Villarreal star Santi Cazorla has thanked Arsenal fans for the "incomparable" warmth they showed him during his injury-hit spell.

Cazorla says he regrets not being able to say a proper farewell to them.

"Arsenal is the team who supported me so much and gave me so much love," he told Sports Illustrated.

"The warmth they have for me is often incomparable.

"It meant so much to me. Football moves us in so many ways, so when you're not playing well, you feel bad, but the fans were amazing."

He added: "It was sad to not be able to properly say goodbye to them, but I truly cherish my time there."