Arsenal hero Santi Cazorla has thanked his former club's fanbase for the "incomparable" warmth they showed him during his injury-hit spell - and says he regrets not being able to say a proper farewell to them.
The Spanish playmaker, 34, left the Gunners at the end of the 2017/18 campaign after becoming a firm fans' favourite at the Emirates.
After joining from Malaga in the summer of 2012, he scored 29 goals in 180 appearances and helped the team win two Emirates FA Cups and two FA Community Shields.
Cazorla was highly thought of and respected by Arsenal staff and fans, but saw his final two seasons at the Emirates ruined by a serious of problems after suffering an Achilles injury.
But the Spaniard looks back on his time in north London with fond memories and has hailed the Arsenal fans, who have come under pressure after booing captain Granit Xhaka in a high-profile falling out.
"Arsenal is the team who supported me so much and gave me so much love," he told Sports Illustrated .
"The warmth they have for me is often incomparable.
"It meant so much to me. Football moves us in so many ways, so when you’re not playing well, you feel bad, but the fans were amazing."
His latter years at the club were hindered by a series of long-term injuries and he was almost forced into retirement after undergoing 11 operations in two years.
He last appearance for the Gunners came in October 2016, though he has now revived his career after returning to Villarreal last yer.
The midfield maestro, however, admitted that it is upsetting that he was unable to enjoy a farewell match at the Emirates.
He added: "It was sad to not be able to properly say goodbye to them, but I truly cherish my time there."
