Cazorla: Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined playing for Spain again Spanish National Team Returns to La Roja for first time in four years

Santi Cazorla has admitted his surprise at being called up to the Spanish national team for the first time in four years.

The midfielder has rejuvenated his career at Villarreal this season after years of injury struggles and setbacks.

"If someone had told me this would happen at the end of this season, I wouldn't have been able to believe them," said Cazorla. "It's been two very hard years due to injury and I know that I'm at an age [34] where it's difficult to get back into the national team.

"I always try to contribute to my club and feel important. Thanks to everyone else, I've been able to rediscover my best form."

Cazorla also revealed the way he learnt about his inclusion in Luis Enrique's squad as Villarreal prepare to face Getafe on the final day of the season this weekend.

"I was told as I entered the dressing room - my teammates told me," he said. "I came in after training and everyone was singing my name. It took me by surprise and it's still sinking in. Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined it.

"I thank again Juan Carlos Herranz, the whole of Mikel Sanchez's medical team in Vitoria and my family. Without them, it would've been impossible. I'm not going to forget such an amazing year that we've all experienced."

The diminutive playmaker thinks he can make an impact with La Roja during their Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Sweden in June.

"I'm going to work and contribute," he said. "I think I can do it. My only objective was to get back to [my] peak level; it didn't matter to me if I did it in the lower leagues. I'm going to enjoy it but contribute like everyone else.

"I had wanted to go on holiday but that can wait. The important thing is to keep enjoying football and to keep enjoying the adventure that I'm having right now."

Cazorla has played a key role in keeping Villarreal in LaLiga Santander this season and he hopes that the team can improve for the following campaign.

"I'm going to keep working to maintain my form and improve next year," he said. "I hope see a better Villarreal next season. I'm waiting to speak with the club. My idea is to stay here. I have a lot to thank Villarreal for; I consider it my home."