Brazilian left back Andre Santos joined the Gunners from Fenerbahce in August 2011.
An attack-minded full back firmly in his country’s mould, Andre made an immediate impact - scoring in only his third game for the Club as Olympiacos were beaten 2-1. He continued to impress during his first few months, a fine goal in the 5-3 win at Chelsea a particular highlight as he produced technically-accomplished performances at both ends of the pitch.
Andre Santos Profile |
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| Born |
March 08, 1983
Sao Paulo, Brazil |
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| Position: |
Defender |
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| Squad Number: |
11 |
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| Previous Club(s) |
Fenerbahce, Corinthians, Atletico Mineiro (loan), Flamengo (loan), Figueirense |
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A knee injury, sustained in December’s return fixture against Olympiacos, ruled Andre out for three months just as the player himself admitted he was acclimatising to English football. He returned to action in March and would play an important role in the team’s 2011/12 destiny, finding the net again in the decisive 3-2 win at West Bromwich Albion that confirmed Champions League participation for this season.
A vastly-experienced player who has represented Brazil on more than 20 occasions and won the 2009 Confederations Cup, Andre began his career with Figueirense, spending loan spells at Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro - scoring 17 goals in 28 games for the latter from his old left-wing position.
A year after joining Corinthians in 2008, he made the move to Fenerbahce, scoring ten goals in 52 league games and winning the Turkish Super Lig in 2010/11.
Andre Santos's Arsenal Career
|
| |
Prem Lge |
Europe |
FA Cup |
Lge Cup |
Total |
| Season |
Apps |
Goals |
Apps |
Goals |
Apps |
Goals |
Apps |
Goals |
Apps |
Goals |
| 2011-2012 |
10 + 5 |
2 |
5 + 1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
15 + 6 |
3 |
| 2012-2013 |
3 + 5 |
0 |
1 + 1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
6 + 6 |
0 |
| Total |
13 + 10 |
2 |
6 + 2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
21 + 12 |
3 |
My Year
August
Andre did not feature in August. September
Andre made two appearances in September. After coming on against Liverpool in the Premier League, he played the entirety of the Club's emphatic 6-1 win against Coventry in the Capital One Cup. October
Andre made four first-team appearances in October. The full back came into the team after Kieran Gibbs picked up an injury against West Ham.
November
Andre made one start and two substitute appearances during November. December
Andre did not play in December due to an abdominal strain. January
Andre made three appearances in January after recovering from injury. He made his comeback against West Ham United and also came off the bench at home to Liverpool. The Brazilian started against Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup. February
Andre scored his first goal for Gremio in their 3-0 win over Fluminese, tapping home from close range. The Brazilian made three appearances in his first month on loan at the club. March
Andre continued to feature regularly for Gremio, playing both domestically and in the Copa Libertadores. April
Andre continued to feature regularly on loan at Brazilian side Gremio during April.
August
Andre joined the Club in August. September
Andre made his Arsenal debut as a late substitute in the Champions League draw at Borussia Dortmund before making his first start in the defeat at Ewood Park. His month finished with a bang with his first goal for the Club in a 2-1 win over Olympiacos. “It was one of my dreams to play for a major European football club and I have accomplished this," said Andre after signing for the Gunners. "I am very happy to be part of this team." October
Andre enjoyed an eventful month for the Gunners, crowning a stunning victory at Stamford Bridge with a well-taken goal. The Brazilian was part of winning sides against Sunderland and Stoke, as well as playing the full 90 minutes as Arsenal won in Marseille. November
Andre's reputation grew with a series of solid performances in the left-back role. The Brazilian made the position his own in the absence of the injured Kieran Gibbs. “I believe I needed a little run of games to get used to everything,” he said. “I feel a lot better on the pitch now - I’m getting to know the characteristics of all my team-mates and this is very important for me." December
Andre suffered an ankle injury in the team's 3-1 defeat to Olympiacos, which ruled him out for approximately three months. January
Andre did not feature as he continued to recover from his ankle injury. February
Andre did not feature as he continued his rehabilitation from ankle injury. March
Andre made his long-awaited comeback from an ankle injury in the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa towards the end of the month. "I am very happy to be playing again because it has been a long time," said the Brazilian. "It has been a difficult time because my ankle was in pain and I didn't feel good, but now it feels good again and I'm very happy to be back." April
Andre featured in every game during the month for Arsene Wenger's side, starting twice - against Wolves and Wigan - and appearing off the bench in the remaining three games. May
Andre scored his third goal of the season in the 3-2 win at West Brom, firing home from the edge of the box for the crucial equaliser.
