Santi Cazorla admits he was thrilled to play for Villarreal in defeat to Real Sociedad on Saturday.

The former Arsenal midfielder, after almost two years on the sidelines due to injury, saw action for Villarreal as they lost their opening game of the new season.

Despite the result, the match was a personal triumph for Cazorla, who stated afterwards: "It's a special day to play again, but bitter because we could not get the three points and the loss was undeserved.

"I am a bit tired in the second half, but it's a matter of getting a rhythm and I'm satisfied with that.

"We have done very good things today, we have to improve, there is a long way to go."