Santi Cazorla set for one last ride as he plays one last season with his childhood club Real Oviedo in La Liga.
The 40-year-old Santi Cazorla is still moved by his son Enzo’s remarks as he gets ready for his final season playing for his boyhood team, Real Oviedo.
All Enzo wanted was to watch his father play again, even though the former Arsenal midfielder missed two years due to ankle problems that nearly resulted in his leg being amputated.
Cazorla was about to give up after 636 days, 11 surgeries, and gangrene that ate into his Achilles, but Enzo, his now-15 wife Ursula, and his 12-year-old daughter India kept him going.
He has been permitted to terminate his career on his own terms. Having helped Oviedo, the team he left in 2003 without playing a first-team game, win the Segunda Division play-offs last season and return to La Liga for the first time in 24 years, this one has come full circle.
After signing his last contract, a one-year one, three weeks ago, the lifelong Carbayones supporter will have a dream ending.
“This will be my last season, I have to listen to my body and it’s already asking me,” added Cazorla.
“When I was a kid I always dreamed to play in the club and I’m here now – lucky and able to play with my club in the top division.
“I love to play football, but as with everything you have to know when it is the end. I have a lot of problems, pains every day.”