Ex-Arsenal star Santi Cazorla admits he’s playing through pain barrier after making Villarreal return
Spanish playmaker endured two years of injury hell at the Emirates and has been handed chance to kick-start career with his former club
SANTI Cazorla admits he is playing through the pain barrier after his first game in nearly two years.
The 33-year-old former Arsenal star has battled back from a series of career-threatening injuries but failed to regain fitness in time to earn a new deal at the Emirates.
Cazorla returned to Villarreal after six years in North London and ended 636 days of injury hell when he played 15 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Hercules on Tuesday.
But the Spanish playmaker admitted he did not enjoy his return to action.
Cazorla even suggested he will not feel like a footballer until he returns to full fitness.
He told :“I am only thinking about getting rid of the pain as soon as possible because I am not enjoying what I am doing.
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"I want to train with my colleagues again and to feel like a footballer.
“It is hard to express what it feels like to be out on the pitch after so much time.
"To feel like a footballer again, to feel the love of the people and the reception they gave me."
Carzorla was crocked in October 2016 against Ludogorets and has had TEN operations on his ankle to save his career.
The La Liga side have given the schemer a chance to play again and the kindness shown to him has reinforced his love for the club.
He added: “They have treated me very well from my first day here.
“It is like I never left, the treatment from my team-mates and me feeling comfortable is so important for my progression.
“I cannot really repay or reward what Villarreal have done for me.”