Santi Cazorla leaves Arsenal after six years

Santi Cazorla has parted ways with Arsenal after coming to the end of his contract, the club confirmed on Monday. 

Cazorla joined the Gunners in 2012 and became a key part of the side that lifted back to back FA Cups in 2013-14 and 2014-15. 

The last two seasons, however, have seen the Spain midfielder largely inactive due to serious complications following an Achilles injury that at one point could have led to his leg being amputated.

Now Arsenal have confirmed that the 33-year-old will be a free agent over the summer, with links to Villarreal having already emerged. 

"Santi Cazorla is leaving the club after coming to the end of his contract," the club revealed on their official website.

"Santi joined us from Malaga in the summer of 2012, during which time he established himself as an integral part of the team and proved to be one of the most technically-gifted players in the Premier League.
 
"Making 180 appearances for us in six years, Santi scored 29 goals in all competitions, helping the team win two Emirates FA Cups and two FA Community Shields. 

"His importance to us was emphasised with his sublime free-kick in the 2014 Emirates FA Cup final, which sparked our unforgettable comeback to win the trophy."

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis added: “Santi is always one of my favourite players to watch. His natural ability with both feet, his speed of thought and movement were central to our best performances in recent years.

"He plays with a joy and freedom which is very rare. We wish him well for the future and thank him for his important contribution to our club.”