Santi Cazorla Scored A 96th Minute Equaliser For Villarreal, His First Goal Since 2016
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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.
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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.
"It feels new to me, as if I were 18 again."
:yellow_heart: Santi :yellow_heart:#UEL @19SCazorla @VillarrealCF pic.twitter.com/NTpbnQuuip
- UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 4, 2018
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.
Brilliant to see Cazorla back on the field doing what he does best.
It was all worth it :muscle:
Santi Cazorla is rewarded with his first goal since October 2016 :yellow_heart:#UEL pic.twitter.com/apBrQRxIa7
- UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 4, 2018
Santi Cazorla was out for two years due to an injury that required 11 operations.
He was told that there was a chance he could lose his leg and should be satisfied just to be able to walk again.
On Thursday night, he scored a 96th minute equaliser in the Europa League.
:yellow_heart: pic.twitter.com/BHhlTy9Yie
- bet365 (@bet365) October 5, 2018
Santi Cazorla scoring for Villarreal - his first European goal since 2011.
Fantastic to see the little magician back fit. :raised_hands::heart::flag_es: pic.twitter.com/cWkRoZQkyR
- Arsenal FC News (@ArsenalFC_fl) October 4, 2018
Santi Cazorla scored his first European goal in seven years last night
:hearts: pic.twitter.com/HGpjmQJ3xQ
- AFTV (@AFTVMedia) October 5, 2018
First Arsenal made it eight wins in a row and now Santi Cazorla has rescued a point for his side in the 96th minute, by scoring his first goal since missing almost 700 days through injury. What a day.
- Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) October 4, 2018
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
