Santi Cazorla has said he wants to “feel like a footballer again” after spending almost two years on the sidelines through injury.
The midfielder was released by Arsenal this summer after making 180 appearances for the Gunners and was signed on a free transfer by Spanish outfit Villarreal.
And the player, who last played competitive football in 2016, says he wants to live as a professional footballer again.
Cazorla told Marca, via Daily Mail: “People tell me that I have to assess where I am now and where I was 20 months ago and to think about what I have gone through.
“I am only thinking about getting rid of the pain as soon as possible because I am not enjoying what I am doing.
“I want to train with my colleagues again and to feel like a footballer.
“It is hard to express what it feels like to be out on the pitch after so much time.
“To feel like a footballer again, to feel the love of the people and the reception they gave me.”
Cazorla then thanked Villarreal for taking another chance on him, after the Spanish international returned to the club where he started his career.
“They have treated me very well from my first day here,” he said.
“It is like I had never left. The treatment from my teammates and me feeling comfortable is so important for my progression.
“I cannot really repay or reward what Villarreal have done for me. Not only when I was 18, but because they opened their doors after two years out and gave me their facilities without putting pressure on me.
“It is something that only this club can give me.”
Cazorla has made 228 appearances for Villarreal, and the La Liga side next take on Marseille in a pre-season friendly on July 21.
The post ‘I just want to feel like a footballer again’ – Santi Cazorla returns after 636 days of injury hell appeared first on Squawka News.
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