Former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla, aged 40, has renewed his contract with his childhood club, Real Oviedo, for another year as they prepare to re-enter Spain's top football division.
Cazorla, who rejoined Real Oviedo in 2023, was instrumental in their successful campaign last season, helping the team secure promotion to La Liga after a 24-year absence.
He notably scored the decisive goal in the La Liga 2 play-off semi-final against Almeria, coming off the bench to convert a free-kick and clinch a 3-2 aggregate win.
The former Spanish international also netted a penalty in the second leg of the final, leading the team to victory over CD Mirandes in extra time.
"With this renewal, Santi Cazorla, a symbol and emblem of Oviedo, demonstrates that dreams pursued with passion can indeed come true," stated the Asturian club.
"Real Oviedo secures the leadership of a footballer who embodies the Club's values like few others, both on and off the field."
Cazorla, who will turn 41 in December, recorded five goals and five assists in 35 matches last season.
A two-time European champion with Spain, the midfielder spent six years at Arsenal, making 180 appearances before departing in 2018.
He suffered an Achilles injury in October 2016, undergoing 11 surgeries to address the issue. One procedure resulted in gangrene, with doctors advising him to be grateful if he could walk again, let alone play football.
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