Alexis Sanchez Reveals Why he Left Barcelona Ahead of UCL Clash

Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez has revealed that he have “no regrets” about making a move to Arsenal from Barcelona in 2014. The Chile international, who spent three years at the La Liga club, made the comments as he prepares to face his former employers in the Champions League round of 16 tie at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

The Chilean swapped the Camp Nou for the Emirates on a £35 million deal ahead of last season and has indeed made a great impact in north London club squad. He has played a great part by starring the Gunners as they won the FA Cup for the second consecutive year and finished third in the Premier League.

This season has been somewhat tougher for the Chilean international after picking up an injury in the – draw away at Norwich City back in November. The hamstring injury kept him out for approximately two months, but since coming back he’s looked to get to his best.

Sanchez has managed to score 6 goals in 18 Premier League goals this season, and still remains a real hero to Arsenal supporters.

“It wasn’t easy to leave Barcelona,” he told the Sunday Mirror.

“I fulfilled a dream when I moved there – to play in Spain and for the champions – but very few players stay in the same club all their life. To leave is normal. I wanted a new project, a new experience. And with so many attacking players at Barca it was a good choice to go… it has been a positive move and I love it at Arsenal.”

The 27-year-old winger will face his former club for the first time since joining the Gunners, and has revealed that Arsenal face a tough challenge to knock out Barcelona and dealing with Lionel Messi.

“We know it won’t be easy. [Messi] is the best footballer in the world, without a doubt. It’s very difficult to stop him but we will work on it. And remember, Barcelona is not only Leo…”

When asked if he would celebrate if he scored against his former employers on Tuesday, Sanchez was reluctant to reveal his intensions, revealing he’d be torn.

“I’m a professional so any match against Barcelona in the Champions League is special to me,” he explained. ”I can’t say what my reaction will be if I score. That depends on the moment.”
Sanchez has already bagged 35 goals for Arsenal since he arrived in 2014, compared to his 47 goals during his three years with Barcelona.