The Spaniard has repeatedly spoken about a return to north London, with coaching now the most obvious route.
Santi Cazorla has made no secret of what he would like to do next after announcing his retirement from football this week.
The former Arsenal midfielder wants to move into coaching, and, if there is a path back to north London, he has repeatedly made clear that he would welcome it.
Cazorla spent six seasons at Arsenal, making 180 appearances and directly contributing to 73 goals. He won two FA Cups with the club and was also present for a third, though injury denied him any role in that competition. He also played in two Community Shield victories.
In June 2024, the Spaniard spoke about his love for the club and the possibility of a return once his playing career ended.
“I have a very special affection for Arsenal,” Cazorla said. “I spent six wonderful years there and I know how much all the people love me there.”
He added, “Of course, I was fortunate to share a dressing room with Mikel Arteta and now he is the manager. We had conversations about that [returning] but right now I am not focused on anything other than contributing to this club, Oviedo, and continuing to enjoy football as a player.
“After that, we will see what the future holds for me. It is clear that Arsenal is a club that has always left the door open to me to return.”
Earlier in 2024, he told The Guardian, “I really want to go back.”
In July 2023 he said, “I miss everything of this club every day – every day. If I have the possibility to come back, I will be back. I don’t know which position in the club, as a coach or sports director,” and in November 2022, he stated, “Of course, I would like to come back. I have to wait if the club thinks about me, if I can help in something – as a coach or a sporting director.”
The same theme returned in December 2024, when Cazorla was asked during a visit to the Emirates Stadium whether he would consider coming back to Arsenal after his playing days.
“Yes, why not? Arsenal is my home,” Cazorla said. “I love the club and the people, so we will see in the future.
“I don’t know [what role I would have]. I would have to think about that but something in football for sure, because that is what I love.”
Cazorla had already admitted that conversations had taken place over a possible return, although he stressed at the time that his focus remained on Real Oviedo.
“We had conversations about that [returning] but right now I am not focused on anything other than contributing to this club, Oviedo, and continuing to enjoy football as a player,” Cazorla said in the summer of 2024.
Now that his playing career is over, the question naturally turns from what Cazorla has said to what Arsenal might choose to do.
He has the connection, the intelligence, the technical authority and the affection of supporters. He also has a deep relationship with Mikel Arteta, having shared a dressing room with the current manager during his own Arsenal career.
Arteta’s message after Cazorla confirmed his retirement proved this is no one-sided affair.
“It’s been an honour, it’s been a gift to get to know you as a person, to have been your teammate,” Arteta said.
“To be there with you in everything that has happened in your career and what you have become, and particularly the legacy that you are going to leave in football and in all of the people that have been there next to you.
“I would love to be there with you today, next to you. I can’t forget your family, I can’t forget your wife Ursula and your children, and all the people you have around you.
“Thank you for what you have given to football,” Arteta added. “Thank you for always putting on a smile, both on your face and those of the people there with you.
“A cycle is coming to an end for you. I can imagine how hard that is going to be for you, knowing you and the love and the passion that you have for this game. But I’m sure that you are going to give much more to football in any role and any decision that you may take.
“I love you lots. Here (at Arsenal), all of the teammates, all of the people at the club, the staff, and the fans pass you all our love, and I hope that you can feel it from here in London.”
There is no confirmed role waiting for him, and Cazorla himself has never claimed otherwise. What he has done, consistently and openly, is make it known what he wants – a return to Arsenal.
For years since he left, he has spoken about Arsenal not as a closed chapter, but as a club he still feels part of.
If he now wants to enter coaching, few possible returns would feel more natural or welcome.
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