Villarreal’s midfielder Santi Cazorla will continue his career with Qatar side Al Sadd. Cazorla will be reunited with his former teammate from the Spanish national team Xavi Hernandez, who currently serves as the club’s head coach.
Cazorla leaves Villarreal as a free agent, with the club deciding not to extend his contract past this season. The 35-year-old had a productive 2019/20, scoring 11 goals and adding 10 assists.
Cazorla announced his decision via social media, saying in an Instagram video that he’s happy to join forces with Xavi once again.
Santi Cazorla started his professional career with Villarreal, spending the first seven seasons of his career before departing for Malaga in 2011. After one season with Malaga, Cazorla joined the Premier League side Arsenal.
Cazorla arrived in London as a big-time signing, but injuries prevented him from showcasing his talents in full in England. He ended up playing 180 games and scoring 29 goals in all competitions with Arsenal while helping the club with two FA Cup trophies.
After six seasons with Arsenal, Cazorla decided to return to his Villarreal, where he managed to accomplish a career renaissance in the past two years.
“I’ve had a great time, but it’s time to end this stage of my career,” said Cazorla while announcing his departure from Villarreal. “It’s a decision I’ve thought about a lot. Every game I find it harder to give 100 percent and I had to be honest with myself and the club. I feel that this club is inside me. It isn’t a goodbye, it’s a ‘we’ll meet again’ because Villarreal CF will always be my home.”
