Santos signs on at Flamengo

Brazilian defender Andre Santos has left Arsenal to join Flamengo on a permanent deal.

The left-back will return to his home country after two years at Arsenal in which he struggled for regular football.

Flamengo coach Mano Menezes, formerly in charge of Brazil, spoke earlier this week about his desire to sign Santos.

And his chase was confirmed as successful on Saturday, when Arsenal released a brief statement on their official website.

“Arsenal Football Club can confirm that Brazilian left-back Andre Santos has joined Flamengo in a permanent deal,” it read.

“Everybody at Arsenal would like to thank Andre for his contribution to the club and wish him well for his future career.”

The 30-year-old, who joined the Emirates Stadium outfit from Fenerbahce in 2011, made 33 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring three goals.

But his defensive ability was often criticised and he was shipped out on loan to Gremio earlier this year.

Santos was shunted further down the pecking order when manager Arsene Wenger signed Nacho Monreal in January, with Kieran Gibbs already at his disposal at left-back.