André Santos has had a troubled time in North London so far, with poor form on the pitch coupled with off the field incidents, but the Brazil international insists he is happy in London and focused on being successful at Arsenal.
Santos, 29, joined Arsenal in September 2011 from Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, and, after struggling to break into the first team, has recently been linked with a move away from the club but the player told Globo Esporte he wants to stay with Arsene Wenger’s team.
He said: “I received calls from interested clubs in Brazil, Turkey and Italy, but it is just speculation. Nobody handed me anything.
“The coach, who is also a manager, never said anything to me. I know he is very transparent and I am focused on staying at Arsenal, winning a title, doing well in the Champions League, and I have three more years of muy contract. I’m happy here.
“I hope to play more and more opportunities.
“I’m at a top club in Europe, living in London, my family is well structured, and I’m well adapted. I have much to give at Arsenal and I will still run after that. I have many goals in his career.”
And the left-back also spoke over the recent shirt swapping incident with Robin van Persie that caused outrage amoung Arsenal fans.
“We Brazilians are accustomed to it. For me, it will not change anything. Van Persie is a great friend. We talk weekly, he is an extraordinary guy.
“Whenever he sees a sad expression on my BBM (instant messenger), he supports me, speaks positive words.
“We already exchanged several shirts. He asked me for a Brazil shirt with my name. These are things that people do not know, but there. We have a great affinity. Actually, before we shook hands he had already asked my shirt. I said I would, for sure, and traded in the tunnel.
“It was a pleasure, a gesture of friendship. Fans were outraged, sad, until he have exchanged by rival club. I understand, I asked and I apologise, but did not do anything bad faith.
“It was an act of friends. Maybe it was not the right time. We could have changed in the locker room. It happened to be there and created controversy, especially with the goal from him.
“The coach was a little upset, but come talk to me. He said he understands that I come from another country, but I need to learn more and not swap in classics, just after the game.”
