Santi Cazorla back home to his boyhood club; Real Oviedo and he looks to give back to the place that forge him into the player he is today.
Santi Cazorla back home
Former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla’s return to his boyhood club, Real Oviedo, in the Spanish Segunda Division has captured the hearts of football fans worldwide. In a recent media interaction, Cazorla shared the heartfelt story behind his dream move back home.
“I would play for free, but you’re not allowed,” Cazorla quipped, showcasing his deep emotional connection to Oviedo.
The decision to rejoin Oviedo wasn’t driven by financial gain for Cazorla. He revealed, “They made a good offer. My wife said: No, no, you’re not going to Oviedo to earn, you’re going home to enjoy it, to help, to give.”
In a remarkable display of generosity and devotion to his roots, Cazorla took matters into his own hands. “I called my agent: ‘I don’t want any money.’ I told the president: minimum salary, 10% of shirt sales to the academy. It was done that night,” he explained.
This selfless act has seen Cazorla return to Real Oviedo on a minimum wage, earning €93,000, a fraction of what he could command elsewhere. However, for Cazorla, the joy of playing for his beloved club and contributing to its legacy far outweighs financial considerations.
His decision to allocate a portion of shirt sales to the academy reflects his commitment to nurturing young talent and giving back to the community that shaped him as a player.
Cazorla’s gesture has been widely praised as a testament to his character and love for the game. His presence at Oviedo not only adds experience and skill to the team but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers and fans alike.
As Santi Cazorla graces the pitch in Real Oviedo’s colors once again, his journey embodies the essence of football’s enduring spirit and the power of coming home.
