Arsene Wenger is the reason why Arsenal signed nine players in the summer transfer window, according to Andre Santos.

Speaking to Arsenal Player’s “Close Up”, the Brazilian started by explaining that football is more than just a sport in his country, it’s a passion loved by everyone as he joked about the fact that “futebol” is the first word one learns when born.

Asked about the summer changes that took place at the Club with a number of players leaving and nine joining, the 28-year old praised manager Arsene Wenger as he explained that the Frenchman was the reason why the change took place adding that the Arsenal boss is an excellent person and very professional in his job.

With Kieran Gibbs, again, ruled out of action, Santos secured a regular place in the Frenchman’s starting eleven and scored his most important goal of the season at Stamford Bridge in Arsenal’s fantastic win against Chelsea, in October.

On his early days and Arsenal, the left-back said:

I think when you’re born in Brazil, the very first word you learn is football. The reality is that football is the Brazilian passion, something that the nation loves.

Every boy’s dream is to be a football player. I can’t explain why, for me football is everything and to do something you like and to work doing something you love is priceless.

I really love playing football and I think this love for the game drives everyone in Brazil. I’ll keep playing and entertaining people, now, with the Arsenal shirt.

Yes, of course, I’ve got pictures of me kicking the ball from when I was two years old, I was born with this passion and I couldn’t imagine my life without it.

I don’t know what I could have been if I wasn’t a footballer and this passion will keep me going for years.

[This is a new Arsenal side?] First of all, I think changes wouldn’t have happened without [Arsene Wenger].

He’s an excellent person, very professional and treats the players equally, to get the best out of them.

He makes us feel like a family and this is the most important thing in a football Club. I’m happy to be part of this new Arsenal and I hope we can grow together and achieve wonderful things.