Arsenal fullback Andre Santos says Robin van Persie offered his Manchester United to him at halftime of Saturday's defeat.

Santos admitted he got it wrong but wanted fans to know he and Van Persie remain close.

He told The Sun: "Robin's departure to United did not turn him into an enemy for me. We remain friends and he talked about exchanging shirts, which is something players do all the time.

"Did I think it would cause such a commotion? Of course I didn't, otherwise I would have told Robin to exchange shirts away from public view.

"That's why I'd like to apologise to supporters who felt aggrieved by it. I just want people to understand he is my friend and I wouldn't treat him differently because of the move to United.

"He approached me at half-time and at the time I did not think it would create such an uproar.

"I would never refrain from saying 'hi' to a good friend. It surprised me that people latched on to a gesture that promotes friendship and fair play.

"Arsene Wenger had asked the supporters to show respect towards Robin, after all."