Santi Cazorla Scored A 96th Minute Equaliser For Villarreal, His First Goal Since 2016

Santi Cazorla scored his first goal last night since his injury nightmare.

The 33-year-old was sidelined for nearly two years after sustaining a really serious Achilles injury. There was even fears he wouldn't be able to walk again.

But the little Spanish magician thankfully recovered and subsequently signed for his first professional football team, Villarreal, in the summer after being released by Arsenal.

Cazorla made an emotional return to Spain and he reopened his goal-scoring account last night in the Europa League.

He converted a penalty in the 96th minute to secure a point for Villarreal against Spartak Moscow.

His first goal since his Arsenal days in 2016.

Cazorla tucks away a penalty. Image: PA

Brilliant to see Cazorla back on the field doing what he does best.

His perseverance deserves huge credit. He was close to throwing in the towel but remained hellbent on returning.

"There were times when I felt like throwing the towel in," Cazorla said.

"It was mainly after spending so many hours and days alone in the hotel room.

"It's when you're alone that you reflect on things and wonder whether everything that you're doing is really worth it."

Here's hoping he continues to ply his trade at the very top level.

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

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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