Former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla, aged 40, has signed a new one-year contract with his boyhood club Real Oviedo as they gear up for their return to La Liga. Cazorla, who rejoined the club in 2023, played a pivotal role last season, helping Oviedo secure promotion to Spain's top flight for the first time in 24 years.

Cazorla's contributions were crucial, particularly in the La Liga 2 play-off semi-final against Almeria, where he came off the bench to score a decisive free-kick, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory. He also netted a penalty in the second leg of the final against CD Mirandes, which they won in extra time.

"With this renewal, Santi Cazorla, a symbol and emblem of Oviedo, proves that dreams, when pursued with the heart, come true," the Asturian club stated. "Real Oviedo secures the leadership of a footballer who embodies the Club's values like few others, both on and off the field."

Last season, Cazorla scored five goals and provided five assists in 35 games. The midfielder, who turns 41 in December, is a two-time European champion with Spain and spent six years at Arsenal, making 180 appearances before departing in 2018.

Cazorla's career has been marked by resilience, particularly after suffering an Achilles injury in October 2016. He underwent 11 operations, one of which led to gangrene. Doctors initially told him he should be satisfied just to walk again, let alone play football. His comeback is a testament to his determination and love for the game.