Magician Santi aka Gandalf returns home: witty announcement video of former Arsenal star
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 17.08.23. | 17:36
Cazorla, 38, joins his boyhood club Real Oviedo on a one-year deal and will be playing in the Spanish second tier
The videos announcing the signing of a new player have become a matter of making an example in terms of creativity. However, this latest one, starring former Arsenal idol Santi Cazorla, who has returned to his boyhood club Real Oviedo, tops it all.
The Gunners favourite has penned a one-year deal with the Spanish outfit after leaving Qatari side Al Sadd where he spent three years.
The 38-year-old is known among fans as being a 'magician', with the club's unveiling of him mirroring a scene from Lord of the Rings.
🧙#RealOviedo 🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/6AdyFH2diG
— Real Oviedo (@RealOviedo) August 16, 2023
Cazorla can be seen donning a wizard costume in a cart, with Arsenal and Villarreal shirts on either side, whilst he plays the role of Gandalf.
The midfielder is reported to have taken a huge pay cut to return to Oviedo, accepting La Liga 2 minimum.
He had been earning an estimated £1.3 million while playing for Saudi Pro League side Al Sadd, while the minimum salary in the Segunda Division is €77.500-per-year.
According to the Spanish website Revelo, Cazorla has sacrificed his image rights, with ten per cent of his shirt sales being invested into Oviedo's youth academy.
Romantic move for Santi Cazorla who’s joining Real Oviedo, free transfer until June 2024 ⚪️🔵🇪🇸
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2023
38 yo midfielder will play on professional minimum wage set by La Liga 2.
Oviedo reveal 10% his shirt sales will go back to the clubs youth academy.
Back 20 years later 🔙💙 pic.twitter.com/GFQz9Aliu0
A statement from the club read: "The new Carbayon footballer, longing for the Oviedista fans, arrives free and signs for a year to go on to collect the minimum professional salary set by LaLiga for the Spanish Second Division.
"In addition, the man from Lugo de Llanera cedes all image rights to his heart's club with a single condition: 10 per cent of the sale of his shirts will be dedicated entirely to investment in the blue quarry.
"Santi Cazorla will not make statements until the moment of his official presentation."
Cazorla is primarily known for his time at Arsenal, spending six years with the Gunners from 2012 to 2018. During that time, he netted 29 goals, adding 45 assists in 180 appearances.
