Spain star Santi Cazorla says he is revelling in the freedom given to him by Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger.
Cazorla, who is with the Spain squad for their opening 2014 World Cup qualifying Group I fixture against Georgia in Tbilisi tonight, told El País that it is so far, so good, since his move from Málaga to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
“I've gone to a club that is competing for titles and my aim is to enjoy playing in another league and a different culture,” the winger stated.
“They paid a lot of money for me and the role they have given me is the one that I like. I am not finding it hard to adapt. I like the way the team plays.
“Wenger's philosophy is to have control of the game and I like being in contact with the ball. The boss is putting me in a position behind the striker with all the freedom that I like to have.
“I had practically always played on the wing with freedom to come inside. Wenger put me straight into the position off the striker. He does it so we gain more possession. With Arteta, Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere – who is recovering – we will have a lot of the ball.”
The former Villarreal star, who is taking English lessons twice a week, added that compatriot Mikel Arteta has already taught him a lot of useful lessons about life in the Premier League.
“I have to understand and read the game in a different way,” said Cazorla.
“Arteta has given me a lot of advice. He told me the football is quicker and not as tactical as it is in Spain, it's more end to end.
“Mikel has taught me how to see the game and warned me that if we use the ball more quickly we will cause teams more problems and win more games.”
Cazorla clearly prefers to focus on a bright future in North London, but did have his say on a strange final few weeks at La Rosaleda before he left La Liga.
“It was chaos. There were economic problems and moments of uncertainty. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani didn't come to Málaga very often and it was difficult to get an explanation.
“When sporting director Fernando Hierro left there was nobody left to talk to. Fortunately, things seem to have been sorted out and I wish them all the best.”
The Asturian, who missed Spain's 2010 World Cup triumph because of injury, also had a word of warning for his teammates ahead of a qualifying campaign that most outside observers think will be a formality for La Roja.
“The idea of playing in a World Cup really motivates me because I missed the last one,” said the 47 times capped midfielder.
“But we have to focus on qualifying first. We have to beat Georgia. It looks like it will be between us and France, but in football you cannot underestimate anybody.
