Sunday 21 October 2012 18:59, UK
Andre Santos insists he wants to stay at Arsenal for a 'long time' and has no immediate plans to return to Turkish football.
Santos acknowledges it is difficult not being Arsenal's first choice at left-back, but he is happy to be in competition with Gibbs. He added: "In life you always find competition and this competition exists but it is only on the pitch and this is good for the team. "Kieran is an exceptional player, and I know I have qualities too. This is a very healthy competition, we're always talking about it between us before and after training. Kieran is a good friend and I respect the hard work he puts in every day and I know he feels the same way about me. "He has been playing well and, even if we fight for the same position, I know how good he is. I know that he's having a good spell in the squad and obviously I respect that and am pleased for him. "I believe that whoever is better at the moment will keep on playing and it's the manager's choice. However, he will always give opportunities to all the players. "Of course it is hard [when you are not playing. At every club I've been at I've always played regularly. It is difficult to be on the bench, but we are a team, we are doing well and I'll just keep on working hard so I can be back on the pitch regularly."