Asturias, July 2 -- Former Arsenal and Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla has announced his retirement from professional football, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career spanning more than two decades.

According to Goal.com, the 41-year-old called time on his playing days after helping his boyhood club, Real Oviedo, secure promotion to La Liga, completing an emotional full-circle journey at the club where his football story first began.

Cazorla confirmed his decision through an emotional message on social media, describing it as the most difficult decision of his career while reflecting on the highs, setbacks and ultimate return to where it all started.

"We think life goes in circles until we realise that some stories never reall...