Alexis Sanchez claims he has no regrets over his decision to swap Barcelona for Arsenal two years ago ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 first leg.
Alexis joined Barca from Udinese in the summer of 2011 but failed to truly hold a first-team place down at Camp Nou, despite scoring 47 goals in 147 appearances, yet he will bear no grudges with his former club when he takes them on as a Gunner this week.
“I never regret my decisions,” the Chilean attacker told the Daily Mirror.
“It wasn’t easy to leave Barcelona. I fulfilled a dream when I moved there – to play in Spain and for the champions – but very few players stay in the same club all their life. To leave is normal.
“I wanted a new project, a new experience. And with so many attacking players at Barca it was a good choice to go.
“The directors told me clubs were interested. So I think it was a good choice to go to Arsenal, the best choice. It has been a positive move and I love it at Arsenal.
“We know it won’t be easy. [Lionel Messi] is the best footballer in the world, without a doubt.
“It’s very difficult to stop him but we will work on it. And remember, Barcelona is not only Leo!
“I’m a professional so any match against Barcelona in the Champions League is special to me.
“I can’t say what my reaction will be if I score. That depends on the moment.
“But what I can say is that I am grateful to Barcelona for giving me the chance to play in Spain.
“I won six trophies with them and that is a big influence in any player’s career.
“But now I am at Arsenal and I want to win for Arsenal.”
