Arsenal Football Club can confirm that Brazilian left back Andre Santos has joined Flamengo in a permanent deal.
The 30-year-old defender will return to the Brasileirao to join ex-national coach Mano Menezes’ side - a team for which he made 22 appearances on loan during 2005/06.
Brazilian international Santos joined the Gunners from Turkish side Fenerbahce in August 2011 and made an immediate impact - scoring in only his third game for the Club, a 2-1 UEFA Champions League win over Olympiacos.
He continued to impress during his first few months, with a fine goal in the 5-3 win at Chelsea a particular highlight.
A knee injury curtailed Santos' progress during the 2011/12 season, but he returned to action later in the campaign and scored a decisive goal in the 3-2 away win at West Bromwich Albion that confirmed Champions League participation for another season.
He went on to make another 12 appearances during 2012/13, before joining Brazilian side Gremio on loan for the remainder of the season.
Everybody at Arsenal would like to thank Andre for his contribution to the Club and wish him well for his future career.
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