Andre Santos claims to have only learnt how to be a full-back after move to Arsenal

The defender is currently out on loan at Gremio

Staff
Wednesday 24 April 2013 12:52 BST
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Andre Santos
Andre Santos (GETTY IMAGES)

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Arsenal defender Andre Santos has claimed he only began to learn the trade of a full-back after moving to England.

The Brazilian, signed from Fenerbahce on transfer deadline in August 2011 for a fee in the region of £5m, appeared to struggle with the defensive side of the game after his move to the Emirates.

The defender explained: “It was [in England] that I learnt I was a full-back, whose first priority is to defend properly and to get forward only when it’s necessary.”

After being heavily criticised during his time at the club, the 30-year-old was sent out on loan to Brazilian side Gremio earlier this year.

Many thought the move spelt the end of his Arsenal career, but both the player and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger have suggested he will return.

Santos added that he felt he had lost place in the Brazil team because to a lack of focus.

“I made mistakes, which were more to do with me getting distracted than anything else. You have to maintain maximum focus because there are thousands of players who want your place.”

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