Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of Spain international Santi Cazorla from Malaga. Transfer fee is expected to be around £16.5million.
Cazorla says he is excited about the prospect of playing for Arsenal after being given a series of glowing recommendations from two former Arsenal players.
“I have spoken to Robert Pires because he played with me at Villarreal,” Cazorla told Arsenal Player. “Obviously he knew about the rumours of me coming here and always encouraged me to sign.
“He told me it was a very good club and I was going to enjoy London, the city and the move.
“The same with Cesc Fabregas. He said this was a big club and that I was going to be very happy here, he said I would adapt easily. And I can feel that.”
Cazorla has also been encouraged by the success of his compatriots in the Premier League, and believes he will have no trouble adapting to life in England.
“It is clear that there are players like Silva, Mata, Torres and Reina who have been here a long time, so I also talked to them,” he said. “They have told me that it is great to play in the Premier League, they told me how the games are in England.
“They say it is different to Spain and that is true. You see Spanish players doing well here and that inspires you to come over as well. They have set an example and I hope I will adapt to the league as well as they have.”
Cazorla in heading to Germany to join his new team-mates on their pre-season training camp which is where Robin van Persie also is.