Santi Cazorla is making an emotional return to his boyhood club (Picture: Getty Images)
Santi Cazorla is continuing to build his reputation as one of the most popular men in football as he agrees a return to his boyhood club, offering to be paid the minimum wage for the league.
The 38-year-old has signed a one-year deal with Real Oviedo, where he spent most of his youth career from 1996-2003 before moving to Villarreal.
He would go on to have an amazing career, also playing for Arsenal and Malaga, while winning two European Championships with Spain.
He may not have long left in his playing career, but the next year of it will be spent with Oviedo, signing for free and accepting the lowest wage he is allowed to be paid.
Spanish publication AS reported last year that the minimum salary in the Segunda Division is €77,500-per-year (£66,200).
The veteran has also relinquished his image rights, but requested that 10 per cent of cash from his shirt sales goes straight to the club’s academy.
A statement from the Segunda Division side read: ‘The new Carbayón 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% 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.’
Oviedo began their Segunda Division campaign on Saturday, losing 1-0 at Tenerife.
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A touch of romance from the Gunners icon.