La Liga side Villarreal have confirmed that Arsenal hero Santi Cazorla will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
The midfielder joined the Spanish side from Arsenal in 2018, in search of a way to get his career back on track after a nightmare few years blighted by injury.
The 35-year-old has done just that, playing 46 games in all competitions last season and 39 so far this campaign.
However, the midfielder is out of contract at the club at the end of the season, and it has now been confirmed that the deal will not be extended for a further season.
“Villarreal have given me everything,” Cazorla said in a message posted by the club.
“At the age of 18, they opted to sign a boy from Oviedo who knew no-one. I am proud to be able to finish my career with Bruno.
“I hope that, as happened with my previous farewell match, it will be a “see you later”.”
The Spaniard played a total of 180 times for Arsenal, scoring 29 goals and providing 45 assists between 2012 and 2018.
Speaking last month, the midfielder revealed that he already made a decision on his future.
“I have already made my decision, but right now is not the time to say anything,” he told Candena SER.
“I have an idea of what I want, but in due course I will reveal what I’ve decided. Now is not the time because we have to be focused on competing.
“[The season suspension] has helped me think, listen to my body, but I do not want to pre-empt you or to speculate too much.”
