Villarreal chief Fernando Negueroles admits Santi Cazorla has surprised them.

After almost two years on the sidelines at Arsenal, Cazorla has starred for Villarreal in his playing comeback this season.

Negueroles said: "He wanted to keep playing and, really, he has surprised us all.

"We did not think he could be so good at this point and we're sure he is going to be even better."

On the swap involving Carlos Bacca for Samu Castillejo, now of AC Milan, he added: "Sincerely we did not think that Castillejo could leave, it did not enter into the plans, but an interesting offer arrived and that allowed us to count on Bacca."