Ex-Arsenal left-back André Santos has discussed his post retirement plans in a revealing interview with ESPN Brazil. The Brazilian, who played for Arsenal from 2011-2013, is mulling over a Sporting Director post, but also has a restaurant in São Paulo.
The 34-year old told ESPN Brasil, “I played for FC Will, in Switzerland and the coach left and invited me to Boluspor. I had a great time at Fenerbahce earlier in my career and it was nice to go back to Turkey.
“I had three proposals, but I preferred to return to Turkey because they offered a good project: a 3 year contract and prospects of rising to the elite soon.”
Santos says he had planned to play until he is 35, but may go on a little longer, “The president of Boluspor invited me to become sports director when I stop playing. I’m 34, I thought about playing until I was 35.
“But I have two more years of contract and I’m very well physically. I want to stop at a high level, and if I stay fit, I will continue with my career. When I’m no longer playing well, then I stop.”
Santos opened a restaurant with Brazilian striker Deivid in his hometown last year, “I recently opened a restaurant called ‘Flavors in Moema’. It’s a small, half-vintage restaurant. It has a style we brought from New York.
“I’m wary when I stop playing, I have to think about my future. Football is great and I love doing it, but there comes a time when the body needs to stop. It’s no use thinking about it only after retiring.
“I talk with friends who recently stopped and they gave me some tips. When you stay at home, your head overflows, because there is nothing else you can do. You feel invalid because what you did for 15, 16 years had finished. So it’s good to have something to do after stopping playing.”
