Former Spain midfielder Cazorla retires at 41

Santi Cazorla, the celebrated Spanish midfielder known for his time at Arsenal, has officially retired from professional football at the age of 41. The announcement came on Thursday, marking the end of a distinguished, albeit injury-plagued, career spanning over two decades.

Cazorla concluded his playing days with his boyhood club, Real Oviedo, helping them achieve promotion to La Liga in 2025 and competing in the Spanish top flight during his final season. In a poignant video shared on X, Cazorla reflected on his career's end, stating, “Now that everything is ending, when the boots are being hung up, and the noise is turning into silence, everything fits together, because the ending wasn’t just anywhere, I was at home.”

His journey began in Oviedo's youth system before moving to Villarreal. He joined Arsenal in 2012, where he spent six successful years, winning two FA Cups in 2014 and 2015. Cazorla was also a key part of Spain's national team, lifting the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, though a persistent injury prevented him from participating in their 2010 World Cup victory.

After his spell in London, Cazorla returned to Villarreal, then played for Qatari side Al Sadd, before rejoining Real Oviedo in the second division in 2023. In a testament to his dedication, Oviedo noted that Cazorla returned to the club earning the minimum league salary and donated all his image rights. He requested only that 10 percent of his jersey sales be directed to the club's youth academy to foster future generations of players. Real Oviedo expressed their desire for him to remain involved with the club in a capacity that brings him happiness.

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Now that everything is ending, when the boots are being hung up, and the noise is turning into silence, everything fits together, because the ending wasn’t just anywhere, I was at home