Villarreal reveal Santi Cazorla in a plume of smoke

Villarreal have taken the tradition of presenting new signings to a crowd to another level after Santi Cazorla magically appeared from a plume of smoke in the centre of the pitch.

The bizarre presentation started off with an empty capsule on a platform inside the Estadio de la Ceramica before it began to fill up with white smoke on Thursday evening.

As the anticipation builds, the 4,500 supporters wait with bated breath as the Spanish announcer presents the main attraction - the return of Cazorla.

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As the thick white smoke disperses, the 33-year-old midfield magician is stood  inside the tube with his arms folded and a grin on his face.

Cazorla originally started his professional career with Villarreal B team in 2003, before going on to enjoy another spell at the club in 2007 after leaving a year earlier for Recreativo Huelva.

He has signed a one-year deal with the La Liga side having left Arsenal earlier this summer with the playmaker's last official match for the Gunners against Ludogorets on 19 October 2016.

The former Spain international had spent 646 days on the sidelines due to an Achilles injury until featuring for Villarreal in a friendly last month.

Cazorla said after his presentation: 'I return to my house, I am eternally grateful to Villarreal  for giving me unconditional support and always opening the doors.'

Villarreal kick off their season against Real Sociedad on August 18.