Andre still wants his stab at Ars

ANDRE SANTOS insists his Arsenal career is not yet over – despite the chunky full-back being shipped out on loan to Gremio.

The defender has come in for endless stick after failing to make his mark at the Emirates after a £6million switch from Fenerbahce.

Santos, 29, has made just 13 league starts in two seasons and had dropped down the pecking order following the arrival of Nacho Monreal from Malaga.

But Santos said: “The idea is to go there, play well and be able to come back strong.

“Do I have a future at the club? For sure. This is a loan deal and after this season we will see where everything stands.

Confidence

“I always wanted to stay at Arsenal until the end of my contract. This is a club where I feel comfortable and honoured to play.

“However, when the club acquired another left-back it was clear to me that I will not play.

“I need to play and get my confidence back, and Gremio is a good platform for this.

“I talked with Arsene Wenger and we decided this would be a good chance for me to get on top of my game.

“He gave me a hug and told me Arsenal would always welcome me back with open arms.

“He did want me to stay but he wanted to see me happy.”