It sounds like a fairytale, but it’s true: 40-year-old Santi Cazorla has led his boyhood club, Real Oviedo, back to La Liga after a staggering 24-year absence.
This incredible journey, filled with comebacks and heartfelt loyalty, saw the former Arsenal star defy all odds, even playing for a minimum salary, to secure a place in Spain’s top flight, Footballrover reports.
The unbelievable return of Santi Cazorla
His magic touch has finally brought the dream of La Liga football back to Oviedo.
Imagine coming home after decades to achieve a lifelong dream. That’s exactly what Cazorla did.
After leaving Oviedo in 2003 due to the club’s financial struggles, he carved out a brilliant career, including winning European championships with Spain and becoming a fan favourite at Arsenal despite battling a career-threatening Achilles injury that doctors feared would prevent him from even walking normally.
Yet, his heart always remained with Oviedo. He even bought shares to help save the club during another crisis years ago.
Returning to the club in 2023, he played for almost nothing, driven by pure love for the team.
Real Oviedo’s La Liga destiny sealed by a legend
The path to La Liga was dramatic. In the play-off semi-final, Cazorla came off the bench to score a decisive free kick, securing a 3-2 aggregate win.
The final was even more intense. Down 2-0, it was 40-year-old Cazorla who stepped up to convert a penalty, sparking a comeback that saw Oviedo level the tie and then win it in extra time.
Instead of a comfortable retirement, Cazorla, at 38, chose to rejoin his childhood club.
He played for a minimum wage and even donated 10% of his jersey sales back to the team. His dedication helped bring them back to Spain’s first division after a 24-year wait.
This stunning victory means Oviedo will once again grace the fields of the Spanish top flight, a proof of the club’s resilience and the enduring magic of their returning hero, Cazorla.
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