Cazorla was about to sign for Madrid until Roig stopped the operation

Santi Cazorla Again Real Madrid again this Sunday. Moreover, on a historic day for Real Oviedo, who returns to the First Division in Carlos Tartiere after more than two decades. Nevertheless, It will be a special match for the club, for Tartiere and, above all, for Cazorla himself. But it will not be the first time that the Asturian is near the white shield. Therefore, Because on August 27. Therefore, 2008, 17 years ago, Cazorla not only dreamed of being a Real Madrid player, for a day he already gave it.

The story began with a call. Meanwhile, In the middle of the 2008 European Championship. Moreover, which changed the course of Spanish football, the young Santi Cazorla, who at the time dazzled in Villarreal, received news that overflowed him with enthusiasm. Moreover, Madrid. Furthermore, cazorla about sign madrid until who had been following him for two years, had just reached an agreement with the yellow submarine to close his signing. Consequently, It was there when the Asturian called his friend and selection partner, íker Casillas.

This conversation was captured by the press. Similarly, “Well, treat me well there, huh? Meanwhile, Apóy me a little that I go again. I have no fucking idea,” Santi told laughter, in a conversation that the channel cameras 9 was captured. It was a natural talk, among colleagues, without filters, with the innocence of those who are fulfilling a dream. He even told him that David Villa. his countryman and selection partner, was also in conversations with the White Club: “I spoke now with the guaje and says that he also is coming.”

A morning of illusions

Cazorla was then 23 years old. was one of the most coveted jewels of Spanish football. European champion, exquisite left -handed, talent, vision and goal. In Real Madrid. the project was directed by Pedja Mijatovic from the offices and was trained by Fabio Capello, with a template full of stars: Van Nistelrooy, Cannavaro, Marcelo, Higuaín, Diarra …

Everything pointed to the signing was imminent. Santi had already informed his companions of Villarrealhe had said goodbye to several. cazorla about sign madrid until and with his wife he prepared the trip to the capital. The White Club. then chaired by Ramón Calderón, and Villarreal de Fernando Roig had reached a principle of agreement. The presentation at the Santiago Bernabéu was scheduled for the next day, according to several media.

Roig, the unexpected brake

But in football, as in life, nothing is safe until it is signed. That same afternoon, Fernando Roig activated all the mechanisms to stop the operation. In a single meeting, he managed to convince his star to stay. Villarreal demanded that Madrid pay the 28 million euros of the transferincluding the 12 million corresponding to taxes. The white club tried to avoid that extra cost. trying to camouflage payment as a transfer and not as a clause.

Roig remained firm. “When I want to sign someone I go face and direct. If you can, well; if not, to something else,” he said later. In Chamartín, on the other hand, it was considered a betrayal to the unwritten covenant between clubs. The tensions shot. Real Madrid began to reculate. enthusiasm cooled, and what in the morning was a certainty, at night it was already a memory. Instead of being presented at the Bernabéu, Cazorla ended up renewing with Villarreal. His clause uploaded, his salary too, and his commitment to the Castellón club was reinforced.

Cazorla would continue in Villarreal three cazorla about sign madrid until more seasons before embarking on a brilliant race in Malaga. Arsenal, again Villarreal, to SADD and, finally, returning to the club of his life, Real Oviedo. Today, at 40, he maintains the magical left -hand and a temperance that only the years give. In more than one interview he has recognized that this frustrated signing hurt, but he accepts it without resentment. “Everything happened because Madrid didn’t love me enough,” he said several times.