So, finally, it’s done. Manchester United’s announcement of the Alexis Sanchez signing looks like it was as carefully planned as the transfer itself, and now there’s a great deal of excitement in Chile.
Sanchez is a national hero, the boy wonder, the real deal who has helped bring football success on a national level. When he signed for Arsenal the coverage was huge, anything that happened with Sanchez was all over the media, and even opinions from the English media and football fans.
The Chilean media knew themselves if Sanchez had played a good game for Arsenal, they didn’t need anyone to tell them. But when the footballer was celebrated by the English media and fans, it seemed to underline their reasons for pride.
Of course, it wasn’t always positive. When Arsenal didn’t put up the fight that was expected in Chile there was some disappointment and the coverage largely stopped. Then there were all the arguments about injuries and international duty, something Manchester United fans may have to get used to, but now it’s all positive so we won’t try to predict trouble.
La Tercera have several pages on Sanchez’s transfer in their Tuesday edition. Perhaps the most interesting article is an interview with Manchester United’s Jorge Alvial.
The Chilean newspaper start their article by going through links between the country and Manchester United. It’s fair to say Chile isn’t the country with the strongest links to Old Trafford, but that could all change.
First up for La Tercera is Dante Poli, who had a trial with Manchester United in the 90s, then there’s Angelo Henriquez, who never managed to breakthrough to the first team, and even failed efforts to sign Arturo Vidal and Marcelo Salas are mentioned.
Chilean wine producer Casillero del Diablo is a major sponsor of the English club, they get a mention too, and they’re certainly thrilled with the transfer.
Alvial is the other connection, and the Chilean has explained Mourinho has been a fan of Sanchez for a while, it’s not a new thing. The scout also gave a little background into what the Portuguese sees in his new player: “He’s always liked him. What he admires the most is his leadership on the pitch, as well as being a player who can change the game at any time, due to the great talent he has. He also arrives as one of the most experienced players.”
On what Sanchez sees in Manchester United, Alvial explained: “Alexis sees the current players and wants to be part of that growth. Although he arrives with that maturity he has acquired after so many international matches, so he can help our attack a lot.”
The club official went on to say: “It is the biggest in the world. After having worked at the highest level, when I arrived it was incredible. When I entered the complex I felt that story. Where you look there are cups and an immense story.
“Immediately he will be part of a family. That’s what I felt when I arrived. Despite being an immense organisation, human quality isn’t lost. It’s a tradition: the person who arrives is made to feel at home immediately.
“Alexis is a player who can help in any position. He is dangerous in all parts. He will be multifunctional for the attack, especially with the skill and quality he has.”
