Cazorla's recovery 'far from complete' despite first match with Villareal

Cazorla joined Villareal this summer and came on as a substitute in the teams 1-1 draw against Hercules in a pre-season friendly this week.

His feature as a substitute was his first taste of game time for 636 days.

According to the 'Daily Mail', Cazorla isn't enjoying the current injury situation, and wants to "feel like a footballer again".

However, he is still ecstatic to be back on the pitch.

Cazorla told Spanish news outlet 'Marca' that:

"People tell me that I have to assess where I am now and where I was 20 months ago and to think about what I have gone through."

"I am only thinking about getting rid of the pain as soon as possible because I am not enjoying what I am doing."

"I want to train with my colleagues again and to feel like a footballer."

"It is hard to express what it feels like to be out on the pitch after so much time."

"To feel like a footballer again, to feel the love of the people and the reception they gave me."

Cazorla has also thanked the support he received from Villareal fans.

"They have treated me very well from my first day here," he said.

"It is like I had never left."

"The treatment from my teammates and me feeling comfortable is so important for my progression."

"I cannot really repay or reward what Villarreal have done for me."

"Not only when I was 18, but because they opened their doors after two years out and gave me their facilities without putting pressure on me."

"It is something that only this club can give me."