AE Sports

Cazorla urges Casilla and Mata to leave

Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla has urged Real Madrid captain to follow the footstep of Metsu Ozil by leaving the Santiago Bernabeu in search of first team football elsewhere.

Cazorl, who said he leans from Ozil everyday encouraged Casilla to try playing elsewhere.

“Casillas should try playing somewhere else,” the ex-Villarreal and Malaga star said of his Spain teammate. “I learn from Ozil every day; having him with us at Arsenal is a great opportunity.” He added.

Mesut Ozil jumped ship from the Santiago Bernabeu for the Emirates Stadium at the start of the season, and Cazorla, who left La Liga for England in 2012, thinks Diego Lopez’s deputy at the Blancos should follow suit.

The 29-year-old also mused that Chelsea winger Juan Mata, another Spaniard who is struggling to get regular game-time, will depart Stamford Bridge in 2014 at this rate.

“If Mata doesn’t play he will want to leave Chelsea, that’s obvious,” Cazorla said.

Cazorla scored both of the Gunners’ goals as they defeated relegation-threatened Fulham 2-0 on Saturday to ensure they stay top of the Premier League with 22 games gone.