The world of football is full of beautiful stories, and this has to be one of them. After spending three years in Saudi Arabia with Al Sadd, two times Euros Champion with Spain, Santi Cazorla returned to his boyhood club, Real Oviedo, on a free transfer.

Struggling in the Segunda División, the club’s last appearance in La Liga was almost two decades ago. To help the club, the former Arsenal star agreed to play on the lowest possible wage, earning just a little over £1,000 per week. Additionally, Cazorla completely waived off his image rights, with the only condition being to reserve 10% of his shirt sales for the academy.

Interestingly, this is not the first time the little magician has helped his alma mater. Facing bankruptcy in 2012, Cazorla, along with other former Real Oviedo players, Juan Mata, Michu, and Adrián, offered financial support to the club.

Santi’s arrival was surely a success, as the club achieved their highest league position in 22 years, reaching all the way to the La Liga playoffs.