Former Arsenal and Spain star Santi Cazorla announces retirement at 41

Santi Cazorla, the former Arsenal and Spain midfielder, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 41. The playmaker ended his career at boyhood club Real Oviedo, where he returned in 2023.

Cazorla made 180 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 29 goals and winning two FA Cups. He also earned 81 caps for Spain, winning two European Championships in 2008 and 2012, and was part of the 2010 World Cup-winning squad.

A remarkable recovery

Cazorla's career was nearly cut short in 2016 when he contracted gangrene in his right elbow following surgery. He underwent 11 operations and spent 668 days on the sidelines before returning to play for Villarreal in 2018.

• Returned to boyhood club Oviedo in 2023, taking the minimum salary allowed by La Liga.
• Donated all his image rights to the club, asking that 10% of jersey sales go to Oviedo's youth academy.
• Scored a famous free-kick in the 2014 FA Cup final against Hull City.
• Considered one of the finest midfield technicians of his generation.

Oviedo have expressed their desire to keep Cazorla at the club in any capacity he chooses. In a retirement video, Cazorla said, 'Now that everything is ending... the ending wasn't just anywhere - I was at home.'

Cazorla's retirement marks the end of a career defined by skill, resilience, and loyalty. His legacy extends beyond trophies to the profound impact he had on every club he represented.