Arsenal legend decides against Gunners return and signs new contract despite revealing talks to reunite with Mikel Arteta

Arsenal legend Santi Cazorla had revealed that he had talked to Mikel Arteta about a potential return, however that is now unlikely to happen.

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Article continues below

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• Cazorla signs new deal with Oviedo
• Had revealed discussions with Arteta
• Talked about a return to Arsenal

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Cazorla, who is now 38 years old, is still playing football unlike his former team-mate Arteta. The former Arsenal midfielder is currently with the Spanish second-tier side, Real Oviedo. Cazorla had revealed he had talked to Arteta about a potential return but maintained that that wouldn't happen anytime soon as he was focused on Oviedo.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Last weekend, Oviedo and Cazorla fell agonising short as they lost 2-1 on aggregate to Espanyol in the promotion play-off final. However, the Spaniard has decided to stay put at his boyhood club as he signed a one-year extension as he hopes to give the club one last gift and take them back to the Spanish first division.

• WHAT CAZORLA SAID

  Speaking to Sky Sports earlier this month, Cazorla said: "I have a very special affection for Arsenal. I spent six wonderful years there and I know how much all the people love me there.

  "Of course, I was fortunate to share a dressing room with Mikel Arteta and now he is the manager. We had conversations about that but right now I am not focused on anything other than contributing to this club, Oviedo, and continuing to enjoy football as a player.

  "After that, we will see what the future holds for me. It is clear that Arsenal is a club that has always left the door open to me to return. But right now, I have enough on my mind with the play-offs and trying to enjoy the last days of my playing career."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR CAZORLA?

  It is likely that when Cazorla decides to call it a day on his playing career, he will return to the sport in a coaching role. The highly-praised Spaniard was known for his awareness and tactical flexibility alongside his supreme control on the game around him.