Alexis Sanchez exclusive: Full interview as Thierry Henry sits down with Man Utd star

As Manchester United prepare to face Newcastle on Super Sunday, new signing Alexis Sanchez spoke exclusively to Thierry Henry for Sky Sports.

The Chilean, who joined United in January from Arsenal, opened up to Henry on a variety of subjects, including his childhood in Chile, his favourite position, and why he chose United.

You can watch the extended interview with Henry from 1.30pm on Sky Sports Premier League as Sanchez’s United go to St James’ Park.
Thierry Henry: I’m not from South America, but I did come from a difficult neighbourhood. You battled to have all that. I always say that football saved me. Would you say that goes for you as well?

Alexis Sanchez: During my childhood, my dream was the same as yours: to be a footballer and to play with the best. Sometimes in South America that can be harder than here in Europe, because we dream of coming to Europe.

Maybe I’d be working in the region where I’m from, doing other things. I think football saves many people. It can give you a life of luxury, but people don’t see all the effort that goes in behind the scenes. That might mean not seeing your family, or missing your mother’s birthday, many players are so focused that they miss the birth of their children.
You might cry during a game if you lose a final. That’s all part of football. In the Barcelona dressing room after the Chelsea game, I saw Leo [Messi] cry. That’s because players demand so much from themselves. People don’t see that.

Sometimes people say things such as: „He’s got too big for his boots“ Or say: „he’s changed“. You buy a flash car and people say that you’re a show-off. I’ve learnt so much over time and with the experience that I’ve gained. You can’t please everyone. There’ll always be one or two who get angry. I’ve learnt so much from playing football: I love football and that’s what I do. I enjoy myself and I’m just trying to be happy.
TH: What about Manchester United?

AS: I think that Manchester United… since I was young – and I’m not just saying this because I’m here I’m an honest guy and I never lie – I think it’s the biggest club in England. That’s what I think. There are lots of big clubs, and having played for Arsenal, they are also one of them. It’s a huge club and I was there.

But coming here, looking at the badge. I’m so proud to wear the No 7 shirt.

And I know many people say there’s added pressure linked to that or it might work against you, but I simply enjoy my football whether I’m No 10 or 9. Or any other number. Or even 14 or 12!
TH: Sometimes I see you on the pitch – and this is something that happened to me – when the ball doesn’t reach you, you go and get it yourself.

AS: I don’t lose hope. As a fast player, I want to receive the ball facing the opposition goal, which gives me more vision. If the ball takes a while to come, I know I’ll receive it with my back to goal. If that’s the case, it’s better for the defender because he can give me a kick and it’s very hard [for me].

TH: We know that Manchester City have almost won the league, which means it’ll be five years since Manchester United last won the title.

AS: I came here to win. I left Arsenal because I wanted to develop and learn as a player, and get to experience a new club. Manchester United are a huge club on the global stage, I came here to win everything. Otherwise I wouldn’t have come here.

I think United have to win everything because it’s such a big club. The club crest says it all. I came here to win everything that United deserve to win.
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