Mikel Arteta says Arsenal released the most underrated player he ever played with

Mikel Arteta’s complete focus is on management these days, but he does look back on his playing career from time to time.

The Spaniard didn’t reach the heights that his good pal Xabi Alonso did, but he still had a fantastic career at the top level.

Arteta’s big break came at Paris Saint-Germain, and he then played for Rangers and Everton before getting his move to Arsenal.

The midfielder played with several players across different clubs, but the most underrated of them all was someone he shared the pitch with at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta says Santi Cazorla is his most underrated teammate ever

Arsenal signed Santi Cazorla from Malaga in the summer of 2012, a year after Mikel Arteta joined the club.

The little magician became an instant fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium, and he produced a number of incredible performances.

Arteta and Cazorla built a fantastic relationship on and off the pitch, and that has remained strong even to this day.

That’s not just because Cazorla is a nice person to be around, but he was a truly incredible footballer as well.

However, the Spain international doesn’t really get mentioned when we’re talking about the best midfielders we’ve seen over the last 15 years.

That is perhaps why Arteta feels he isn’t appreciated enough.

During an interview on the Viaplay network, the Arsenal manager was asked to name the most underrated player he ever played with.

He replied: “Underrated? I think Santi Cazorla should be on the table as one of the best!”

Mikel Arteta must bring Santi Cazorla back to Arsenal

Arsenal fans still absolutely adore Cazorla, who never really got a proper farewell as he was injured when he was released at the end of his contract in 2018.

The 41-year-old retired from the game at the end of last season, so we won’t be seeing him don the red and white again.

However, Cazorla recently claimed that he wants to become a coach more than a sporting director because he wants to be closer to the pitch.

Arteta should use that opportunity to bring Cazorla back to Arsenal in some coaching capacity, because there are several players who will benefit from his knowledge and experience.

Moreover, fans will love seeing him back too, which is why this is the right thing to do.