Santos: Arteta made Arsenal homely

Andre Santos has revealed that Mikel Arteta has been key to him settling in at Arsenal this season.

The Brazilian made the move to the Emirates from Turkish club Fenerbache in the off-season, and has revealed that he has found it easy to slot into the side since making his move to the Premier League.

Santos hailed the role of former Everton midfielder Arteta, singling out their similar native languages as a reason why they made a bond so quickly.

“I get on well with every single one of the players, I treat and respect everyone equally and vice versa,” Santos told Arsenal Player.

“Mikel Arteta is Spanish and our languages are quite similar so he is helping me the most.

“He is always giving me instructions about the Premier League. He played for Everton for a long time and arrived at Arsenal at the same time as I did so he helped me settle.

“We’re always messing around in the changing room, on the pitch during the warm up; he’s always saying something to make me laugh or calling me nicknames but it’s always good spirited with no harm. We work together every day and need these moments of distraction.”

Although Arteta has played a major role, Santos did also claim that a strong relationship with all people at the club has started to benefit Arsenal on the pitch.

“This link with the club is very important, us players always go out for dinner and social events together,” Santos said.

“I’m always doing something with Thomas Vermaelen, Bacary Sagna, Robin van Persie, Mikel, Yossi Benayoun, Ignasi Miguel and others.

“This link between us off the pitch is very strong and it benefits the team on the pitch.”