At one stage in his career, there was serious consideration as to whether they should amputate.
But 12 months after Santi Cazorla revealed that he almost lost his foot to gangrene after contracting a dangerous infection, the little Spaniard is back in action and boy, do we we know it.
If you didn't already know, Cazorla had to undergo several operations to fix the achilles tendon injury he sustained during Arsenal's 6-0 win over Ludogorets in 2016.
These operations meant that the 34-year-old lost eight centimetres from the tendon in his right ankle.
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Doctors proceeded to tell the Spaniard that he was lucky to be able to walk in the garden with his son, never mind play football again.
Thankfully that injury is behind him and on Thursday night, the former Arsenal midfielder bagged two goals against Real Madrid - and they weren't just any old finishes.
Cazorla opened the scoring for Villarreal with a trademark strike in the 3rd minute. What a hit son.
Two first half goals from Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane gave Los Blancos a 2-1 lead for the majority of the game.
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But the little magician popped up in the box to score an unlikely header in the last 10 minutes to seal a vital point for the struggling El Submarino.
"After the moments I've had to endure, scoring a brace for Villarreal against Real Madrid is very special." he said after the match.
It really is a special moment, Santi. It's great to see him enjoying his football again.
Welcome back, Santi!
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Goals, Santi Cazorla, injury, Villarreal, Premier League, Arsenal, Real Madrid, La Liga
