RVP: Santos like Roberto Carlos

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie said team-mate Andre Santos reminds him of former Brazil left-back Roberto Carlos.

The 28-year-old full-back joined the Gunners towards the end of the summer transfer window from Fenerbahce to replace Gael Clichy.

Van Persie, who has been in unstoppable form this season, believes Santos has plenty in common with the iconic Brazilian defender.

The Dutch striker told the club’s official website: “When he first arrived I remember him saying he’d need five or six games to get his fitness up before things would really kick off for him.”

“It was true – he’s grown stronger and fitter in every single game, and what I really like about him is his confidence on the ball.”

“He’s firstly a left-back, but he’s so much more than that – he gets the ball to his feet, plays one-twos, looks after the ball with style and plays a bit like Roberto Carlos.”

“He knows how to choose between holding his defensive position and going forward – and when he goes, he is committed. I love his play.”

“I remember a couple of weeks ago playing not just a one-two but a one-two-three-four with him, and that’s the kind of thing you enjoy. It’s a joy to play with him because he loves football, loves finding solutions, and I don’t really see full-backs as confident as Andre in other teams.”

“We all feel that when he has the ball he will do something useful with it. You know that, even if he is faced with a couple of guys, he’ll choose the right thing.”

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Neymar signs new Santos deal

Brazilian starlet Neymar has signed a new deal with Santos, ending months of speculation over a potential move to Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Amid reports that he was set for a transfer to La Liga in 2012, Neymar’s agent confirmed on Wednesday that the 19-year-old has negotiated a lucrative new deal with Copa Libertadores holders Santos.

The contract duration, which currently runs until 2015, remains unchanged, but the Brazil international will receive a substantial pay rise as well as an increase in the buy-out clause.

The striker’s agent, Wagner Ribeiro, said his client was delighted at having the chance to stay on.

“Neymar is happy to be able to remain with Santos until at least 2014, after that he will decide where to go,” Ribeiro told Lance on Wednesday.

Santos are now expected to announce the move officially as details over Neymar’s new deal emerge.

The Brazilian is expected to earn around 1.2 million euros per month, while his buy-out clause, believed to be around 45 million euros, is set to increase.

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real had been linked with the youngster in the off-season, but Santos had announced they were looking to tie the player down to a new deal.

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Arsenal to sign Peter Mertesacker And Andre Santos

The defensive duo are expected to be joining Arsenal in the next few days as the only thing left to do is finalize medical tests and complete personal terms.

‘The Gunners’ already agreed with Werder Bremen to make the move for the German centre back with a transfer fee of €9 million while they will also pay €7 million for Andre Santos of Fenerbahce.

Looks like Arsene Wenger is finally making his move in the transfer market for some fresh legs but time is running out and he still needs to make more signings if he wants to compete against the best of the Premier League.

Filed under: English Premier League • Football Transfers

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Copa Libertadores: Santos sneak through

Brazilian powerhouse Santos secured their place in the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw with Mexican side America.

The result at America’s Estadio La Corregidora was enough to hand Santos a 1-0 aggregate win in the round-of-16 encounter, after the Brazilians enjoyed a win in the first leg courtesy of a goal from AC Milan target Ganso.

There was no shortage of quality on the park in the second leg, with Santos starlet Neymar and America’s one-time Manchester City striker Matias Vuoso both adding some class to their respective sides.

In the end, Santos had goalkeeper Rafael to thank for their progression, as the 20-year-old pulled off one stunning save after another in the second half to deny the surging Mexican side.

Santos will now meet either fellow Brazilians Cruzeiro or Colombian outfit Once Caldas for a place in the semi-finals.

Wed 4 May, 2011

Copa Libertadores: Santos sneak through

Brazilian powerhouse Santos secured their place in the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw with Mexican side America.

The result at America’s Estadio La Corregidora was enough to hand Santos a 1-0 aggregate win in the round-of-16 encounter, after the Brazilians enjoyed a win in the first leg courtesy of a goal from AC Milan target Ganso.

There was no shortage of quality on the park in the second leg, with Santos starlet Neymar and America’s one-time Manchester City striker Matias Vuoso both adding some class to their respective sides.

