Former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla has sent an emotional message on social media.
The Spaniard made 180 appearances in all competitions across six years for the Gunners, scoring 29 goals and providing 44 assists. Cazorla left Arsenal on a free transfer in August 2018 and has gone on to play for Villarreal, Al-Sadd, and his current side, boyhood club Real Oviedo.
Cazorla's team currently sit fourth in the Segunda Division table and are chasing promotion to La Liga. Cazorla played at the weekend and scored in Saturday's 2-1 win at Huesca.
And the 40-year-old has sent a message on Instagram as he looks to help Oviedo earn promotion to Spanish football's top-flight. The club are currently in a playoff position with four games left to play.
"The happiness of a child, thank you for letting me enjoy this feeling," he said. "On Sunday, we will go for more all together."
Talk of the Spain international being back at the club in an official capacity, however, has taken place this summer, with both Arteta and Cazorla commenting on the topic. "I have a very special affection for Arsenal. I spent six wonderful years there, and I know how much all the people love me there," Cazorla admitted earlier this year.
"Of course, I was fortunate to share a dressing room with Mikel Arteta, and now he is the manager. We had conversations about that, but right now I am not focused on anything other than contributing to this club, Oviedo, and continuing to enjoy football as a player.
"After that, we will see what the future holds for me. It is clear that Arsenal is a club that has always left the door open to me to return." Though his focus will certainly remain on Oviedo in Spain, in a fresh verdict, he has again opted to not rule out one day returning to the Gunners.
Asked by Amazon Prime about coming back, he said: "Yes, why not? This is my home as well. I love this club and the people so we will see in the future. I don't know [what role I would have]. I would have to think about that but something in football for sure because that is what I love."
The door is very clearly still open in Cazorla's eyes with that stance also taken by Arteta when he was asked about linking up with his old teammate again. "Depending on the role. You know my sympathy for Santi," Arteta told Sky Sports back in April last year.
"We used to get on really, really well. I think he had an unbelievable energy that, as a coaching staff to have someone like that, that can trust with his knowledge, but his energy as well to the team. I think it’s going to be valid."
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