Real Oviedo and Santi Cazorla bring to a close one of the most special stories in the recent history of Oviedismo. The footballer, born in Lugo de Llanera, ends his career as a professional footballer after three seasons wearing the blue jersey.
Trained in the youth ranks of the Carbay贸n club, the Asturian took his first steps at El Requex贸n before embarking on an extraordinary career that made him a reference in world football. His talent shone at clubs such as Villarreal CF, Recreativo de Huelva, M谩laga CF, Arsenal FC, and Al Sadd SC, in addition to leaving an indelible mark with the Spanish National Team, with which he won two European Championships and was part of one of the most brilliant generations in football history.
However, there was one dream that remained unfulfilled: wearing the jersey of Real Oviedo's first team. On August 16, 2023, with a career full of successes and recognition from the entire football world, Santi decided to return to the Club of his life.
His return was an act of pure Oviedismo. Cazorla decided to come back earning the minimum salary allowed by the league and donated all his image rights to the Club. In return, he only asked that 10% of the sales of his jersey be entirely dedicated to Real Oviedo's youth academy, to contribute to the growth of future generations of blue footballers.
From the very first day he returned, the midfielder acted as what he is: a role model. His leadership, commitment, and quality became an example for the locker room and a source of excitement for fans who were reunited with one of their own.
Fate reserved the best ending. After two seasons defending our badge, Santi Cazorla was a key player in achieving promotion to the First Division, a long-awaited accomplishment for all of Oviedismo and one that fulfilled the goal that brought him back home. An ending worthy of a story that seemed destined to conclude this way.
Today, his career as a footballer for Real Oviedo comes to an end, but not his bond with the Club. After a lifetime dedicated to football, the time has come to pause, enjoy a well-deserved rest, and reflect on the next step. When that moment comes, Santi Cazorla knows that the doors of Real Oviedo will always be open to welcome him. Because this will always be his home, and the Club hopes to continue sharing the future with Santi, in whatever role, capacity, or work he chooses and that makes him happy.
Furthermore, Grupo Pachuca would like to express its sincere gratitude to Santi Cazorla for his commitment, his example and for choosing to return to Real Oviedo to help write one of the most special chapters in the club鈥檚 recent history.
Thank you for believing.
Thank you for coming back.
Thank you for making the dream of all Oviedismo come true.