In the end, Santos had goalkeeper Rafael to thank for their progression, as the 20-year-old pulled off one stunning save after another in the second half to deny the surging Mexican side.

Santos will now meet either fellow Brazilians Cruzeiro or Colombian outfit Once Caldas for a place in the semi-finals.

Wed 4 May, 2011

Campeonato Paulista wrap: Santos, Ponte Preta on the slide

Santos missed a chance to go top of the Campeonato Paulista table with a 2-1 loss at Bragantino on Saturday, while Ponte Preta also fell.

Santos, who came into the trip to Braganza equal on points with Sao Paulo, Corinthians and Palmeiras, failed to leapfrog their fellow title contenders after conceding a late winner to Marcelinho.

The Brazilian striker picked up his first goal of the competition in the 88th minute, ensuring Bragantino provisionally rise to ninth on the table.

Fellow attacker Leo Jaime had put the hosts ahead in the 25th minute, but former Manchester City midfielder Elano corrected the imbalance from the penalty spot six minutes later for Santos.

Elano leads the goal-scorers’ table with 10 strikes in 14 games this season.

Santos drop from second to third for the time being, but could fall as far as fifth by the time this weekend’s round is completed.

Elsewhere, Ponte Preta remain three points away from Santos in fifth after falling 1-0 at lowly Noroeste.

Former Corinthians striker Otacilio nabbed the lone goal in first-half injury time for Noroeste, who provisionally move one point clear of the relegation places.

Mirassol are in a holding pattern in sixth place after their third straight loss, this time a 4-1 thumping at the hands of Portuguesa.

Brazilian striker Jael picked up a brace for Portuguesa, who rise to 10th and within three points of the finals places.

Oeste are just two points clear of Mirassol in seventh after a 2-2 draw at Santo Andre.

Reinaldo de Sol (72) and Fabio Tenorio (78) grabbed late goals for Oeste, who rallied from two goals down to steal a point from the hosts.

Finally, Paulista fall to eighth after their three-game streak was halted with a 2-1 loss at Botafogo.

Assis Mota nabbing a 78th-minute winner for the hosts, who move two points clear of the drop zone after snapping their five-game winless run.

Sun 20 March, 2011

Campeonato Paulista wrap: Santos, Ponte Preta on the slide

Santos missed a chance to go top of the Campeonato Paulista table with a 2-1 loss at Bragantino on Saturday, while Ponte Preta also fell.

Santos, who came into the trip to Braganza equal on points with Sao Paulo, Corinthians and Palmeiras, failed to leapfrog their fellow title contenders after conceding a late winner to Marcelinho.

The Brazilian striker picked up his first goal of the competition in the 88th minute, ensuring Bragantino provisionally rise to ninth on the table.

Fellow attacker Leo Jaime had put the hosts ahead in the 25th minute, but former Manchester City midfielder Elano corrected the imbalance from the penalty spot six minutes later for Santos.

Elano leads the goal-scorers’ table with 10 strikes in 14 games this season.

Santos drop from second to third for the time being, but could fall as far as fifth by the time this weekend’s round is completed.

Elsewhere, Ponte Preta remain three points away from Santos in fifth after falling 1-0 at lowly Noroeste.

Former Corinthians striker Otacilio nabbed the lone goal in first-half injury time for Noroeste, who provisionally move one point clear of the relegation places.

Mirassol are in a holding pattern in sixth place after their third straight loss, this time a 4-1 thumping at the hands of Portuguesa.

Brazilian striker Jael picked up a brace for Portuguesa, who rise to 10th and within three points of the finals places.

Oeste are just two points clear of Mirassol in seventh after a 2-2 draw at Santo Andre.

Reinaldo de Sol (72) and Fabio Tenorio (78) grabbed late goals for Oeste, who rallied from two goals down to steal a point from the hosts.

Finally, Paulista fall to eighth after their three-game streak was halted with a 2-1 loss at Botafogo.

Assis Mota nabbing a 78th-minute winner for the hosts, who move two points clear of the drop zone after snapping their five-game winless run.

Sun 20 March, 2011

Campeonato Paulista wrap: Santos, Palmeiras go clear

Both Santos and Palmeiras recorded victories as they created some breathing space ahead of the chasing pack in the Campeonato Paulista.

