Cazorla: Whichever team reaches the final, I want them to win Europa League

The Gunners are far away from the section of the league they are used to. Sitting ninth in the Premier League table, they need to win the Europa League to secure a place in a European competition next season.

'Little Magician', Santi Cazorla, played for both teams who are facing each other in the Europa semifinals. Cazorla shared the pitch alongside current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and believes his countryman is the right man to lead Arsenal despite a largely unconvincing season.

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In an interview for uefa.com, Cazorla - who was Arteta's teammate in North London for four years under Arsene Wenger - told Arteta can bring Arsenal back to glory.

'I think he's the right man to take the club forward.'

'It's difficult to follow a period like Wenger's – the club has to adapt to another kind of football, another philosophy, another vision of football.

'He's got a clear idea of how he wants his team to play, they're in the semi-finals and they did well in the FA Cup [last season].

'They have been pretty inconsistent but you've got to give him time and I think they're convinced that Mikel can get a lot out of the squad and achieve big things.

'I'm great friends with him and whatever good happens to him and the club I'd be happy for them because I'm a 'Gunner'.'

Now a member of Qatar side Al Sadd and working wit Barcelona legend Xavi as his manager, Cazorla was a fan-favourite at the Emirates.

After an ankle injury cut his last two years at the club in pieces, he left north London in 2018. Despite the severe injury situation, Cazorla looks back on his team in England with a smile on his face.

He underwent eight surgeries on the problem, one leading to gangrene and doctors telling him he should be happy just to walk again after fears he could lose a leg.

'I enjoyed myself the most in the Premier League,' the Spaniard said.

'For me, playing at the Arsenal Stadium every fortnight was wonderful, in front of our fans in such a lovely and amazing stadium. It's something I really miss because it's a special feeling.

'I don't know why the fans have been so good to me as I've only done what I did at every club, trying to do things the right way and bringing something to the table, and the love they gave and still give me is priceless.

'It's unforgettable and it's down to them that I'm such a Gunner.'

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The 36-year-old played for Villarreal three times (2003–2006, 2007–2011, 2018–2020), and ahead of the second-leg of the Europa League semi-final between two of his former sides, Cazorla hopes that one of them will lift the trophy of the second best European club competition.

'The only thing I ask for is that the team that reaches the final wins it,' Cazorla said.

'I hope I can be there – I'd love to watch the Europa League final live with either team in it and, most of all, to witness the joy of the winner.'

Final will be played in Gdansk, Poland, on the 26th of May. Polish authorities agreed with UEFA that 9,500 fans are allowed to attend.