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Santi Cazorla apologizes to Malaga fans for leaving to Arsenal

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Arsenal’s Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla plays the ball during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Queens Park Rangers at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 26, 2014. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. Restricted to editorial use. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

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Santi Cazorla is explaining his 2012 move from Malaga to Arsenal, saying the Spanish club was in desperate need of money and unstable in the front office.

The midfielder played one season at Malaga, leading the side to a fourth place finish in La Liga and first ever berth in the Champions League.

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However, the club was in poor financial standing and needed money, making the sale of Cazorla to Arsenal necessary for the club’s survival.

Today, the Gunners’ playmaker has come out and apologized to Malaga fans for his abrupt move to the Emirates.

I left because the club needed money. Arsenal was a good opportunity, but Malaga wasn’t stable and it wasn’t clear where they were headed.

I know that in Malaga lots of people haven’t forgiven me for the way I left.

Arsenal had already started their pre-season and I had to go over there for a medical, and then I had to go to Holland to start to train with the squad.

That all meant that I couldn’t go to Malaga to hold a press conference to say goodbye to everyone face to face.

In the end, I could only write a letter in which I expressed my gratitude and my affection for the club. I know a lot of people didn’t like that.

I’d like to apologize for not being able to say goodbye properly as I know that would have been the best thing. It still bothers me that I didn’t get to do that for the fans.”


A classy move by Cazorla to show respect to the Malaga fans that supported him, but he surely has made the right decision. Arsenal are currently in the last 16 of the Champions League, while Malaga was banned from European competition last season due to financial debt issues.

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While Malaga fans may still be upset over the move, Arsene Wenger is surely thrilled with the payoff. Cazorla has been outstanding for Arsenal this season, running the Gunners’ midfield while also contributing eight goals.