Villareal midfielder Santi Cazorla has said he hopes to return to Arsenal as he ‘considers’ coaching role under Mikel Arteta.
Cazorla is held in high regard at Arsenal and maintains a good relationship with fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta from their time together at Arsenal as players.
Also Read: Mikel: Leaving Trabzonspor Was A Hard Decision
He 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 featuring for Villareal 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.
“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.”
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.
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.”
Cazorla helped Arsenal end their nine-year trophy drought, when he scored a superb free-kick, in the 3-2 comeback win against Hull during the final of the 2014 FA Cup.
He added another FA Cup title as Arsenal were crowned champions again the following season.
He also picked up two Community Shield titles in 2014 and 2015.
