Cazorla – The manager who said he would ‘kill’ me

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has opened up about some of his memorable experiences in his international football career.

The 32-year-old is currently on the sidelines after last featuring for the Gunners in the 6-0 victory over Ludogorets back in October.

Cazorla was called upon by Spain for the first time in 2008 as they went on to win the European championship in historic fashion.

And according to the midfielder, the words which his former national team coach had for him in the dressing room were perhaps even sterner than Wenger’s.

“Luis Aragones was an amazing coach,” said Cazorla. “I think he changed the history of Spain.”

“We won the second ever [European Championship] after 1964.

“I went to his dressing room and he asked me: ‘Why are you here?’

“I said: ‘I don’t know my friend, you called me.’

“He said: ‘You are here because you are one of the best 23 players in Spain.

“He told me: ‘If you train well and you fight for the team, you will play. If you don’t do it, I will kill you.’”