Santi Cazorla has expressed his thanks to Mikel Arteta after the Arsenal captain’s “beautiful and difficult” final experience as an Arsenal player.
Arteta, who in his matchday programme notes announced that Sunday’s game against Aston Villa would be his last for the club, was introduced as a late substitute and was instrumental in the Gunners’ final goal.
Cazorla was delighted to see his compatriot finish his Arsenal career on that “almost unbeatable” high note.
"His last game with us has been almost unbeatable. He could play and score a goal. Once he gets home today he'll think deeply about his whole career here at Arsenal"
“It's been both a beautiful and difficult day for him,” Cazorla told Arsenal Player. “There are many feelings going around in the same day.
“His last game with us has been almost unbeatable. He could play and score a goal. Once he gets home today he'll think deeply about his whole career here at Arsenal.
“We feel really grateful for him. He's been crucial for us and especially for me, as he's helped me a lot since I got here. I only have grateful words for him and I wish him the best on his next football adventure.”
Cazorla made his first Arsenal appearance since November 29 at the weekend, and was satisfied with his performance.
“I feel quite good actually,” he added. “It's true that at first it's difficult in terms of getting to the right physical tone.
“I was away for quite a long time and the Premier League is very demanding in this regard.
“As the match went along, I was feeling better. I'm very happy about how I felt today.
“In the end it was a comfortable victory and especially after Tottenham's result, it tastes much better.”
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