Villarreal midfielder Santi Cazorla has named Liverpool legend and current Rangers manager Steven Gerrard as a role model.
The 33-year-old Spaniard returned to the Yellow Submarine this summer from Arsenal thus ending a ending a six-year stay in north London.
During his time in the Premier League he faced Gerrard on numerous occasions and their paths crossed when the former Red brought his Gers side to Spain for a Europa League showdown which led to Cazorla’s revelation.
“Gerrard is a role model for me and always has been, so it’s special to face him again,” he told reporters on Wednesday ahead of Villarreal’s showdown with Rangers.
“I was lucky to come up against him when he was at Liverpool. He’s someone I have always admired and wish him all the luck as a manager but just no against us!”
Cazorla’s wish did not come true as Villarreal and Rangers played out a 2-2 draw this despite Javier Calleja’s side taking the lead twice.
Villarreal’s second came via an assist from Cazorla, the Spaniard’s first in European competition since October 2016 when he did so for Arsenal against Ludogorets in the Champions League – which would turn out to be his final appearance for the Gunners.
The game against Rangers also saw the former Arsenal man skipper the side as he completed the full 90 minutes.
Since returning, following a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a serious ankle injury, the Lugo de Llanera-born footballer has featured across four matches in all competitions.
The post Cazorla: Gerrard is a role model for me appeared first on Squawka News.
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