Santi Cazorla, that bloody legend, has done it again! The footy genius has won the Euros twice with Spain, but nothing compares to getting his childhood team, Real Oviedo, promoted to LaLiga. What a moment!
Cazorla's Stunning Comeback
The captain of Real Oviedo, Cazorla, achieved this incredible feat on Saturday night with a mind-blowing comeback victory over Mirandes. After losing the first leg 1-0, Oviedo went behind early, but our man Cazorla equalised from the spot, and Ilyas Chaira forced extra time. Then, Francisco Portillo scored a 103rd-minute winner to take Oviedo back to the top flight for the first time in 24 bloody years!
A Painful Ascent
This isn't some miraculous rapid ascent like those muppets at Wrexham. No, this is a painful one. The Asturias team faced bankruptcy twice and was out of the professional leagues ten years ago. But in 2012, the richest man in the world, Carlos Slim, gave the team a surprise cash boost, and three years ago, Grupo Pachuca took over to finish one of the hardest jobs in European football.
Cazorla's Unbelievable Recovery
And there to see it all and play a key role was one of their finest academy products, Cazorla, who faced just as much upheaval in his own life. The two-time FA Cup winner with Arsenal contracted gangrene in his foot during an operation in 2016. He was told he'd likely never walk again as he lost inches from his Achilles tendon. But after an operation that saw a skin graft taking a tattooed section of his arm to his ankle, he completed an astonishing recovery.
Cazorla's Connection to Oviedo
Cazorla explained his connection to Oviedo, saying, "What I feel at this club is different from any other, because in the end, I grew up in this youth academy, I'm from Oviedo, I have all my friends and family here, I'm from Oviedo and I will be all my life."
The Future of Cazorla and Oviedo
When asked about his future, Cazorla said, "I don't know... I haven't decided yet. Today I want to celebrate, I want to be calm." He added, "I'll talk to the club to see what they think, what they think is the best for everyone. As long as I'm excited and the club has its doors open, I'll consider it."
But let's be real, after such an incredible achievement, it's safe to assume he'll be meeting Alonso in LaLiga next season. What a bloody legend!
