Date: 18th November 2022 at 7:00am
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Former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla has hinted that he could make a return to the Emirates soon.

THE LOWDOWN: CULT HERO

Cazorla was a favourite of many Arsenal fans while playing for the side between 2012 and 2018. The midfielder made 180 appearances for the Gunners over that period.

His time in the Premier League was not smooth though, as he battled several injury problems and had to go through 10 operations. He eventually left the Emirates in 2018 to return to Villarreal, and now plays in Qatar for Al Sadd.

With his career gradually coming to an end, the playmaker has now given a hint as to his ambition after retirement.

THE LATEST: POSSIBLE RETURN?

Santi Cazorla has given a hint about a possible return to the Emirates Stadium in a coaching capacity under ‘best friend’ Mikel Arteta as soon as he ends his playing career.

The midfielder, who is soon be 38, has revealed his desire to return to the north London side for the first time since leaving when his playing days come to an end.

“I have to start thinking about that (retirement),he says.

I don’t know if as a coach, a second coach (assistant manager) or sporting director.

“My dream was to play more and more years for (Arsenal),” he said. “Of course I would like to come back. I have to wait if the club thinks about me, if I can help in something – as a coach or a sporting director.”

A return to the club would see him reunite with his friend Arteta and the prospect of working with his compatriot excites him.

“When I arrived at Arsenal, I didn’t speak English – nothing!

“I remember on the first day he was there to welcome me and after that, he was very important every day,” he continued. “One of the best friends I have in football.”

With Arsenal’s current form under Arteta, Cazorla is not surprised that the 40-year-old has stepped into coaching.

“I started to see that he wanted to be a coach,” he said. “He analysed everything. He stopped the match and asked me: ‘What did you see? Did you see this game? What we can change, what can we improve?’

“[He was] an amazing captain. An amazing personality… an example for everyone.”

THE VERDICT: POSSIBILITY

Cazorla could return to the club for his coaching badges in order to consider working in an official position at his former side. Meanwhile, anytime he decides to come back, he will be gladly welcomed because he was a good servant of the club.

 

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