Santi Cazorla drops hint about his next role amid Mikel Arteta reunion rumours

Santi Cazorla retired from football earlier this summer.

The former Arsenal magician called it quits on his playing career at the age of 41, closing the book at his hometown club Real Oviedo.

His close friend and former teammate Mikel Arteta sent an emotional retirement message at the time, and has previously spoken openly about wanting Cazorla involved at Arsenal in some capacity.

Cazorla himself has not been shy about the idea either.

Now, speaking with El Larguero, Cazorla has outlined what kind of role he envisages for himself in football, now that his playing days are over.

“I don’t want to rush things, I also want to get some training. I always see myself more on the pitch,” he said. “I’m someone who likes to be close to the players on a daily basis. I see myself more in a staff role than in a sporting director position.

“So, well, I’ll try it out a bit to see what I like, and that’s why I’m telling you that I don’t want to make any decisions too quickly. Hasty decisions that I might regret in the short term.”

Arteta has shown how welcoming he is of allowing former players back into the Arsenal fold. Most notably, Jack Wilshere was brought in as an academy coach for a couple of years.

Last year, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain — another former teammate — trained with the squad as he built up fitness looking for a new club.

And even Invincibles legend Robert Pires has made semi-regular visits to London Colney.

Cazorla is someone who would obviously be gladly welcomed back — not just by Arteta but by the fans too.

But the Spaniard is understandably taking his time making that decision.