Cazorla Agrees To Join Xavi’s Al-Sadd
Santi Cazorla has agreed to join Qatar champions Al-Sadd, managed by former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez, after leaving Villarreal following the expiration of his contract.
Cazorla played his final game for the Yellow Submarines on Sunday as Villarreal defeated Eibar 4-0 at the Estadio El Madrigal to book a spot in next season’s Europa League via a fifth-place finish.
"We have reached an agreement with Santi Cazorla," a tweet posted by Al Sadd read.
"He will reach Doha soon to complete the formalities and join the team. Welcome to Al Sadd, Santi!
"We wish you all the best and that we can get many titles together. Thank you very much."
Cazorla said in a post on Instagram: “Happy to announce that Al Sadd will be my next team! I’m looking forward to be with Xavi and give my 100%”.
The 35-year-old Spain international has shown immense character and fortitude to bounce back from a serious Achilles injury that nearly wrecked his football career two years ago.
One of the most technically gifted midfielders of his generation, Cazorla endured a nightmarish 2-year spell on the sidelines as a series of Achilles surgeries threatened to have his foot amputated.
Cazorla spent six seasons in North London with Arsenal between 2012 and 2018, but failed to make a single appearance for the Gunners in his last 21 months at the club as a result of his achilles injury.
Cazorla joined Villareal for a third spell at the beginning of 2018/2019 season and went on to make 70 appearances in the last two La Liga campaigns, scoring 15 goals and earning a recall into the Spain national team.
The former Malaga man was part of Spain’s European championship winning squads of 2008 and 2012.
