Santi Cazorla returned to play an official match as a starter for Villarreal against Real Sociedad
Santi Cazorla got back on the pitch to play an official game after 668 days out (1 year, 9 months and 27 days). The Spaniard had not played in a game since 19th October 2016, when he played for Arsenal against Ludogorets in the UEFA Champions League. The Villarreal number 19 was a starter this Saturday against Real Sociedad at the Estadio de la Cerámica where he showed glimpses of his quality as a player. “I am very happy in that respect. After almost two years out, to come back and play as a starter and in front your fans is a satisfying feeling, although it comes with a bitter taste of defeat. I also think we deserved a lot more”, he stated.
Cazorla was very grateful: “To feel like a footballer again is something very special. A lot of hard work by a lot of people has come before this moment. I tried to enjoy it because a while ago this moment was something unthinkable. The people of Villarreal have always had a special love for me and I am eternally grateful to them. I feel like a part of this family”.
As far as analysing of the game, Santi Cazorla was regretful that the Yellows did not come away with a well-deserved victory: “The team deserved much more. Real Sociedad took advantage of our mistakes which are things that happen in football. We dominated the majority of the game and there were very positive moments. We at least deserved a draw”.
