Andre Santos says he would understand if Robin van Persie was interested in seeking out another challenge after eight years at Arsenal.
Arsenal full-back casts doubts over Dutchman's future
Andre Santos says he would understand if Robin van Persie was interested in seeking out another challenge after eight years at Arsenal.
Holland international Van Persie netted 30 Premier League goals this season for the Gunners, who finished third and qualified for the UEFA Champions League.
Such performances have seen the 28-year-old - whose contract expires in the summer of 2013 - linked with a move away from the Emirates, with Manchester City mooted as a possible destination.
Santos is full of admiration for his Arsenal team-mate and believes he will further enhance his reputation at Euro 2012 this summer.
However, the full-back fears Van Persie will leave during the transfer window following the 'best season' of his career.
Affected
"He's amazing," Santos told
ESPN Brasil. "Besides being a great person, he is also one of my best friends at Arsenal. He is a guy who has given me full support.
"He is very intelligent on the pitch. He smashed the Premier League.
"It helped Arsenal get to where we are, in the Champions League spots, and I have no doubt that he will be one of the stars of Euro 2012.
"He has been at the club eight years and this was his best season.
"Sometimes, a player is interested in getting to know other teams and of course, playing well, he has attracted interest from many other teams. Of course your mind is affected.
"He is currently fully focused on the Euros and then, after, he can talk about whether he wants to stay with Arsenal."
