'I became a cult hero under Arsene Wenger – now I want to return to Arsenal'

12/29/2024 06:28 AM

Former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla said he would like to return to the club one day once his playing days are over.

Arriving from Spanish side Malaga in August 2012, Cazorla quickly became a fan favourite at the Emirates in the heart of Arsene Wenger’s midfield.

Recognisable due to his small stature, the Spaniard was known for his supreme technical ability as well as his versatility and hard-working nature.

The 40-year-old, who won the Euros with Spain in 2008 and 2012, helped the Gunners land two FA Cup trophies and was Arsenal's Player of the Season in 2013.

Injuries eventually affected the latter years of his time in north London, with Cazorla eventually leaving in 2018 to return to his former club Villareal.

Now playing in the Spanish second division for his boyhood club Real Oviedo, Cazorla is winding down his career and has just half a season left on his current deal.

And the midfielder has now hinted that he would be eager to return to the Premier League club when he plots his next steps in football as a coach.

‘Yes, why not? Arsenal is my home,’ Cazorla responded when asked whether he would consider a return to the Emirates.

‘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 played alongside current Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and was full of praise for his fellow countryman’s evolution as a coach.

‘I remember when I was with him to watch the games together and he'd stop the game to talk about tactics, how we have to play, and I'd say “Mikel please, I want to watch the game!”‘ Cazorla joked.

‘I think we're lucky because I think he's one of the best coaches in the world already.’

Before securing his return to Villareal when he left Arsenal in 2018, there had been speculation at the time that he would instead retire and form part of Arteta’s new backroom staff.

And Arteta has  made no secret of his desire to add Cazorla to his coaching staff at Arsenal.

'Depending on the role. You know my sympathy for Santi,' the Arsenal boss said in April earlier this year. 'We used to get on really, really well.

'I think he had an unbelievable energy that, as a coaching staff to have someone like that, that can trust with his knowledge, but his energy as well to the team. I think it's going to be valid.'

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