To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Arsenal Exploring Ways To Give Santi Cazorla One Final Send-Off

Arsenal Exploring Ways To Give Santi Cazorla One Final Send-Off

Cazorla was unable to say goodbye to the Gunners on his terms...

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Arsenal are looking at ways in which they can give Santi Cazorla the dream send-off he was unable to receive.

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 him that he was lucky to able to walk in the garden with his son.

Cazorla would leave Arsenal at the end of his contract following the 2017/18 campaign and has since had quite the career resurrection - tearing it up in a second spell with Villarreal and even pulling on the Spain shirt once again after going 636 days without playing.

But the 35-year old is desperate to say goodbye to Gunners fans and as per football.london, Arsenal are exploring just how they can make it happen for him.

Cazorla's last appearance at the Emirates saw him take part in some light training before a Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid yet there is the potential for him to have a proper send-off in some capacity.

It's said a pre-season game between Villarreal and Arsenal is one option depending on the schedules of both sides, and there will be discussions at the end of the season - with Raul Sanllehi said to be close with Cazorla's agent.

Image: PA
Image: PA

The former Malaga midfielder made 180 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 29 goals and winning two FA Cups. But he's already gone on record to say it's still a goal of his to turn out in red and white.

Image: PA
Image: PA

"I don't know if it's possible or not, but I want to play one more game for Arsenal before I retire. It was a deep regret that I could never have a proper goodbye," he told Goal.

"Arsenal was the biggest club I ever played for. I'm proud that I was an Arsenal player. I'm especially grateful for Arsenal fans who supported me even after I left the club.

"I wish I can be part of the Gunners family in the future again."

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Football, Santi Cazorla, Villarreal, Arsenal

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

X

@https://twitter.com/JoshLawless_