SANTI CAZORLA was given a standing ovation by the Spanish fans after netting his first goal on the international stage for four years.
The 34-year-old tucked home Spain’s second goal during their 7-0 win against Malta in their Group F Euro 2020 qualifier that secured top spot for Robert Moreno’s men.
Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla netted his first national team goal in four years last night
Cazorla’s strike – his first since November 13, 2015 – completes his incredible journey with the midfielder only returning to football last year after doctors feared he’d never walk again.
Cazorla had eight operations on his ankle, before he had to have skin grafted from his left arm to his right ankle after contracting an infection.
After being released by Arsenal last summer having failed to play since November 2016, the little magician has rediscovered his best form at Villarreal.
His dazzling displays with the Yellow Submarine earned him a recall back to the national team in the summer, and he is making the most of his opportunity in the side.
He was replaced in the 53rd minute last night for Paco Alcacer, with fans at the Ramon de Carranza rising to their feet to applaud the two-time FA Cup winner.
SANT-SATIONAL
Spain boss Moreno praised the performance of Cazorla, as he said: “What Santi’s achieving, his form, after what he went through for nearly three years with his terrible injury problems, is exceptional.”
Gunners fans have called on the club to re-sign the two-time Euro winner, as one supporter tweeted: “Arsenal please bring Santi Cazorla back.”
Another commented: “Can we buy Santi Cazorla back from Villarreal?”
A third added: “Bring Cazorla back to Arsenal he’s still got it.”
Cazorla revealed earlier in the week that he would love to return to the Emirates in any capacity, he said: “When you are at a big club like Arsenal, sometimes you don’t realise what it means to be there until you are gone.
“I never got to say a proper goodbye. It was the biggest team I played for in my career and I miss everything about Arsenal.
“I don’t know what my legacy is there, you would have to ask the fans, but I want to say thank you to them all. I would like to play at the Emirates one last time before I retire.
“I don’t know what I will do afterwards – maybe a coach, maybe a sporting director – but I would love to go back to Arsenal.”
Arsene Wenger has been appointed Fifa Chief of Global Football Development
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
