BLASTING BACK
Sanchez: I should not be called a mercenary
ALEXIS SANCHEZ finally became a Manchester United player last night and hit back at the critics who claim his move was driven by greed.
Sportsmail pundit and former Arsenal favourite Martin Keown is among those who have branded Sanchez a mercenary after he chose United over Manchester City on a four-and-a-half-year contract worth a total of £600,000 a week.
But Sanchez believes he is no different from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who left the club for Barcelona in 2007 to fulfil his ambitions.
He said: ‘There are people who have spoken with no knowledge of what happens inside the club and cause damage.
‘I always gave 100 per cent, until the last day, when I asked the Mister (Arsene Wenger) to be in the team. I remember a conversation I had with Henry, who changed club for the same reason, and today is my turn.’
Gone are the days when new signings held a club scarf over their head and simply smiled.
While Paul Pogba made his entrance to a rap video with grime artist Stormzy when he rejoined the club for a record fee 18 months ago, Sanchez went the classical route as he gave a recital of ‘Glory, Glory Man United’ on the 36-second clip released by the club on social media.
The Chilean has not come cheap. He will earn £350,000 a week at United over a four-and-a-half-year contract, rising to £450,000 when his image rights are added in, and £600,000 including bonuses.
No money has changed hands between the clubs, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan going the other way and both players being valued at £35million — though, in Sanchez’s case, he only had four months left on his contract at Arsenal.
He said: ‘I am thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world. The chance to play in this historic stadium and to work with Jose Mourinho was something I could not turn down.
‘Since I was a young lad, I’ve always said that my dream was to play for Manchester United and I’m not just saying that because I’m here now. Today, my dream has come true.
‘I believe that, at this club, it’s possible to achieve anything. The badge says it all. It’s a huge club on a worldwide scale and I want to come here and win everything: the Premier League, the Champions League and whatever comes the club’s way in the future.
‘I believe that the club, itself, cared about me joining and that also gets through to the player. Players sometimes need to feel important and loved by the club.
‘That was one of the things that attracted me to come here, along with the manager, who is a person who won everything in Italy, the same as he did in Spain. He’s a manager who likes to win.’
Sanchez has been given the iconic No 7 shirt worn by the likes of George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
He said: ‘When they told me that Cristiano, Cantona, David Beckham had all worn it, just thinking about that No 7 sets you off dreaming in your head with ideas about lifting the Champions League trophy and winning the Premier League title.
‘So yes, I’m fulfilling a dream and I hope to give my very best and win many trophies at this club.’
Once City dropped out of the running last week, unhappy that Sanchez’s camp had increased their demands, the former Barcelona man was always destined for Old Trafford.
The final obstacle was removed on Friday when Mkhitaryan (below) agreed terms to join Arsenal in a swap deal. On Sunday, Sanchez made a 50-minute flight by private jet from Biggin Hill in Kent to Manchester and passed a medical with United’s club doctor Steve McNally at Carrington. He met Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford yesterday and travelled to Liverpool where he crossed paths with Mkhitaryan as both players had their work permits processed at the UK Visas and Immigration Centre. The deal was confirmed a little after 6pm yesterday and was quickly welcomed by United manager Mourinho. ‘Alexis is one of the best attacking players in the world and he will complete our very young and talented group of attacking players,’ said the Portuguese. ‘He will bring his ambition, drive and personality — qualities that make a Manchester United player.’
Mkhitaryan also passed his medical at Arsenal’s London Colney headquarters and will become the club’s top earner on a deal worth just over £170,000 per week.
He said: ‘I’m very happy that we could finish this deal. Now that I’m here, I’ll do my best for this club to create history.’
Mkhitaryan could soon be usurped by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on £190,000 a week if Arsenal can negotiate a deal with Borussia Dortmund to sign the Gabon star.
The Gunners will return with an improved offer after having a £43m bid turned down, but Dortmund insist they will not let him leave without having a replacement lined up.
Last night, however, it was all about one man. And Alexis Sanchez was calling the tune.