Santi Cazorla has been officially presented as a Villarreal player after penning a one-year contract with the option of a further season.
The former Arsenal player suffered numerous injury problems whilst with the Gunners that kept him out almost two years, and was released at the end of last season, before earning a trial with the Yellow Submarine that has now been made into a permanent deal.
The 33-year-old was unveiled a spectacular presentation inside the Estadio de la Ceramica, where he appeared from inside a glass capsule on a plinth in front of 4,500 spectators.
Cazorla played for Villarreal between 2003 and 2011 – either side of a season with Recreativo de Huelva – before he signed for Malaga, and was clearly emotional.
“It was worth all the suffering just for this moment and I will now give everything I have to play at the highest level,” Cazorla told gathered media.
“I have nothing but praise for Villarreal and this is just an example of the President and the club.
“I want to enjoy things, but I am also demanding and want to keep on improving. I still have some pain but I want to take that away and make things better.
“I have been moved because I have many feelings and memories, so I hope I can continue to do beautiful things, as I did in the past.
“I’ve found things different. I am older now and can contribute other things to the youngsters. The club has grown in terms of facilities.
“On a football level it has not been hard for me to adapt. Everyone has welcomed me and that made things much easier,” he explained.
