A lot is being made of Alexis Sanchez’s attitude at Arsenal in recent weeks, but the attacker insists he is happy at the club.
The reaction was clear, as the fourth official held up Sanchez’s number in the 80th minute of Arsenal’s 4-0 premier league win against Swansea, the Chile superstar was clearly unhappy to be leaving the game.
Related Story: Can Chelsea keep winning without Costa?
The game was already over and it’s vital for Danny Welbeck to get playing time after his long term injury, but Sanchez clearly is his own priority. For many he was the clear man of the match winner and obviously remains one Arsene Wenger’s biggest assets as they try to secure a top 4 finish.
So why the negative reaction to being subbed? The 28-year-old may just love being on the pitch. Or it could be a reflection of his unhappiness with the ongoing contract negotiations.
Whatever the case may be, walking past your manager on the sideline without acknowledging him and literally hiding under your coat is hardly the professional thing to do.
‘Happy and comfortable to stay’
In a message on his clubs youtube channel Sanchez dismissed rumors of an impending move away from Arsenal.
"I feel really happy and comfortable at the club. I want to give the fans a new title. We always get our fans support in thick and thin, which is great. We must win the Premier League or the Champions league for them. I believe we have the players and the quality to win many things.I definitely feel like an important player, and my team mates let me know every day. I try to prove I am an important player day after day and game after game."
This will be welcome news to many Gunners fans as speculation of a transfer has been mounting for many months now.
Sanchez is not wrong about being an important player as he is proving to be indispensable to the Arsenal attack line.
Out of Arsenal’s 48 league goals this season, Sanchez has been involved in 21 of them with 14 goals and 7 assists.
this is no doubt in no small part due to the fantastic relationship he has built with Mesut Ozil,
"“Ozil is a quality player, he really enjoys playing football,” Sanchez said. “I always tell him to enjoy it and not get too worried about scoring.“If he enjoys it he can score goals like the one he managed to score against Ludogorets, dribbling past two defenders and the goalkeeper. His goal against Ludogorets is the kind of goal every player dreams of.“I feel very comfortable playing alongside him. He has great vision and there’s no need to praise his great ball control because everyone knows about it.”"
Next: Palace sign League winner
If Sanchez is being honest with the fans then we should be expecting him to sign a new deal very soon to cast out any doubts the fans may have.