Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

Santi Cazorla teases Arsenal return as he 'considers' coaching role under Mikel Arteta

Santi Cazorla has admitted he would consider a return to Arsenal on the club's coaching staff.

The dynamic midfielder was a celebrated figure during his six-year stint at the Emirates before leaving for Villarreal in 2018.

Many regard Cazorla as one of the finest Arsenal players of the last decade, although his time with the Gunners was blighted by injury.

Now plying his trade in his Spanish homeland, Cazorla's contract is due to expire this summer.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague met with the 35-year-old veteran to discuss his plans for the future, and revealed a move back to north London could be on the cards.

Santi Cazorla could make a return to Arsenal (Getty Images)

“Basically, what may happen, he wants two more years playing. Two more years,” Balague said on his YouTube channel.

“Going back to Arsenal with Arteta is something that I think he will consider as a coach.

“I asked him about it, he said yes, he will consider as a coach when he retires but he wants to play for two more years.

"I tell you what, Mikel Arteta and Cazorla together, really good friends first of all but really good special minds of football.”

The midfielder is good friends with Arteta (C) from their days at Arsenal together (PA)

Cazorla's period at Arsenal was hampered by two serious injuries towards the back end of his stay.

In particular, complications with surgery on a nasty achilles injury almost forced the star to lose his leg.

He was robbed of an opportunity to say farewell to Gunners fans, with his last appearance coming in November 2016 - 18 months before he eventually left the club - and it seems he has unfinished business.

Cazorla has been a regular performer in La Liga with Villarreal (Getty Images)

He told Goal in January: "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. 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."

Since moving to Villarreal he has been a regular in the first-team, racking up 47 appearances last season, as well as 29 this campaign.

His form has even earned him a recall to the Spain international squad, suggesting his days of top-flight football still have some legs in them.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.