5 Outstanding players who left Arsenal on a free transfer

Wilshere left Arsenal this summer after 10 years with the club.
Wilshere left Arsenal this summer after 10 years with the club.

#3 Santi Cazorla

Cazorla plays for his former club Villareal in La Liga now.
Cazorla plays for his former club Villareal in La Liga now.

Santi Cazorla signed for Arsenal in 2012, following stellar performances in the La Liga with Villareal and Malaga, which saw him start regularly for the Spanish national side too.

The 33-year-old spent six seasons at the Emirates, quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite and a first-team regular under Arsene Wenger.

The playmaker played a crucial role in Gunners' two back-to-back FA Cup triumphs, scoring the winning goal in the 2014 final and claiming the Man of The Mach award the next year.

His flourishing career was brought to a halt when he suffered an injury to his Achilles tendon in 2016. As a result, he would undergo eight operations and at one time was in danger of losing his leg.

Under this scenario, Arsenal decided not to extend his contract. But the Spaniard miraculously recovered from the injury and joined former club Villareal this summer. He is trying to get back on his feet and a wonder goal in Copa del Rey showed why he was so highly rated by Wenger back in the day.

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