Santi: Former Gunners influenced switch

Spaniard credits Pires and Cesc

By Zain Alvi | 7th August 2012

Arsenal’s latest signing Santi Cazorla has partly attributed his decision to move to North London to glowing recommendations from former Gunners Robert Pires and Cesc Fabregas.

Cazorla played alongside Frenchman Pires during the duo’s stint at Villarreal and the winger teamed up with Fabregas as recently as this summer’s Euro 2012 triumph with Spain.

After speaking to Pires, currently a free agent, and Fabregas, who joined boy-hood club Barcelona last summer, Cazorla felt re-assured that accepting the opportunity to become a Gunner this summer is the right decision.

“Everyone who has played here such as Robert Pires and Cesc Fabregas have spoken very highly about the club. I think it’s one of the greatest clubs in Europe, it is always fighting for silverware and just for those reasons it is worth trying to play at this club and in the Premier League,” Cazorla explained to Arsenal Player.

The 27-year old added: “I have spoken to Robert Pires because he played with me at Villarreal. Obviously he knew about the rumors of me coming here and always encouraged me to sign.

“He told me it was a very good club and I was going to enjoy London, the city and the move.

“The same with Cesc Fabregas. He said this was a big club and that I was going to be very happy here, he said I would adapt easily. And I can feel that.”

Cazorla becomes Arsenal’s third high-profile signing this summer following the arrival of forwards Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.