Santi Cazorla remains one of the most loved players Arsenal have had in the Emirates Stadium era.
The Spaniard was adored by supporters because of his unbelievable technical quality, his humility and the joy with which he played football.
Even after leaving Arsenal, Cazorla has continued to receive love and admiration from football fans across the world. That was evident once again on Thursday night at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ironically, Kylian Mbappe probably would not have enjoyed seeing it at all.
Would Arsenal have already won the Champions League if Arsene Wenger signed Kylian Mbappe?
Santi Cazorla and Kylian Mbappe receive completely different treatment at the Santiago Bernabeu
Real Madrid faced Real Oviedo on Thursday night in what was expected to be a routine victory for the hosts.
The 15-time Champions League winners ultimately got the win, but much of the discussion after the game focused on events away from the result itself.
Mbappe not starting raised eyebrows, especially amid growing reports of tension between the French superstar and Alvaro Arbeloa.
Things became even more uncomfortable for the forward when he eventually entered the pitch in the second half. The Bernabeu crowd booed Mbappe loudly as he came on.
Then came one of the most ironic moments of the night.
When former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla entered the pitch for Real Oviedo, the entire stadium applauded and cheered him warmly.
That reception was remarkable considering Cazorla never even played for Real Madrid. Mbappe, meanwhile, was being booed by his own supporters on the very same night.
Seeing a universally loved footballer like Cazorla receive that kind of respect probably would have hurt Mbappe even more.
Mikel Arteta should bring Santi Cazorla back to Arsenal in a coaching role
Cazorla is expected to retire from football at the end of this season following his spell with Real Oviedo.
When that happens, Arsenal should seriously consider bringing him back to the club as part of his coaching setup.
The Spaniard understands Arsenal’s culture perfectly and would immediately command respect inside the dressing room.
Young players like Max Dowman, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly could learn an enormous amount from somebody with Cazorla’s technical ability and football intelligence.
Just as importantly, his personality would make him an incredible presence around the training ground.
Arteta has already built a strong coaching group behind the scenes at Arsenal, and we think Cazorla would be a perfect fit.
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