Santi Cazorla has returned to Villarreal for pre-season training after Arsenal release

VILLARREAL have announced Santi Cazorla has returned to the club for a third time as the midfield wizard looks to end his injury hell.

The Spaniard has not played since he was injured playing for Arsenal on 19 October 2016 and will be with the Spanish club for pre-season.

PA:Press Association

But the 33-year-old is now hoping to get his career back on track after returning to his old club following his release by the Gunners.

Cazorla will be back with the Yellow Submarine from July 1 – no playing contract for next season has yet been offered, with the midfielder being given the chance to prove his fitness.

They wrote: “Today we have a very special thing to tell you because it is time to see someone very loved by the groguets… welcome back Santi Cazorla.”

A statement on the website later read: “Cazorla returns home. The player will do pre-season with Villarreal’s first team with the aim of recovering from the Achilles tendon operation in his right leg.”

Getty

Getty

The star began his career with Villarreal and made over 50 appearances before leaving for Recreativo in 2006.

He spent one season there before he headed back to his old employers.

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Cazorla went on to play over 150 games across the next four years until Malaga forked out for his services in 2011.

The midfielder was on the move again a year later as Arsene Wenger brought him to North London in a £10million deal.

He went on to become a firm favourite with Gooners, helping the club to win the FA Cup twice, before his injury woes.

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