Former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla admits he's still in pain after making his first appearance in 636 days for Villarreal

Santi Cazorla revealed that he is not yet pain-free despite making his first appearance on a football pitch for almost two years in a pre-season friendly for Villarreal.

The 33-year-old came on as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Hercules on Tuesday, playing the final 15 minutes to cheers by supporters of the club with whom he spent seven years of his career across two spells before joining Arsenal in the summer of 2012.

But while a first appearance in 636 days is a positive step for Cazorla as he battles to return from a debilitating series of problems stemming from an ankle injury sustained in 2016, the midfielder admitted after the match that he is not enjoying his situation and will not feel like a footballer again until his physical state improves further.

“People tell me that I have to assess where I am now and where I was 20 months ago and to think about what I have gone through,” he told Marca. “I am only thinking about getting rid of the pain as soon as possible because I am not enjoying what I am doing.

“I want to train with my colleagues again and to feel like a footballer. It is hard to express what it feels like to be out on the pitch after so much time.

“To feel like a footballer again, to feel the love of the people and the reception they gave me.”

Villarreal have given Cazorla one last chance to revive his top-level career after Arsenal released him on the expiry of his contract this summer, and Spaniard added that their generosity has reinforced his affection for the club where he first made his name.

“They have treated me very well from my first day here,' he added of Villarreal. “It is like I had never left. The treatment from my teammates and me feeling comfortable is so important for my progression. I cannot really repay or reward what Villarreal have done for me.

“Not only when I was 18, but because they opened their doors after two years out and gave me their facilities without putting pressure on me.

“It is something that only this club can give me.”

Cazorla was named Arsenal Player of the Season in his debut campaign in English football, and also won the FA Cup with the Gunners in 2014 and 2015 before injuries derailed his career. He was also part of the Spain squads that lifted the European Championship in 2008 and 2012.