Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has attempted to appease his relationship with Malaga fans by saying sorry for his exit in 2012.
After guiding Malaga to Champions League qualification in the 2012/2013 season, Cazorla departed the club and joined Arsenal for a fee of £16.5m.
Malaga fans were angered by the Spaniard’s departure from the club and the manner in which he left La Rosaleda.
And, almost three years later, Cazorla has attempted to re-build his relationship with those said fans.
“I left because the club needed money,” Cazorla told Sky Sports‘ show ‘Revista de la Liga’. “Arsenal was a good opportunity, but Malaga wasn’t stable and it wasn’t clear where they were headed.
“I know that in Malaga lots of people haven’t forgiven me for the way I left. When I signed for Arsenal, everything happened so quick, I had to go to London.
“Arsenal had already started their pre-season and I had to go over there for a medical, and then I had to go to Holland to start to train with the squad.
“That all meant that I couldn’t go to Malaga to hold a press conference to say goodbye to everyone face to face.
“In the end, I could only write a letter in which I expressed my gratitude and my affection for the club. I know a lot of people didn’t like that.
“I’d like to apologise for not being able to say goodbye properly as I know that would have been the best thing. It still bothers me that I didn’t get to do that for the fans.”