Brazilian says he will return from loan spell stronger.
Arsenal defender Andre Santos has insisted he still has a future at the Emirates Stadium, despite joining Gremio on loan for the rest of the season on Monday.
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The Brazilian left-back has only made 13 starts for the Gunners since arriving in August 2011 and fell further down the pecking order when the club signed Spain international Nacho Monreal from Malaga on January transfer deadline day.
Santos, 29, still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract in North London and claims that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wanted to keep him at the club.
“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,” the former Fenerbahce defender told the Evening Standard.
“I always wanted to stay here 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, get my confidence back and Gremio is a good platform for this.
“I talked [with Wenger] and we decided together 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 and if I am not performing all the time, then I am not happy.”
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