Arsenal icon Santi Cazorla currently faces an uncertain future in football, but a return to North London in some capacity remains on the cards.
Cazorla left Arsenal in 2018, with his last game coming in 2016 as he suffered from a long-term injury which nearly ended his career.
He completed a sensational comeback at Villarreal, before playing under Xavi Hernandez in Qatar, and eventually returning to his hometown club Real Oviedo.
Cazorla suffered a heartbreak with Oviedo this week as his side lost the La Liga 2 playoff final to Espanyol, which meant they fell at the last hurdle when attempting to return to the Spanish top flight for the first time in 21 years.
The 39-year-old now has a decision to make over whether he continues his playing career, or potentially joins Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff at Arsenal.
Santi Cazorla to decide on future in the coming weeks
It has now been reported by Spanish outlet La Voz De Asturias that following Oviedo’s promotion heartbreak, Cazorla will “decide what to do in the coming weeks.”
Cazorla came off the bench for 30 minutes in the playoff final, and has struggled from muscle discomfort in recent weeks.
“Today is a tough day for all oviedists. Apologizing for not achieving the goal and thanking you for giving us the opportunity to live something unique and different,” Cazorla stated after the defeat.
“If there’s anything about this club, it’s your hobby. Falling is allowed, getting up is an obligation. We’ll be back.”
Santi Cazorla Arsenal return is possible this summer
When asked about a potential return to Arsenal in recent months, Cazorla refused to rule anything out.
“Of course, I was fortunate to share a dressing room with Mikel Arteta and now he is the manager. We had conversations about that but right now I am not focused on anything other than contributing to this club, Oviedo, and continuing to enjoy football as a player,” he replied when asked about a return.
If Cazorla decides to hang up his boots, then a sensational return to Arsenal as part of the coaching staff would be welcomed by all.
The circumstances of Cazorla’s departure meant that he never had a proper farewell at the club, and a return to North London would be an exciting one for Arsenal fans.
It is unclear whether Cazorla is still keen to keep playing, or is ready to retire, but as an icon at both Arsenal and Real Oviedo, whatever decision he takes will be respected by all.