FC Goa’s influential playmaker, André Santos, has joined Brazilian club Botafogo SP. Botafogo currently play in the fourth tier of Brazilian football.Santos was paramount to FC Goa’s stellar run during the second half of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), leading the team who were bottom of the table at the end of the first seven games to a second-place finish in the league phase. Goa were knocked out by eventual champions Atlético de Kolkata, but the team’s resurgence was one of the most memorable facets of the ISL, and Santos was a key contributor with four goals and three assists. He was one of the most lively and exciting players of the tournament, dazzling fans and opponents alike with his mazy runs, close control, and long-range shots.Santos has represented Brazil on 24 occasions, winning the Confederations Cup with the national side in 2009. He was also a part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2011 Copa America squads for the 'Seleção'.Santos began his career at Brazilian side Figueirense before joining Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro and Corinthians of the Serie A in Brazil. The left-back made a move to Europe joining Turkish giants Fenerbahçe where his attacking prowess and overlapping runs came into prominence. He scored 10 goals for the Turkish side, along with two assists, in his 55 appearances. His performances attracted the attention of Premier League bigwigs Arsenal. He joined the north London club in 2011, representing them on 33 occasions and scoring twice.
