Up until 2018, Alexis Sanchez had a fantastic career. The Chilean international was already playing for Udinese, River Plate and Barcelona before moving to Arsenal in 2014. He won league titles in both Argentina and Barcelona, along with a couple of Cups and UEFA and FIFA trophies, but after four years there was no title with the Gunners. And his mentor and old coach Pep Guardiola called him to come over to Manchester City. But how did he end up with their fiercest rivals instead?7 years ago today: Alexis Sanchez signs for Arsenal from Barcelona on a long-term contract for a fee in the region of £35m. pic.twitter.com/zAeI7SaEpF— Throwback Arsenal (@ThrowbackAFC) July 10, 2021 Speaking for the Santiago-based daily newspaper La Tercera, Sanchez revealed the circumstances which lead to the total turnaround, and it had to do with a certain City player and that famous number 7 at Old Trafford.“I was about to go to City. I spoke to Guardiola every day, he told me happy birthday. He was like my dad. He was my dad at Barcelona and he was like my dad at City. We talked, we talked every day, he sent me messages. And everything was ready, there was a player who was going to go to Arsenal. Then Wenger tells me you are not leaving because the other player did not want to come and they do not have another. Suddenly the cell phone rings. Mourinho tells me: ‘Alexis, here is the seven shirt available for you” revealed the Chilean forward.Zinchenko opens up about his wild celebrations, Arteta and MudrykSo, the trading partner changed and since Henrikh Mkhitaryan was willing to swap United for Arsenal, the deal was struck and the Gunners fans were not happy, since Sanchez was a good player. And since he got an enormous wage rise at Old Trafford (350.000 pounds a week), he was labeled as ‘mercenary’ not only by the fans, but also ex-players.“It wasn’t a money thing, so everyone knows. It was the same with United and City. And he said to me here is the seven, we are playing in the Champions League and we are going to give everything. I wanted to leave at that moment, but I had Guardiola’s word. That’s when I said to myself, Chilean footballer playing for Manchester United, something that has never happened. With the seven of Cantona, Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and now a Chilean had it, it was a dream” explained Sanchez his reasons for leaving.🗣️| Bukayo Saka: “The way I play, I’m always going to attract contact. I watched Alexis Sanchez a lot growing up. He was a special player, I loved many things about him. That’s one of the qualities he had — he always got up, fought to the end. You could say I took that from him,… pic.twitter.com/kuSxdv9QmK— Arsenal Buzz (@ArsenalBuzzCom) March 15, 2023 The Chilean made history in United due to his nationality, but nothing more. His season was disappointing and he soon fell out with Mourinho and left for Inter Milan on a loan. He came back but eventually was sold to Inter only to disappoint in Italy too. He finally found his piece in Marseille this season. Still, after all, Sanchez maintains his stance that a move to United was a good decision, even thou he would win trophies with Guardiola.“I don’t regret going to United. Things happen for a reason. I would have liked to have gone to City, yes. We would have won the Champions League by now. In the final I would have done something” said Sanchez.##NAJAVA_MECA_7125716##
