Santi Cazorla targets Arsenal return next season but injury-stricken ace admits he may forget how to play football by then
Spanish midfielder hasn't played since October 2016 after suffering infections after ankle injuries
STRICKEN Santi Cazorla has vowed to return to action for Arsenal next season - after repeatedly planning to hang up his boots.
The midfielder has been sidelined since October 2016, when damaging his ankle in a Champions League game.
Spain international Cazorla has since undergone ten operations, and suffered a series of infections. He revealed last year that he feared his foot would be amputated.
But the 33-year-old is once again walking without crutches, and aims to be match fit once more in August.
Cazorla joined the Gunners in a £10million deal from Malaga in 2012.
He said: "I had many occasions when I wanted to throw in the towel on my career.
"I was told various times that it was not worth me bothering to continue. But I am going to try to give it another go.
"If things turn out well then I will probably be able to play at the top level in the coming season. I'm going to be able to make it.
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"My last operation was six weeks ago, and it was my tenth. It could have prevented a lot of things, although it hasn't yet solved anything.
"People have far worse problems in their lives. However, this one could have made me stop playing football.
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"I don't know whether I'll have forgotten how to play. I'll do some practice, and I am very eager to return."
Cazorla also hinted at a return to his hometown club Real Oviedo. He spent seven years with them before joining Villarreal in 2003.
The midfielder added: "I would never close the door on returning to Oviedo. Spain has given me a great deal.
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"I love the Primera Liga, and going back could be an option for me in the future.
"I would struggle to be a coach. I'd have a smile on my face, and the players would not believe in me."
Cazorla has made 180 Gunners appearances, scoring 29 goals. He last figured in a 6-0 win over Ludogorets 15 months ago.