Arsenal icon Santi Cazorla recently confirmed that he would continue his playing career, denying the opportunity for a return to North London.
Cazorla helped his hometown club Real Oviedo reach the Segunda Division playoff finals to try and return to La Liga for the first time in 21 years, but a 2-0 defeat to an Espanyol side with Arsenal target Joan Garcia in goal denied him the glory.
It was speculated that the 39-year-old could hang up his boots and even return to Arsenal as a member of Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff, but Cazorla decided to play for at least one more year.
Cazorla has now linked up with the members of the Arsenal squad who are currently on a surprise training camp in Marbella with Arteta before pre-season begins.
Santi Cazorla joins Arsenal training camp in Marbella
Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, who featured under Arsene Wenger in Cazorla’s final season at the Emirates whilst the Spaniard was sidelined with injury, has now shared a photo of the pair together in Marbella.
It is unclear whether Cazorla has simply chosen to visit the players during his holidays, or if he is engaging in any training with the current Arsenal side, but fans will still nevertheless be excited to see the midfielder still connecting with the club.
Santi Cazorla has unfinished business at Arsenal
Although he departed Arsenal in 2018, Cazorla’s last game for the club came in November 2016 in a 6-0 Champions League victory over Ludogorets.
Cazorla’s final touch of a ball in an Arsenal shirt was an outstanding long ball to Mesut Ozil, who plucked it out of the sky before scoring.
A nightmare injury then plagued Cazorla, which nearly ended his career, and he would never play for the club again. He enjoyed a successful comeback with Villarreal, but never got to enjoy a proper Arsenal farewell.
Once he hangs up his boots, fans would be eager to see him join Arteta’s staff, and if he does return to Arsenal, there will likely be a special moment when he appears in the Emirates for the first time.
Arsenal chasing Riccardo Calafiori and mystery German target as England face Switzerland
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed England’s recent victory over Slovakia at the European Championships. With Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka featuring again, Man City star Kyle Walker came under scrutiny.
With Arsenal also linked to Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, the pair explained why the Italy star could be the perfect fit for Mikel Arteta. Recent social media rumours surrounding a potential Arsenal move for a Germany International were also addressed, with some candidates named.
