Overview
- Cazorla announced his retirement in an emotional social‑media video on Thursday after a 23‑year professional career.
- He finished his playing days at Real Oviedo after rejoining the club in 2023 and accepted the league minimum salary while donating his image rights to the club.
- Real Oviedo said Cazorla asked that 10% of sales of his jersey be dedicated to the club’s youth academy and invited him to remain in any off‑pitch role he chooses.
- Across his career Cazorla won two European Championships with Spain, made 180 appearances for Arsenal and helped the Gunners win back‑to‑back FA Cups in 2014 and 2015.
- His public legacy is defined by a near‑career‑ending ankle infection that required multiple operations and skin grafts and by a rare comeback that let him play into his 40s, captain Oviedo to a 2025 promotion and finish at his childhood club.