30.09.2014 10:54 h

'Shirt saga' Santos signs for India's Goa

Former Arsenal defender Andre Santos has signed up for the inaugural Indian Super League, two months after he was beaten up by disgruntled home fans in Brazil.

The 31-year-old former Brazilian left back will turn out for the FC Goa franchise coached by his legendary countryman Zico for the inaugural season starting in mid-October.

"FC Goa is proud to announce the signing of another former Arsenal and Brazil player," a statement from the franchise said.

Santos, who played for Arsenal from 2011 to 2013, has been without a club since leaving struggling Brazilian side Flamengo in August.

Santos was beaten up in July by Flamengo fans who kicked and punched him after a loss which left his side bottom of the table.

Santos was famously embroiled in a half-time shirt-swap controversy with Manchester United's Robin Van Persie in November 2012.

The Brazilian was forced to apologise to his Arsenal team-mates and the club's fans for seeking the shirt souvenir in a game that his side lost 2-1.

Organisers confirmed the deal with Santos in the statement late Monday and said he would be joining the squad in Goa shortly.

FC Goa have already signed up former French international and fellow ex-Arsenal player Robert Pires for the league.

Santos is the latest in a string of big name signings for the league, including former Italy star Alessandro del Piero, Spanish striker Luis Garcia, Frenchman Nicolas Anelka and ex-England goalkeeper David James.

Eight city-based teams are due to take part in the tournament, with several of the franchises linking up with European giants such as Atletico Madrid who are the co-owners of Atletico Kolkata.

The ISL is being backed by India's Reliance Industries, which is controlled by the country's richest man Mukesh Ambani, and by sports management giant IMG.