Cazorla reaches agreement with Qatari club Al Sadd

Qatari side Al Sadd have reached an agreement to sign Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla, the Qatar Stars League club announced on Monday.

The announcement came after the 35-year-old midfielder confirmed his departure from La Liga side Villarreal.

Cazorla played his final game for Villarreal on Sunday as they ended their league campaign with a 4-0 win over Eibar to finish fifth in the standings.

They also secured 2020/2021 UEFA Europa League qualification.

Al Sadd are managed by Cazorla’s former Spain team mate and FC Barcelona midfielder Xavi, who recently renewed his managerial contract for the 2020/2021 season.

“We have reached an agreement with Santi Cazorla,” Al-Sadd said on Twitter. “He will reach Doha soon to complete the formalities and join the team.”

Cazorla had three stints at Villarreal, making more than 300 appearances and registering 57 goals and 57 assists.

The Spaniard also spent six seasons at English Premier League (EPL) side Arsenal where he won the FA Cup twice.

But his appearances in his final two seasons with the club were limited due to a foot injury that threatened to prematurely end his career.

Capped 81 times by Spain, Cazorla was also a member of the squad that won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012