David Silva faced Arsenal many times when he used to play for Manchester City.
The Spaniard was absolutely incredible in the Premier League and is one of City’s greatest-ever legends, alongside the likes of Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany.
Silva had a spell at Real Sociedad after he left the Etihad Stadium before announcing his retirement from professional football in 2023.
Even though he has been out of the game for two years, Silva’s name will be among the first to spring to mind when you hear the word ‘magician’.
Now, he has hailed one of Arsenal’s former magicians.
Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty ImagesDavid Silva says Arsenal hero Santi Cazorla is the best crosser he has ever seen
Santi Cazorla spent six years as an Arsenal player before he was released in 2018.
The Spaniard became an instant fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium, and even though it has been seven years since he left the club, he still receives the same love today.
Cazorla was a phenomenal footballer.
Much like Silva, he was often the shortest player on the pitch, but he had the ability to humiliate anyone when he had the ball at his feet.
One of Cazorla’s best skills was crossing the ball. He could do it perfectly with both feet – not just in open play, but also from corners and free-kicks.
Silva seems to have been very impressed with that ability, so when asked to name the best crosser of the ball while building his perfect player, he said on the Champions League’s social channels: “Santi Cazorla!”
The door is open for Santi Cazorla to return to Arsenal
Cazorla is 40 years old now, but he is still playing in La Liga for Real Oviedo.
Nothing’s official just yet, but there is a feeling that this will be the former Gunners star’s last season as a player. He is expected to hang up his boots at the end of this campaign.
Arsenal fans would love to see Cazorla back in a coaching capacity, and that door is very much open.
Arteta has already said there is room for Cazorla’s ‘unbelievable energy and knowledge’ on his coaching staff at Arsenal.
It would be great to have Cazorla back, but as things stand, it’s just a dream.