Today sees ex-Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla turn 34 and it’s given a lot of Arsenal fans the opportunity to look back at the magical Spaniard’s time at the club. The pint-sized wizard spent six years at The Emirates having signed in summer 2012 and leaving back in July, and the supporters will always look back on the Spaniard with fondness.
One of the best midfielders of the Emirates era.
Technically gifted – never complained and never gave up.
A joy to watch, on every occasion.
Happy birthday, Santi! pic.twitter.com/oiK1caFql7
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) December 13, 2018
In six years at The Emirates, Cazorla racked up 180 appearances in the middle of the park, scoring 29 goals and registering 45 assists for the Gunners. The 34-year-old also produced some magical moments that the fans still savour now, with his free-kick in the FA Cup final against Hull City, his wonder strike against West Ham and his man on the match display against Liverpool being the obvious highlights in s glittering six years.
Unfortunately for Cazorla, the wheels started to come off in his final couple of years. Arsene Wenger would have loved to have had the Spaniard available more than he was, but injuries seriously hampered his career. It was in early 2016 that he first suffered an issue in his achilles, and that problem would be on and off with him and eventually saw him miss almost two whole years of action. It’s only now that he’s been able to return to action at Villarreal, and whilst the Gunners would take him back in a heartbeat, they’re just delighted to see him back on his feet.
You can read the Arsenal fans’ thoughts on Cazorla here:
100% what a player absolutely love the guy
— darrenbyfield (@darrenbyfield) 13 December 2018
The best midfielder, you'll never know when he will use his right/left foot.. Phenomenal player
— Mtoro Mtoro (@j_mtoro) December 13, 2018
General Santi,midfield maestro!
— Ralph Ibidapo Bruce (@RalphBruce16) December 13, 2018
Imagine a santi/ torreira midfield partnership
— Nakalee (@odinaks) 13 December 2018
I wonder if we will have as talented midfielder again. A talent for the ages.
— Antoine Eloi ☮️❤ (@akatwizzle) December 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/Jesse_AFC/status/1073160896564903937
https://twitter.com/BreadmanSports/status/1073146034967248896
https://twitter.com/StantonGary/status/1073145424045858816
One of the best pic.twitter.com/aCJF0jNmQJ
— Aginho10 (@Greek2510) December 13, 2018
The Gunners will always look back on Cazorla’s time at the club happily and would love to sign another player like the veteran Spaniard.
