ambition of returning to the top flight for the first time since 2001.
Cazorla’s love for Arsenal also shines brightly in his career legacy. During his time in North London, he won two FA Cups (2014, 2015), providing a crucial goal in the 2014 final against Hull City. His artistry, composure, and vision made him a favourite among fans, while his humility and joyful personality cemented his status as an Arsenal legend.