Santi - I train happy and play happy

Santi Cazorla says his secret to success is that he simply loves football - and that is why he always plays with a smile on his face.

The Spaniard wrote his name into Arsenal’s history when his free-kick sparked their fightback in the FA Cup final in May, but Cazorla doesn't just get a kick out of the most memorable moments.

“For me the most important thing is to enjoy myself when I play,” he told Arsenal Player. “Football is my life and if I don’t enjoy the game then I will have a problem in my career.

“I’ve been playing football since I was seven and I always enjoyed playing with my brother and friends on the street. Now I enjoy playing with my team-mates and that is the most important thing in football. I am very lucky to play big games in the Premier League and Champions League.

“Football is my job and I always play for the fans and the club. It’s always important for the players to feel happy on the pitch, in training and in the dressing room. I try every day to be happy for my team-mates.

“Sometimes it’s good to always be happy and sometimes it’s not that good. Having a good atmosphere around the club is important for me and the team. It’s the same on the pitch - if you train happy, you will play happy.

“Winning the FA Cup was one of the best moments of my career and I always thank my fans because I love the song they sing for me. They mean a lot to me and I hope we can win another trophy for them this year.”