Santi Cazorla never got the Arsenal farewell he really deserves.
The midfielder was certainly a popular figure among Arsenal supporters and in the dressing room during his time at the club, but his departure on a free transfer in the summer of 2017 was few.
So in February last year – before the world hit a global pandemic – there were plans to do so Cazorla‘s Arsenal I dream of a reality.
The club indicated, during a forum for the fans, that there is a possibility for the midfielder to return to the Emirates Stadium at some point to complete his farewell to the fans.
Although the football. London She revealed that it’s too early to even be sure what trait that could be Because it may have been nothing more than an invitation for him to visit a match while a pre-season friendly match against his former club Villarreal would have also been an option.
Furthermore, former Arsenal football chief, Raul Sanllehi, has been in contact with Cazorla’s agent, so the plan was due to be discussed at the end of the 2019/20 season once Arsenal and Villarreal’s schedules were clear.
However, those plans are likely to be put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic which has brought football in England and Spain to a halt for three months and Sanlehi left his post.
But Cazorla has made it clear on numerous occasions that he intends to return to Arsenal one day, and has previously registered an interest in a behind-the-scenes role at the club.
He said, “I don’t know what my heritage is.” as May 2020. “You have to ask the fans, but I want to thank everyone. I don’t know what to do next, maybe a coach, maybe a sporting director, but I’d like to come back.”
Interestingly, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta He previously also talked about the possibility of his reunion with his former compatriot and colleague.
“My opinion of Santi could not be higher than anything. Personally, firstly, with the kind of person he is and what he brings to this dressing room, but also as a player for what he has done throughout his career,” Arteta said In August 2020. “On the role of coaching and the future, we will see what happens.
“Now, it’s just over [at Villarreal] So let him enjoy that moment and we’ll see what happens in the future.”
Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Of course, it should be noted that at the time Arteta did not speak to Cazorla about a comeback and there is no indication that the duo have been in touch since then.
With that said, given that two familiar faces have been spotted at London Colney in recent weeks, could the Spaniard be next in line?
And announced Thursday morning that Jack Wilshere He will train with the club to maintain his fitness in the hope of finding a new club He also did his training badges.
This was coupled with the invitation of David Seaman by the Arsenal Academy Director Per MertesackerTo do some “informal work” With Aaron Ramsdale and The goalkeepers at the club’s academy mark the first time under Arteta that former players have returned with any kind of ability.
During the reign of Arsene Wenger, Oversaw the return of Thierry Henry, Jeans Lehmann and Sol Campbell on the basis of play Former players were often allowed to train at London Colney.
Meanwhile, Robert Perez was a regular presence at the coaching base when Unai Emery was head coach even though he wasn’t part of the Spaniard’s coaching team like Freddy Ljungberg.
Not that Arteta has shown any resistance against welcoming the former players back, but the fact that two have returned in recent weeks may just be an indication that he will be more open to the idea in the future.
And the timing of Cazorla’s return couldn’t be better.
As Spanish football expert Guillem Balague revealed a year ago, Cazorla was said to be considering a move into training as soon as he hangs up his boots – possibly in 2022.
Basically what might happen is he wants to play for another two years,” Balaghi told his Ask Guillem Q&A show at YouTube channel. “Two more years. Returning to Arsenal with Arteta is something I think he would consider as a coach.
“I asked him about it, he said yes, he will consider working as a coach when he retires but he wants to play for another two years.”
Now in his second season at Al Sadd, Cazorla has had huge success playing under former Barcelona teammate and Spain legend Xavi Hernandez.
Upon joining the dam, His goal was to win everything with the Qatari national team. Four titles later, it’s safe to say the job is done and it’s time to start the next chapter in his career.
2022 is approaching, and if Cazorla’s plan to suspend his promotion next year still stands, his dream of returning to Arsenal may be one step closer.
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