Former footballer Pato Yanez has reflected that Chile did not take too kindly to Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez’ recent show of self-confidence.
Former Chile international Yanez, who had spells in the 1980s in La Liga with Real Valladolid, Real Zaragoza and Real Betis, reflected on Sanchez’ recent declarations that he ‘is still a great player’ despite recent struggles at the Camp Nou.
Yanez looked to understand the outburst, but reflected that it was not well-received in Alexis’ home country.
“In Chile they did not like it when he said he’s a great player. It was said in a moment of rage, it was a message to the Press and to those who had criticised him in Chile in recent times,” summed up the retired forward to La Xarxa Radio this week.
“He said it because he is in Barcelona, the best team in the world and that people cannot criticise that.
“If Alexis insists that he is happy at Barcelona then he will stay, if he feels that it is not healthy for him then he would leave.
“The failure to produce in a team does not meant that he cannot perform at other clubs. I hope he remains because Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world.
“It would be Alexis to quit amid the sea of criticism he has received and to come to a club where he could develop his game.
“But, it is clear that it is a luxury, a pleasure to be at Barcelona, even if it is also a tremendous complexity.”
