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Featured Image Credit: Image: Champions League
Topics: Santi Cazorla, Arsenal, Premier League
Josh Lawless
Topics: Santi Cazorla, Arsenal, Premier League
Santi Cazorla's last touch in an Arsenal shot was absolutely perfect as he produced a sensational assist for Mesut Ozil.
In October 2016, during a 6-0 Champions League win over Ludogorets, Cazorla suffered an achilles tendon injury and was forced to undergo over ten operations, including a skin graft from his arm.
He lost eight centimetres from the tendon in his right ankle and there was a genuine fear that he would never play again.
Although he left Arsenal, Cazorla excelled in another spell at Villarreal and even worked his way back into the Spain national team.
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But his final contribution in a Gunners shirt, in that thrashing of Ludogorets at the Emirates, showed what a special player he is.
Cazorla picked up the ball deep in midfield and threaded through the most delicious defence-splitting pass for Ozil to latch onto.
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The German trapped the ball beautifully and slotted home to make it 4-0 to Arsenal. He then went on to score a hat-trick in the clash as Arsenal ran riot.
But Cazorla injured himself in the process of delivering the assist and was immediately replaced by Mohamed Elneny in the 57th minute.
He spent 636 days on the sidelines and left Arsenal upon the expiration of his contract following the 2017/18 season.
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Cazorla would then return to Villarreal in August 2018 and got his career back on track with the Yellow Submarine, before later joining All-Sadd in Qatar.
The midfielder, one of the most two-footed players ever to play the game, made 180 appearances for Arsenal and won two FA Cups as well as captaining the side.
He scored 29 goals and was a joy to watch during his stint in English football.
Cazorla still harbours hopes of pulling on the red and white of Arsenal one more time in a farewell match of some sorts.
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"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."