Santi Cazorla Drops Teaser on Arsenal Coaching Return

Santi Cazorla has revealed his stance on a potential return to Arsenal as an assistant coach in the future.

The former midfielder was asked about the possibility of a coaching role at the club during a meet and greet with supporters, in footage shared by alex_azarm6.

When asked on a potential return to The Emirates, Cazorla replied, ‘I hope so, we will see in the future!’

The 41-year-old retired from professional football in July, bringing an end to a career spanning more than two decades. He announced the decision on Instagram, writing, ‘There are stories that don’t end... they live on forever.’

Cazorla remains one of the most popular players of the modern era at Arsenal. He joined from Málaga in 2012 and spent six years at the club under Arsène Wenger, making 180 appearances, scoring 29 goals, and registering 44 assists.

He was also a key figure in the side that ended the club’s nine-year wait for a trophy. Cazorla played a starring role in the 2014 FA Cup final against Hull City, curling in a free-kick to begin Arsenal’s comeback from two goals down, before they went on to win 3-2 after extra time. He then lifted the trophy again in 2015, as Arsenal beat Aston Villa 4-0 at Wembley.

His time in north London was cut short by injury. Cazorla suffered a serious Achilles problem in 2016 that required multiple operations, and complications from infection left him facing a long and uncertain recovery. He never played for Arsenal again after his issue, and left the club when his contract expired in 2018.

Though there were doubts that he would ever return to professional football, he returned to Villarreal, where he rebuilt his career and earned a recall to the Spain squad, adding to the two European Championships he had won with his country in 2008 and 2012.

A move into coaching would see him follow a familiar path for former Arsenal players. Mikel Arteta, who played alongside Cazorla in the Arsenal midfield, has been in charge since 2019 and led the club to the Premier League title last season. The pair formed a strong partnership in Wenger’s side, and Arteta has previously spoken warmly about his former teammate.

After hearing news of Cazorla's retirement last summer, the Arsenal boss sent a heartfelt message, 'It’s been an honour, it’s been a gift to get to know you as a person, to have been your teammate. Thank you for what you have given to football.'

He also hinted that he believes that his compatriot will serve as a good coach in the future, 'I’m sure that you are going to give much more to football in any role and any decision that you may take. I love you lots.'

Arteta has built his backroom staff with figures he knows well, most recently Gabriel Heinze, who he recently named as his 'best friend in football'. Now, he could welcome the man he shared a pitch with 98 times back to north London,