Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta have a brotherly relationship, having played together at Arsenal between 2012 and 2016.
The former is at the twilight of his football career and reports were linking him with a possible return to the Emirates to assist Arteta in a coaching capacity.
Cazorla is seen as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, with his biggest strength being his ability to use his two feet excellently.
Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta played in the midfield unit of Arsenal under erstwhile Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
Definitely, being a midfielder, who can screen a backline and drop deadly balls when need be, it is expected that the 39-year-old will flourish in his coaching career when he retires.
Noticeably, midfielders often turn out to be great managers. Names like Carlo Ancelotti, Zinedine Zidane, and Pep Guardiola all played as midfielders during their playing careers and they are excelling in their respective managerial careers.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who has brought back vigor and ambition to Arsenal also played primarily as a midfielder during his active career.
Cazorla could be mentioned amongst these illustrious names in the coming years if he does delineate his brilliance as coach of any side.
The Gunners were open to handing him the opportunity as an assistant to Mikel Arteta, but he apparently turned down the opportunity, opting to remain at Spanish second-division side Real Oviedo.
I Really Want To Return To Arsenal – Santi Cazorla Says
During a recent interview, Santi Cazorla even indicated his desire to return to Arsenal, who he played for between 2012 and 2018.
The Spaniard said: “I really want to go back. 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.”
Cazorla also touched on his relationship with Gunners boss Arteta, saying: “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.”
Had he not altered his mind against calling time on his football career, Santi Cazorla could have been offering Arteta some needed help as Arsenal aim to reclaim the Premier League title for the first time in about 2 decades.
He will certainly be bringing something new to their technical crew, as there is sometimes nothing better than being on the outside and being able to spot where the lacuna is.
Santi Cazorla At Real Oviedo
Despite Real Oviedo losing to Espanyol 2-1 on aggregate in the promotion play-off final, Santi Cazorla has opted to remain at Real Oviedo for at least one more season, having recently penned a contract extension.
Cazorla will certainly be hoping that he can help his boyhood club secure promotion to the top flight in what is expected to be his final season in the round leather game called football.
Santi Cazorla
Santi Cazorla has played for several clubs in his career, including; Villarreal, Málaga CF, Al-Sadd SC, and Arsenal.
He was a member of the La Roja side that dominated European football winning back-to-back European Championship – 2008 and 2012.
Cazorla, 39, won 2 FA Cup titles during his time at Arsenal alongside 2 Community Shields.
Santi Cazorla has made 709 appearances thus far in his career, scoring 139 goals and providing 150 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, Cazorla was capped 81 times by Spain, with the midfielder scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists.
