After going 636 days without taking to the pitch and it looking like his career was going to be over, Santi Cazorla produced a mesmeric midfield display against league leaders Barcelona last night.
Back in October 2016, when playing for Arsenal during a 6-0 win over Ludogorets, Cazorla suffered an achilles tendon injury and was forced to undergo over ten operations, including a skin graft from his arm.
The Spaniard also lost eight centimetres from the tendon in his right ankle and doctors proceeded to tell the Spaniard that he was lucky to able to walk in the garden with his son.
But Cazorla made a miraculous recovery and started training with former employers Villarreal in the hope of getting a contract.
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He impressed to the point the club felt they had no choice but to give him the greatest unveiling in football history in August and the 34-year old has displayed his wizardry on a regular basis.
Last night, in the thrilling 4-4 draw against Barca, Cazorla did not play like someone who was told he might not walk again, never mind play football.
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He completely ran the game, completing 44 out of 49 passes, and creating eight chances against the league leaders - including whipping in a series of brilliant set-piece deliveries and a delightfully threaded pass for Carlos Bacca's goal.
Just a supremely gifted footballer and no matter who you support, we're sure you'll agree it's wonderful to see him strutting his stuff on a football pitch again.
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Having come from 2-0 down to lead 4-2 at the Estadio de la Cerámica, the Yellow Submarine were minutes away from securing a vital victory in their battle to avoid relegation.
But Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both popped up with worldie strikes in the dying embers to salvage a very late point.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, FC Barcelona, Football, Santi Cazorla, Villarreal, Arsenal, Spain, La Liga