With four sides locked on 25 points heading into the weekend’s matches, Santos and Palmeiras took advantage of playing on Saturday and moved three points ahead of Sao Paulo and Corinthians with their home wins.

Santos were expected to beat relegation-threatened Botafogo SP and did so, although they suffered a late scare in their 2-1 triumph.

Elano scored just after half-time to give the victors the lead and nine minutes later substitute Paulo Henrique Ganso doubled Santos’ lead and looked to have wrapped up the victory.

But the visitors would not lie down and grabbed a goal back on 89 minutes through Chicao, before Fernando Miguel, who had only been on the pitch for 31 minutes, was given a straight red card in the dying stages of a feisty clash.

Palmeiras’ victory was far more straight-forward, as first-half goals to Danilo and Patrick gave them a 2-0 win over Sao Bernardo.

In other matches, Ricardo Jesus’ 71st minute strike salvaged a point for fifth-placed Ponte Preta in their 1-1 draw against Gremio Prudente while Linense moved away from the bottom of the table with a 2-0 home win against Noroeste, thanks to goals from Eder Baiano and Pedrao.

In a clash of two mid-table sides, Sao Caetano claimed a valuable away win at Mogi Mirim, with Eduardo’s 59th minute goal securing all three points for the visitors in a 2-1 scoreline.

Sat 12 March, 2011

Campeonato Paulista wrap: Santos, Palmeiras go clear

Both Santos and Palmeiras recorded victories as they created some breathing space ahead of the chasing pack in the Campeonato Paulista.

With four sides locked on 25 points heading into the weekend’s matches, Santos and Palmeiras took advantage of playing on Saturday and moved three points ahead of Sao Paulo and Corinthians with their home wins.

Santos were expected to beat relegation-threatened Botafogo SP and did so, although they suffered a late scare in their 2-1 triumph.

Elano scored just after half-time to give the victors the lead and nine minutes later substitute Paulo Henrique Ganso doubled Santos’ lead and looked to have wrapped up the victory.

But the visitors would not lie down and grabbed a goal back on 89 minutes through Chicao, before Fernando Miguel, who had only been on the pitch for 31 minutes, was given a straight red card in the dying stages of a feisty clash.

Palmeiras’ victory was far more straight-forward, as first-half goals to Danilo and Patrick gave them a 2-0 win over Sao Bernardo.

In other matches, Ricardo Jesus’ 71st minute strike salvaged a point for fifth-placed Ponte Preta in their 1-1 draw against Gremio Prudente while Linense moved away from the bottom of the table with a 2-0 home win against Noroeste, thanks to goals from Eder Baiano and Pedrao.

In a clash of two mid-table sides, Sao Caetano claimed a valuable away win at Mogi Mirim, with Eduardo’s 59th minute goal securing all three points for the visitors in a 2-1 scoreline.

Sat 12 March, 2011

Campeonato Paulista wrap: Corinthians go top, Santos held

Corinthians outclassed Gremio Prudente in a 4-0 rout to rise to the top of Brazil’s Campeonato Paulista.

A Fabio Santos penalty helped the home side at Estadio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho on their way to victory, with Liedson making it two in the 19th minute.

Dentinho scored a third in the 28th minute before Liedson’s second completed the rout in the 85th minute.

Santos wasted a valuable chance to rise to second on the table when they were held 1-1 at home to Sao Bernardo.

Former Manchester City and Galatasaray midfielder Elano netted a 43rd minute penalty, but Raul earned a point for the visitors at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira with a 68th minute goal.

Mogi Mirim’s Ze Roberto scored in the 16th minute to help his side to a 1-0 away victory against Americana at the Estadio Decio Vitta.

Oeste beat Linense 1-0 at the Estadio dos Amaros, with Anselmo Ramon scoring the winner in the 13th minute.

And Ponte Preta accounted for second from bottom Santo Andre 2-0 away at the Estadio Bruno Jose Daniel.

Sun 27 February, 2011

Campeonato Paulista wrap: Corinthians go top, Santos held

Corinthians outclassed Gremio Prudente in a 4-0 rout to rise to the top of Brazil’s Campeonato Paulista.

