Every football fan across the globe is happy to see Santi Cazorla playing at the highest level once again with Villarreal.

The Spaniard spent the last 636 days of his Arsenal career on the treatment table, with his last appearance coming against Ludogrets back in October 2016.

Arsene Wenger stated after that 6-0 thrashing that Cazorla had picked up a 'minor injury' but he would never play for the club again.

Complications and various infections on his Achilles tendon almost cost him his leg, while walking again was seen as the primary goal.

But against all the odds, he's back out on the pitch in La Liga and has started all three of Villarreal's games this season.

And Cazorla gave an emotional in-depth interview to Sid Lowe for the Guardian about his ordeal and remarkable comeback.

Some of the details of his injury are hard to read, but there's one excerpt about Wenger that will tug at the heartstrings of any fans - Arsenal ones in particular.

Cazorla reveals the phone call he had with his former boss before his first major operation.

"Arsene always supported me," Cazorla said. "He renewed my contract before the first operation, which was an incredible gesture.

"He called me in: ‘Santi, I’m going to give you the optional year. It’s here, sign it, have your operation with peace of mind.'

"That helped me focus on my rehabilitation without fear. I’m eternally grateful for that.”

Wow. Hard to have nothing but respect for Wenger, taking care of a stricken player in that way during his hardest period as manager at the club.

Cazorla also revealed how he will always have an "affection" with the club he excelled at for many years.

“The people love me there and I’ll always have a connection with Arsenal, so much affection," he added.

"Not being able to say goodbye playing at the Emirates is like a thorn in my side. If I had to leave, I wanted it to be in front of the fans.”