Santos finds fans’ anger difficult to comprehend.
Arsenal defender Andre Santos has admitted he finds it hard to understand the Gunners fans’ continued anger at his infamous shirt-swap with Robin Van Persie.
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The Dutch striker joined Manchester United from Arsenal in a £24m deal last summer and took just four minutes to find the net against his former club in United’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford in November.
Santos, who was good friends with Van Persie during his time in North London, asked the forward for his shirt at half-time in the match – a decision that evoked fury from sections of the Gunenrs faithful.
The 29-year-old Brazilian, who joined Gremio on loan for the remainder of the season on Monday, has admitted his relationship with the fans suffered after the incident but says he finds the reaction difficult to understand.
“You guys have a different culture than me and it is still very hard to understand why people hold this grudge over me,” the former Fenerbahce defender told the Evening Standard.
“The relationship was very good until the incident with Van Persie. I have apologised and moved on.”
Santos has insisted that he intends to return to Arsenal after his loan spell in his homeland.
“I have all my respect to the fans of Arsenal. Hopefully soon I will be back and giving them many happiness,” he added.
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