Santi Cazorla has backed his former team-mate Mikel Arteta to enjoy a ‘great career’ as manager of Arsenal.
Ex-Gunners midfielder Arteta returned to the Emirates in December after being named as Unai Emery’s permanent replacement.
The 37-year-old had spent three productive years at Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant and is one of the most highly-rated coaches in the world.
Arsenal have often flattered to deceive under Arteta – although they impressed by coming from behind twice to draw with Chelsea on Tuesday – but Cazorla has tipped his compatriot to develop into a ‘great coach’.
‘Yes, I believed he would become a manager in the future,’ Cazorla told Goal. ‘Even when I was playing with him, he showed great leadership in dressing room.
‘Some say it’s a gamble for Arsenal to appoint him, but I believe it’s a reasonable challenge. He also worked as a coach under Pep Guardiola.
‘I believe he can become a great coach. It’s not easy for any manager now to be like [Arsene] Wenger or [Sir Alex] Ferguson.
‘I can’t anticipate how long he’ll stay at Arsenal, but I believe he can also make great career at Arsenal, and he’s a proper one for Arsenal. I hope Mikel leads Arsenal well.’
Spanish midfielder Cazorla made 180 appearances for Arsenal and helped the Gunners win two FA Cups before leaving the club to join Villarreal in 2018.
The latter stages of his career in north London were plagued by injuries and Cazorla says he has unfinished business at Arsenal.
‘I don’t know if it’s possible or not, but I want to play one more game for Arsenal before I retire,’ the 35-year-old added. ‘It was a deep regret that I could never have a proper goodbye.
‘Arsenal was the biggest club I ever played for. I’m proud that I was an Arsenal player.
‘I’m especially grateful for Arsenal fans who supported me even after I left the club. I wish I can be part of the Gunners family in the future again.’
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