Santi Cazorla confirms Villarreal exit, Arsenal’s official Instagram responds

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Santi Cazorla has confirmed on Instagram that he has left Spanish side Villarreal for a second time, after returning to the club in the summer of 2018 – and Arsenal’s official page reacted in the comments.

Cazorla, now 35 years of age, came through the ranks at Villarreal after joining the club’s reserve side as a 19-year-old from Real Oviedo. He played 243 times for the La Liga outfit between 2003 and 2011.

A brief stint at Malaga followed before the 81-time Spain international went to Arsenal in 2012 – spending six years in north London and clocking up 180 appearances. He had a hand in 74 goals, scoring 29 and creating 45.

Two FA Cup titles and two Community Shields followed, as did a serious ankle injury that needed multiple operations. There were even concerns that Cazorla may have his foot amputated, due to gangrene.

However, Cazorla returned and after leaving Arsenal to return to Villarreal in 2018, he has rediscovered his best form – despite the injury. At 35, he has netted 22 goals and created the same amount in 86 games.

Now, after two years in Villarreal, he has sent a heartfelt post to fans – confirming his exit. It comes after Guillem Balague claimed on his YouTube: “Arteta will ask Cazorla to be a member of the coaching staff at some point.”

Cazorla – who scored 15 times this season – sent a message to fans of the Spanish side, stating that he will love and miss them all. Arsenal responded in the comments, congratulating him on an “amazing” end to his Villarreal spell.

Cazorla’s Instagram post is translated as: “Just want to thank you all, you are very important people to me after these two years. I love you all so much and I will miss you all.”