Santi Cazorla, the former Arsenal midfielder, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at 41. During his tenure with the Gunners, he made 180 appearances and netted 29 goals, securing two FA Cup titles. Notably, he converted a crucial free-kick during the 2014 final against Hull City and achieved international success by winning the European Championship twice with Spain.
His career faced a severe threat in 2016 when he developed gangrene after surgery. Against all expectations, he underwent 11 procedures and made a full recovery to continue playing, ultimately finishing his career with a three-year stint at his youth club, Real Oviedo.
Reflecting on his departure, Cazorla expressed his gratitude in a social media video, noting that ending his journey at his home club felt perfectly aligned. Real Oviedo praised his selfless return to the team, stating he played for the league’s minimum wage and donated his image rights. Furthermore, he requested that a portion of his jersey sales be invested directly into the club’s youth academy to support future talent. The team has welcomed him to remain in any capacity he desires.
