Santi Cazorla joins forces with Barcelona legend Xavi as he heads to Qatari side Al Sadd

Qatari side Al Sadd have welcomed Spanish veteran Santi Cazorla to the club, with the former Arsenal star set to be managed by his old international team-mate Xavi. 

The 35-year-old pass master makes the move east after two sublime seasons with Villarreal, having returned home when his Gunners career was cut short by injury. 

Xavi made 82 appearances for Al Sadd after leaving Barcelona as an icon in 2015, becoming their manager in 2019 after retiring from football. 

Santi Cazorla confirmed his move to Qatar side Al Sadd after letting his Villarreal deal expire

The midfielder will link up with former Spain team-mate Xavi when he makes his move east

Cazorla received a heroes send-off after a superb second spell at Villarreal, where he is an icon

Cazorla decided to let his Villarreal run down despite scoring 10 goals, providing 11 assists and making 35 appearances in LaLiga this season at the heart of the Spanish side’s midfield – helping them to a superb fifth place. 

Al Sadd welcomed the midfielder on Twitter, writing: ‘Welcome Santi to our club. Wish you all the best and that we can get many titles together. Thank you very much.’ 

Cazorla will be sadly missed at Villarreal, with the popular midfield magician having been welcomed back with open arms in 2018 after turning professional with the side 17 years ago. 

Xavi and Cazorla will hope to replicate the ex-Barcelona star’s success last season in Qatar 

At 35-years-old Cazorla is still a force and will be a huge boost to Al Sadd’s future chances 

Xavi and Cazorla lined-up together for Spain, helping Spain to two European Championships

The Spaniard was given a heroic send-off on Sunday after a 4-0 victory over Eibar, with veteran captain Bruno Soriano also taking in his last game on an emotional night. 

Cazorla told the club’s website: ‘I feel that this club is inside me. It isn’t a goodbye, it’s a “we’ll meet again”, because Villarrreal CF will always be my home.’ 

Xavi and Cazorla joined forces in Spain’s Euro 2008 and 2012 triumphs, with the latter coming on for the final 24 minutes of the ’08 final as Vicente del Bosque’s side beat Germany 1-0. 

Al Sadd are Qatar Stars League champions but sit third after 17 games ahead of the season resumption this week, with Cazorla’s new club set to face Al Khor on July 25.