Back in 2016, then playing for Arsenal, Santi Cazorla was told by doctors that his playing days were numbered following a tendon problem in his right foot. 

Eight operations later and a move back to former club Villarreal in 2018, gave the player a new lease of life as he pushed through the pain barrier and kick-started his career at the Estadio de la Ceramica. 

Return to glory

Solid displays in the yellow shirt weren't unnoticed and the 34-year-old was recalled for international action with his cap for Spain against the Faro Islands on June 7 (2019) his first game in the Spain shirt since November 2015, a gap of 1302 days. On that November 11th night, Cazorla was on target as "La Roja" overcame England 2-0 in Alicante in an international friendly fixture.

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There was an outpouring of joy from the creative midfielder in Cadiz as he bagged his first international goal in four years and two days. Cazorla was on target in the 41st minute helping Spain double their advantage over Malta as part of a 7-0 demolition and the Asturian will be hoping to make a claim for a place on the plane as Spain with Roberto Moreno's side already assured of a place at Euro 2020.