Arsenal legend Santi Cazorla insists La Liga promotion playoff with boyhood club Oviedo is 'the most important game of his career' despite being two-time European champion with Spain

Cazorla returned to his boyhood club, Oviedo, after two decades in 2023 and is now on the verge of sealing a promotion back to the Spanish top division. The club finished third in the 2024-25 campaign and are now competing in the play-offs final. They went down 1-0 in the first leg away from home last weekend, and are now aiming to overturn the deficit and make it to La Liga next season.

Cazorla, who has won several major titles, including two European Championships with the Spanish national team, is at the twilight of his long professional career and is aiming to end it on a glorious note by taking his club back to La Liga.

Speaking to reporters, the 40-year-old said: "The only thing I know is that I'm going to be there no matter what. It's time to take risks, for everyone to be united in search of the last step we have left. I hope to improve as the days go by and arrive in the best condition. I'll be there for whatever the manager wants. That's what we've talked about; then he'll assess what's best for the team."

He added: "Yes, it's the most special. I've experienced many things, but what I feel for this club, and that it's coming to me at the end of my career, makes it unique. I hope it happens, regardless of whether I participate or not."

Oviedo host Mirandes in a crucial second leg encounter on Saturday at Estadio Carlos Tartiere.