Santi Cazorla has written his name in gold letters on the list of “loyal” footballers, with a new inspiring story with his home club, Real Oviedo.
The famous Spanish star’s football career began in 1995 in his hometown club, Real Oviedo, where he progressed through the youth ranks until 2003.
A financial crisis struck the club at the time, forcing it to sell its stars, including the rising star Santi Cazorla. Cazorla then moved to Villarreal, where he began his highly successful career in the world of football.
After 21 years, Cazorla decided to return to Oviedo, almost for free, solely to serve his boyhood club and work to restore it to the top ranks.
The 41-year-old got what he wanted, leading Oviedo back to La Liga for the first time since 2001.
Cazorla played a key role in Oviedo’s 3-2 aggregate victory over Merendez in the Spanish Second Division playoffs.
Cazorla is unpaid, and when he decided to return to Oviedo in 2023, he wanted to do so for free, but Spanish laws prohibit this. He was paid the minimum wage of €80,000, most of which he donated to the club, in addition to giving up 10% of his shirt sales rights to his club.
Although he participated in Euro 2008 and 2012, winning both titles with Spain, and also played in the World Cup and the Champions League, along with numerous other important matches in the Premier League and La Liga, he considered the playoff final against Merendez to be the most important match of his career.
Unless he decides to retire, Cazorla will return to La Liga next season with Real Oviedo, and all eyes will be on what the player, whose career has been blighted by injuries, will achieve.
Cazorla suffered an Achilles tendon injury, requiring more than 11 surgeries. His career was nearly over, and some doctors even told him he would barely walk again.
Cazorla has recovered, but not as well as he did in the past, and his right foot is still not in its best condition. However, he decided to fight for Oviedo, and he has succeeded.
