The Villarreal midfielder endured a horrific time when he was at the Emirates, but was thankful for what his former boss did for him

Santi Cazorla has thanked former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger for the incredible support he offered him during the start of his injury hell.

The Spaniard contracted an infection in his right ankle after an old injury flared up which was effectively eating away at his ankle bone and his Achilles tendon.

2 Cazorla credits Wenger after his ‘incredible gesture’ during his injury hell at Arsenal

After breaking down in tears during a Champions League game against Ludogorets in October 2016, he decided to go under the knife again in order to save his career.

But the infection had eaten away into the bone and he was now fighting to save his leg.

Cazorla lost 10cm of his Achilles tendon and had to have a skin graft from his forearm, which is why he calls himself a ‘jigsaw puzzle’.

However, it is the support from Arsene Wenger which he credits with helping him through his injury nightmare.

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Speaking exclusively to The Guardian, Cazorla said: “Arsene always supported me.

“He renewed my contract before the first operation, which was an incredible gesture. He called me in: ‘Santi, I’m going to give you the optional year. “It’s here, sign it, have your operation with peace of mind.

“That helped me focus on my rehabilitation without fear. ‘I’m eternally grateful for that.”

2 Cazorla leaves five West Ham defenders feeling confused back in 2015

Now at former club Villarreal, the 33-year-old is hoping to recapture the sort of form which had fans raving about the midfielder.

His two-footedness, skills and goals left fans in England in awe of the mercurial talent, so here’s t hoping Cazrola can get back to his best.