Arsenal ace Santi Cazorla has apologised to Malaga supporters for his acrimonious exit two-and-a-half years ago.

The Spanish playmaker sealed a £16.5m switch to the Gunners in August 2012 after helping Malaga secure Champions League qualification under Manuel Pellegrini.

The swift departure irked the club's fans, many of whom have not forgiven Cazorla, and the 30-year-old admits that he still harbours feelings of guilt over it.

"I left because the club needed money," he told Sky Sports News. "Arsenal was a good opportunity, but Malaga wasn't stable and it wasn't clear where they were headed. I know that in Malaga lots of people haven't forgiven me for the way I left.

"When I signed for Arsenal, everything happened so quick, I had to go to London. Arsenal had already started their pre-season and I had to go over there for a medical, and then I had to go to Holland to start to train with the squad. That all meant that I couldn't go to Malaga to hold a press conference to say goodbye to everyone face to face.

"In the end, I could only write a letter in which I expressed my gratitude and my affection for the club. I know a lot of people didn't like that. I'd like to apologise for not being able to say goodbye properly as I know that would have been the best thing. It still bothers me that I didn't get to do that for the fans."

Cazorla has established himself as a fans' favourite in North London and has netted 29 times in his two-and-a-half year stint at the Emirates so far.