Andre Santos: 'I wanted to stay at Gremio'

Andre Santos has revealed that he wanted to stay with Brazilian side Gremio rather than return to Arsenal.

The defender had been on loan with Gremio for six months, but has to return to the Gunners as the Porto Alegre-based side could not afford a permanent deal.

The 30-year-old told Radio Gre-Nal: "My loan deal is over. It was six months long and now I am returning. Gremio had an agreement with Arsenal and I have to return.

"I wanted to stay. Gremio were fair regarding everything. I felt well there and I wanted to win a title before leaving. Unfortunately there is no deal and I had to return to Arsenal."

The Brazilian international made just 12 appearances for Arsenal last season.