“Van Persie’s move to United did not turn him into my enemy” – Andre Santos

Arsenal defender, Andre Santos, has apologised to fans of the club, for swapping shirts with Robin van Persie, before half-time at Old Trafford. His gesture attracted angry reactions from Gunners, who took to social media to tongue-lash the Brazilian. But the player, who moved from Fenerbache last summer, has now moved to calm them down.

“I’d like to apologise to supporters who felt aggrieved by it. Did I think it would cause such a commotion? Of course I didn’t, otherwise I would have told Robin to exchange the shirts away from public view,” Santos, speaking to The Sun on Tuesday, said.

He also maintained that he remains friends with the Dutchman, who he played just one season with, before he departed to Manchester United.

“Robin’s departure to United did not turn him into an enemy for me. We remain friends and he talked about exchanging shirts, which is something players do all the time. I just want people to understand he is my friend and I wouldn’t treat him differently because of the move to United.

“He approached me at half-time and at the time I did not think it would create such an uproar. I would never refrain from saying ‘hi’ to a good friend.

“It surprised me that people latched on to a gesture that promotes friendship and fair play. Arsene Wenger had asked the supporters to show respect towards Robin, after all.”

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