Arsenal legend Santi Cazorla plays role of Gandalf in epic transfer clip after staggering pay cut to rejoin boyhood club
ARSENAL legend Santi Cazorla has signed for boyhood club Real Oviedo.
The former Emirates favourite has joined Oviedo after three years in Qatar with Al Sadd.
Cazorla, 38, is a passionate Oviedo fan – but left to join Villarreal before ever playing a first team game for them.
Labelled a “magician” by fans – Cazorla’s announcement fittingly mirrored a classic Lord of the Rings scene.
Sitting in a wizard’s costume on a cart adorned with Arsenal and Villarreal shirts, Cazorla played the role of Gandalf.
The midfielder has taken a huge paycut to play for his beloved team.
Cazorla was reportedly earning around £1.3million while playing for Al Sadd.
He is now claimed to have accepted the league minimum £132,500 to join Oviedo.
In addition to this, Relevo claim that Cazorla has agreed to sacrifice his image rights.
Ten per cent of Cazorla shirt sales will be invested into Oviedo’s youth academy.
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He has signed a one-year deal with the Spanish second tier club.
Cazorla joined Arsenal from Malaga in 2012, having spent one season at La Rosaleda following a switch from Villarreal.
He spent six seasons in North London, scoring 29 goals and laying on a further 45 in 180 appearances – also winning two FA Cups.
The popular star rejoined Villarreal following his Arsenal departure, and was given an unusual welcome there too.
Cazorla appeared on the El Madrigal pitch from a glass tube filled with smoke.
He spent two seasons at Villarreal following his return, before linking up with old Spain team-mate Xavi at Al Sadd.
The former La Roja star was reportedly offered a position as part of Xavi’s backroom staff at Barcelona.
But he has elected to extend his playing career with Oviedo instead.
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