Despite holding talks with Mikel Arteta over a potential return to Emirates Stadium, Arsenal legend Santi Cazorla has signed a new contract with Real Oviedo.
Cazorla, who is now 38 years old, had revealed that he had talked to Mikel Arteta about a potential return to Arsenal.
Speaking to Sky Sports earlier this month, Cazorla said: “I have a very special affection for Arsenal. I spent six wonderful years there and I know how much all the people love me there.
“Of course, I was fortunate to share a dressing room with Mikel Arteta and now he is the manager. We had conversations about that but right now I am not focused on anything other than contributing to this club, Oviedo, and continuing to enjoy football as a player.
Santi Cazorla of Real Oviedo looks on during the match between Albacete BP and Real Oviedo (Photo by Mateo Villalba/Getty Images)
“After that, we will see what the future holds for me. It is clear that Arsenal is a club that has always left the door open to me to return. But right now, I have enough on my mind with the play-offs and trying to enjoy the last days of my playing career.”
Though Oviedo and Cazorla lost 2-1 on aggregate to Espanyol in the promotion play-off final, the Spaniard has decided to stay put at his boyhood club.
Cazorla signed a one-year extension as he hopes to give the club one last gift and take them back to the Spanish first division.
It’s left to see if Cazorla will make a return to Arsenal either as a player or part of the coaching staff.
