SANTI CAZORLA has left Arsenal after his contract expired with the North London club.
The Spanish midfielder has not played since October 2016 after picking up an Achilles injury.
He has undergone TEN operations since, and this has led to him being unable to prove his fitness to the Gunners hierarchy.
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis told the club website: “Santi is always one of my favourite players to watch.
“His natural ability with both feet, his speed of thought and movement were central to our best performances in recent years.
“He plays with a joy and freedom which is very rare.
#GraciasSanti for the 180 appearances, the 29 goals, the 46 assists, the cup final free-kick, the masterclass at Man City, the Panenka, the crazy footwork, the laughs, the corners with either foot, the goals in the north London derby and for always making us smile
@19SCazorla pic.twitter.com/uIyi2JMetH
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 21, 2018
“We wish him well for the future and thank him for his important contribution to our club.”
The midfielder made 180 appearances in his six-year spell with the North London club, scoring 29 goals in all competitions.
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The man himself posted an emotional video on social media, describing how he was “sad to be leaving after so many great times.”
He continued: “I have loved my time with the club, and I will always remember the special moments we have had together.
“Our FA Cup win in 2014 is something we will never forget, it was a great moment for me and the club.”
Then in a message to the fans, he added: “I want to say thank-you very much because you have shown me special support, and I am very proud to be a part of this club’s history.
“And I want to wish you all the best and I will miss you a lot. Thank-you very much again.”
SunSport reported yesterday how the 33-year-old is set to train with Villarreal this summer in a bid to win a contract with his old club.
AS say Villarreal are prepared to offer the Spanish midfielder a one-year contract if he can prove his fitness.
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There had been talk, though, of Cazorla joining Mikel Arteta’s coaching staff should he become the new Gunners’ manager.
But the announcement about Villarreal was made on Spanish broadcaster Movistar after their game against Real Madrid on Saturday.
Villarreal president Fernando Roig has been in discussions with Cazorla for some weeks.
Roig worked hard to persuade him to return to the club where he made his name during two spells from 2003-06 and 2007-11.
Cazorla is now expected to join up with Javi Calleja’s squad for the club’s pre-season programme.
And if all goes well he could return to La Liga with the Yellow Submarine for the 2018-19 season.
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