Villarreal trialist Santi Cazorla isn't taking anything for granted after his playing return this week.

The former Arsenal star saw action against Hercules for the first time in almost two years.

The recovery is not yet complete for Cazorla, though, and he is trying to take his progression one step at a time still.

"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," he said, as per statements released by the club.

"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."