Arsenal fan-favourite Santi Cazorla has hinted at a possible return to the Emirates Stadium in a coaching capacity under 'best friend' Mikel Arteta once he puts an end to his playing career.
Cazorla made 180 appearances for the Gunners between 2012 and 2018 but had his time in England restricted due to a number of injury problems that forced him to go through 10 operations. He left in 2018 to return to Villarreal, and now finds himself in Qatar with Al Sadd.
With his 38th birthday approaching next month, the midfielder has revealed of his desire to return to the north London side for the first time since leaving when his playing days come to an end. "I have to start thinking about that (retirement)," he says. "I don't know if as a coach, a second coach (assistant manager) or sporting director.
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"My dream was to play more and more years for (Arsenal)," he said. "Of course I would like to come back. I have to wait if the club thinks about me, if I can help in something - as a coach or a sporting director."
A return to the club would see him reunite with Arteta and the prospect of working with his compatriot excites him. "When I arrived at Arsenal, I didn't speak English - nothing!
"I remember on the first day he was there to welcome me and after that, he was very important every day," he continued. "One of the best friends I have in football."
Arteta is currently enjoying his most successful period in charge of the club since taking over in 2019. The Gunners are top of the Premier League, five points ahead Manchester City, after winning 12 of their opening 14 games. And Cazorla is not surprised that the 40-year-old has stepped into coaching.
"I started to see that he wanted to be a coach," he said. "He analysed everything. He stopped the match and asked me: 'What did you see? Did you see this game? What we can change, what can we improve?'
"[He was] an amazing captain. An amazing personality... an example for everyone."
The duo remain close to this day. Cazorla still sends messages of good luck or congratulations to his former teammate. In the future, we could see the 2016 midfield partnership in the Gunners dug-out.
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