A Fabio Santos penalty helped the home side at Estadio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho on their way to victory, with Liedson making it two in the 19th minute.

Dentinho scored a third in the 28th minute before Liedson’s second completed the rout in the 85th minute.

Santos wasted a valuable chance to rise to second on the table when they were held 1-1 at home to Sao Bernardo.

Former Manchester City and Galatasaray midfielder Elano netted a 43rd minute penalty, but Raul earned a point for the visitors at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira with a 68th minute goal.

Mogi Mirim’s Ze Roberto scored in the 16th minute to help his side to a 1-0 away victory against Americana at the Estadio Decio Vitta.

Oeste beat Linense 1-0 at the Estadio dos Amaros, with Anselmo Ramon scoring the winner in the 13th minute.

And Ponte Preta accounted for second from bottom Santo Andre 2-0 away at the Estadio Bruno Jose Daniel.

Sun 27 February, 2011

Campeonato Paulista wrap: Palmeiras held, Santos finally lose

Palmeiras were denied the chance to extend their lead in the Campeonato Paulista when they were held 0-0 by Mogi Mirim on Sunday.

The league leaders, managed by former Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, could not find a winner at the Est?dio Romildo Vitor Gomes Ferreira, and were down to ten men at the final whistle after goalkeeper Bruno Cortez was dismissed late.

Corinthians handed Santos their first loss in the league this season with a 3-1 triumph at Estadio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho.

Fabio Santos scored a brace, while Liedson added a late goal to seal the match.

Former Manchester City and Galatasaray midfielder Elano scored the only goal for Santos.

Mirassol won their third consecutive match with a 2-0 victory over Linense at the Estadio Jose Maria de Campos Maia to move into second spot on the table.

Sao Bernardo went 2-0 up inside 18 minutes against Noroeste, and that was all they required to hold on for the win, with Danielzinho and Dirceu netting the goals at the Estadio Primeiro de Maio.

Ponte Preta brought up their third win on the trot, and their eighth game unbeaten, with a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over Botafogo at Estadio Moises Lucarelli.

Assis put the visitors ahead after 12 minutes with his first goal in the Paulista, but a stunning nine-minute goal spree saw Ponte Preta overrun their opponents to come out comfortable victors.

Ferron (30th minute), Marcio Diogo (32nd) and Dirceu Lucas (39th) were the goalscorers for Ponte Preta.

Mon 21 February, 2011

Campeonato Paulista wrap: Santos held, Carlos fires Noroeste

Santos missed the chance to go to the top of the Campeonato Paulista on Saturday after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Santo Andre.

Adilson Batista’s side could have gone ahead of leaders Palmeiras, who are not in action until Sunday, but they faced a spirited outfit who entered the game with five draws from six matches.

Defender Marcelo Godri gave Santo Andre the lead after just five minutes, delighting the Estadio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho crowd in Sao Paulo.

But with their talented side, Santos always possessed a threat in front of goal and managed an equaliser on the stroke of half-time thanks to former Manchester United midfielder Rodrigo Possebon.

Neither side could manage a winner in a tight second half, with Santos ruing their missed opportunity to go top.

In other matches, Noroeste came from behind to thump Mogi Mirim 4-1, thanks to a Jose Carlos double.

Ze Roberto gave Mogi Mirim a 21st-minute lead but Carlos’ brace and goals to Aleilson and Diego capped a memorable victory.

Anselmo Ramon’s 94th-minute equaliser saw Oeste claim a point in their 1-1 draw away at Americana.

Sun 6 February, 2011

Campeonato Paulista wrap: Santos held, Carlos fires Noroeste

Santos missed the chance to go to the top of the Campeonato Paulista on Saturday after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Santo Andre.

Adilson Batista’s side could have gone ahead of leaders Palmeiras, who are not in action until Sunday, but they faced a spirited outfit who entered the game with five draws from six matches.

Defender Marcelo Godri gave Santo Andre the lead after just five minutes, delighting the Estadio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho crowd in Sao Paulo.

But with their talented side, Santos always possessed a threat in front of goal and managed an equaliser on the stroke of half-time thanks to former Manchester United midfielder Rodrigo Possebon.

