"Arsene always supported me," Santi Cazorla told the Guardian back in 2018. "He renewed my contract before the first operation, which was an incredible gesture.
"He called me in and said: 'Santi, I’m going to give you the optional year. It’s here, sign it, have your operation here with peace of mind.'
"That helped me focus on my rehabilitation without fear. I’m eternally grateful for that. I’ll always have a connection with Arsenal, so much affection."
The little magician suffered a horror ankle injury in the 2016 Champions League clash against Ludogorets.
It turned out to be his last game for Arsenal as he left the club in 2018. He joined Villarreal and played two full seasons for the La Liga side.
Cazorla currently features for Al Sadd in Qatar.
