ISL: Andre Santos Joins FC Goa Squad

Former Brazil international Andre Santos on Friday joined FC Goa team pratice session under the watchful eyes of coach Zico ahead of their Indian Super League campaign.

After the training session at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, Santos said he looked forward to the much-anticipated football tournament.

"It is a pleasure that I got a chance to come to Goa. People received me very warmly after I arrived here yesterday. I am a bit tired because of the long journey but I am glad to be here. It is really amazing training with Zico and Robert Pires. The whole team accepted me warmly on the first day itself and i am sure we will put forward a very good tournament," he said.

Talking about Andre Santos, coach Zico said, "It is really good that Andre Santos has come over in to the squad. He was the last piece that was missing, now we are a full team. His quality and experience will help the team a lot. Even though he has come in late, the team has accepted him and they are very excited too."

A youth product of Figueirense in Brazil, Santos helped Brazil capture the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He joined EPL team Arsenal from Fenerbache in 2011 and eventually moved to Brazil to play with Gremio followed by Flamengo.

At the national level, Santos was initially considered the heir to Roberto Carlos. He represented the 'Selecao' in 24 matches and was a part of the 2009 Confederations Cup, 2010 FIFA World Cup, and 2011 Copa America squads.

FC Goa play Chennaiyin FC at home in their opening game on October 15 in the ISL.