Cazorla Extends Real Oviedo Contract After Promotion

Santi Cazorla, the 40-year-old Spanish midfielder and former Arsenal star, has signed a one-year contract extension with Real Oviedo, his boyhood club, following their promotion to LaLiga for the first time since 2001. Cazorla played a pivotal role in Oviedo's promotion, scoring decisive goals in both the semi-final and final of the play-offs. After initially coming through Oviedo's youth ranks, he returned in 2023 following spells with Villarreal, Arsenal, and Al Sadd, and accepted a minimum salary to support the club. His leadership and experience, including overcoming a career-threatening Achilles injury and winning two European Championships with Spain, have made him a symbol of Oviedismo. The club and its supporters view Cazorla’s contract renewal as a crucial part of their return to Spain's top flight. The extension underscores both his importance on the field and his inspirational role for the team.