Arsenal legend, Robert Pires has said that Alexis Sanchez’s move to Manchester United was one of the biggest mistakes made by the player in his career.
Sanchez spent four years at the Emirates, scoring a total of 80 goals in 166 appearances for the Gunners and helping the club to win two FA Cups.
But the forward completed a controversial move to Old Trafford last January in a deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan head in the opposite direction.
Much was expected from the Chile star following his arrival at United, but the 29-year-old is enduring a difficult period in his career, netting just four goals in 26 games.
Sanchez has also lost his place in Jose Mourinho’s starting XI and Pires says he should have stayed back at Arsenal.
“Honestly, it surprised me,” Pires told Chilean newspaper, El Mercurio when asked about Sanchez’s departure from the Emirates.
“For me, Sanchez had to stay at Arsenal, where he was one of our stars.
“I don’t know if he could say no to United, but I think the style of play of the London club suits his performances better. But you have to respect his decision.”
Pires added, “Alexis was very good, he’s an excellent footballer, but I also got to know him as a person and I can say that I loved knowing him, he is a friend.
“He stands out for his professionalism and that helped Arsenal to win several trophies.”
Speaking further, Pires reacted to Sanchez’s difficult spell at United and said he might have to leave the club in January to revive his career.
“He’s going through a complex moment,” he added.
“The relationship with the manager is always important, but it’s notable that there are complications between José Mourinho and him.
“When you’re a United manager and you have players like Paul Pogba and Sanchez, you have to take care of them, because in the end the only important thing is for the team to win.
“When there are problems, the most important and complicated thing, at the same time, is to sit down to talk and say things face to face.
“Sanchez doesn’t deserve to be on the bench or stay at home.
“We’ll see if he finds a solution in January, because he is not playing and he has to do it, since he is a wonderful footballer.”
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