It's not every day that a player of such standing arrives in Ligue 1. Even at 33, Alexis Sanchez is talked about, and is already the idol of Marseille supporters.
After being welcomed at the airport by his new fans on Tuesday evening, the Chilean striker officially signed for Olympique de Marseille on Wednesday.
Facing the press, he delivered his first words in his new colors.
“I am very happy with the welcome from the supporters, I was surprised.
We see that they love this club, that they have passion, ”he began, returning to his first moments of communion with the supporters.
𝗟𝗔 𝗙𝗢-𝗟𝗜𝗘 🤯🔥 Throwback
to the arrival of @Alexis_Sanchez 🇨🇱 at Marseille-Provence airport last night ✈️ pic.twitter.com/zEwzt92VVJ
– Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) August 10, 2022
Faced with questions about his current form, the two-time Copa America winner then showed confidence.
“Physically I feel good.
There are still a few small details to settle, in particular to touch the ball a little more and find the rhythm”, assured the Chilean, while explaining to be the most comfortable “behind a striker”, while being able to adapt. .
“Thank you for keeping your word”
A versatility that Pablo Longoria, the Marseille president, wanted to seek by recruiting him.
“He embodies everything we need.
A player who can play in different systems and who changes the size of the workforce, ”said the Spaniard.
"Thank you for keeping your word, and for believing in our project," he said, addressing his new player directly.
🎥 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘀
🎬 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗜𝗫
✍️ « 𝗘𝗹 𝗡𝗶𝗻̃𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮 » #BienvenueSurMars 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗮́𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘇 🛸🇨🇱 pic.twitter.com/wooByhm8sg
– Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) August 10, 2022
For Alexis Sanchez, arriving at OM is a "personal challenge", which he hopes will result in new trophies.
“I was told that OM had a very great history, the biggest French club.
When I come here it's to win titles, he promised to the press.
I like the pressure, when things are difficult.
»
The former Gunner is now under contract with OM, probably for a year, plus another optional year.
He will receive an annual salary estimated at 3 million euros.
Alexis Sanchez has been free since the termination of his contract at Inter.
His arrival charges the Marseille workforce a little more in attack.
A point on which Pablo Longoria intends to work “by the end of the transfer window”.
A degreasing should therefore be in sight.
