He knows I am good for football – Alexis Sanchez accepts Lamine Yamal’s welcome after signing for Sevilla

Alexis Sanchez has vowed to work as hard as a “20-year-old boy” and acknowledged Lamine Yamal’s message of appreciation following his switch to Sevilla.

The Chilean moved back to La Liga on deadline day, signing a 12-month deal, 11 years after leaving Barcelona for Arsenal. He has subsequently enjoyed spells at Manchester United, Inter Milan, Marseille and Udinese.

His return was a surprise given he is now 36 years of age but Yamal was delighted to see him move to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.

Asked for his thoughts on the transfer window, the teenage Spain winger told RTVE last week: “I’ve always liked it because strange last-minute signings like Alexis Sanchez’s move to Sevilla come about. 

“I like that movement; it’s a beautiful thing in football, and I’m glad these things happen.”

Sanchez welcomes Yamal’s kind words

Sanchez was asked about Yamal’s comments at his presentation today, replying with a smile: “He knows that I am good for football. I think he said it because I played in Barcelona. I’m happy what he said. 

“I always liked playing against big teams. That’s why I’m in the gym alone, I work alone, to be like a 20-year-old boy.”

Sanchez, who has also won 168 caps for his country, does not believe his age will be a barrier to success and even feels his game has improved over time.

He added: ”Age? Soccer is simple. Every year I see it as being easier. It’s not a problem, you have to see it on the pitch and when the season ends we’ll have to see where everything is. 

“I feel good, I’m getting ready to be like a 20-year-old kid. Age is a number. I have to make it difficult for the coach [to leave me out]. I came to help the young people, the club. We are going to give joy to the fans this year.”