Neither side could manage a winner in a tight second half, with Santos ruing their missed opportunity to go top.

In other matches, Noroeste came from behind to thump Mogi Mirim 4-1, thanks to a Jose Carlos double.

Ze Roberto gave Mogi Mirim a 21st-minute lead but Carlos’ brace and goals to Aleilson and Diego capped a memorable victory.

Anselmo Ramon’s 94th-minute equaliser saw Oeste claim a point in their 1-1 draw away at Americana.

Sun 6 February, 2011

Campeonato Paulista wrap: Santos, Americana win again

Santos made it three wins from as many games in Brazil’s Campeonato Paulista with a 4-2 away victory at Gremio Prudente on Sunday.

Former Manchester City and Galatasaray midfielder Elano scored a first-half brace for Santos before Keirrison and Maikon Leite netted early in the second half to give their side a 4-0 lead.

Gremio’s Romulo pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in the 71st minute, while Bruno Riberio added further respectability to the scoreline with his 82nd-minute goal.

Americana also maintained its winning record courtesy of a 2-1 triumph over Botafogo SP at Estadio Decio Vitta.

After a scoreless first half, Charles found an opener for the home side before Rafael Chorao doubled Americana’s lead in the 72nd minute.

Botafogo’s Rodrigo Pontes reduced the visitors’ deficit in the 84th minute, but the minnows could not find an equaliser in the dying stages.

Ituano’s Jefferson helped his side open their Paulista account with a 1-0 victory over winless Sao Caetano, scoring the decisive goal in the eighth minute.

Paulista got off to a dream start at home to Sao Bernardo by scoring in the first minute via Barboza, but were held to a 1-1 draw when Nena equalised in the 43rd minute for the visitors.

Palmeiras’ Patrick was the hero for his side in their trip to Oeste’s Estadio dos Amaros, scoring the only goal of the game in the 86th minute.

Corinthians and Noroeste played out a 1-1 draw at Estadio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho.

Mon 24 January, 2011

Campeonato Paulista wrap: Santos, Americana win again

Santos made it three wins from as many games in Brazil’s Campeonato Paulista with a 4-2 away victory at Gremio Prudente on Sunday.

Former Manchester City and Galatasaray midfielder Elano scored a first-half brace for Santos before Keirrison and Maikon Leite netted early in the second half to give their side a 4-0 lead.

Gremio’s Romulo pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in the 71st minute, while Bruno Riberio added further respectability to the scoreline with his 82nd-minute goal.

Americana also maintained its winning record courtesy of a 2-1 triumph over Botafogo SP at Estadio Decio Vitta.

After a scoreless first half, Charles found an opener for the home side before Rafael Chorao doubled Americana’s lead in the 72nd minute.

Botafogo’s Rodrigo Pontes reduced the visitors’ deficit in the 84th minute, but the minnows could not find an equaliser in the dying stages.

Ituano’s Jefferson helped his side open their Paulista account with a 1-0 victory over winless Sao Caetano, scoring the decisive goal in the eighth minute.

Paulista got off to a dream start at home to Sao Bernardo by scoring in the first minute via Barboza, but were held to a 1-1 draw when Nena equalised in the 43rd minute for the visitors.

Palmeiras’ Patrick was the hero for his side in their trip to Oeste’s Estadio dos Amaros, scoring the only goal of the game in the 86th minute.

Corinthians and Noroeste played out a 1-1 draw at Estadio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho.

Mon 24 January, 2011

Neymar lauded for staying back at Santos

By Shourin Roy on August 24, 2010 6:56 AM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

Chelsea tries to lure the highly rated Santos prospect who shone in Brazil's victory over the USA in a recent friendly. But he commits himself to his club- a decision that is being celebrated as an act of patriotism but as Tim Vickery reveals is based more on common sense.

Categories: English Premier League 2011, Gossip/Trash Talk, Soccer Business, Soccer Coaches & Coaching, Soccer Culture, Soccer History, Soccer Players, Soccer Skills, Soccer Teams - Club Tags: Chelsea, Santos, World Cup 2010 No TrackBacks

TrackBack URL: http://www.soccerblog.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-t.cgi/7527.

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