Mikel Arteta with an emotional message to Santi Cazorla after his retirement

Mikel Arteta expressed his emotion and great gratitude to Santi Cazorla, who announced the end of his football career. Following Cazorla's decision to retire from professional football, Real Oviedo shared a message from the Arsenal manager to the Arsenal fan favorite. “It was an honor and a gift to get to know you as a person, to be your teammate,” Arteta said. “To be with you in everything that has happened in your career and what you have become, and especially in the legacy you will leave in football and among the people who were with you.” Arteta continued: "Thank you for what you have given to football. Thank you for the ever-present smile, both on your face and on the faces of those around you. Ending the cycle is difficult for you, knowing your passion for this game, but I am sure you will continue to have a lot to offer football in whatever role you decide to take on. All of us at Arsenal send our love to you and hope you feel it from London."  Cazorla, who admitted earlier this year that he had made up his mind about his future, finally announced his retirement after Real Oviedo failed to stay in La Liga. The Spanish midfielder was a key contributor to Oviedo's return to the top flight, allowing him to leave with his head held high. Cazorla won praise from Arsenal fans, winning two FA Cup trophies, including his unforgettable free-kick in the 2014 final. In addition to his success with Arsenal, he also enjoyed success with Villarreal, Al Sadd and the Spanish national team, being part of the team that won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012. In 2025, he helped Real Oviedo win the Segunda Division play-offs. --- ## Related Articles 1. [La Liga](https://azkalsgoal.com/fil/news/ulat-chelsea-tumititig-sa-left-back-ng-real-madrid-na-si-alvaro-carreras-para-sa-tag-init-na-transfer) 2. [Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid'e Dönüşüyle İlgili Beklentileri Artırdı](https://tophaber.com/haberler/jose-mourinho-real-madride-donusuyle-ilgili-beklentileri-artrd) 3. [La Liga](https://azzurrigoal.com/it/news/thiago-definisce-pedri-il-miglior-centrocampista-del-mondo-in-mezzo-ai-paragoni-con-iniesta)