Quite the reveal.
In the end, it was quite cinematic. No wonder it took them so long to announce it – they were busy editing together their Twitter masterpiece.
Announcements of player signings have become almost as sophisticated and nuanced as the contracts themselves in modern football and, for the Alexis Sanchez-Henrikh Mkhitaryan swap deal, it was certainly no different.
Manchester United unveiled Sanchez with a cinematic-esque video on their social media accounts. Like an atmospheric film trailer for a major summer blockbuster, it was all stripped back and deep, man. It had Sanchez playing a slowed-down version of ‘Glory Glory Man United’ on the piano. Yes, it’s really him playing (see below).
He's already learned United's favourite song https://t.co/oXNohfS1LY
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) January 22, 2018
Sanchez had his say, too, posting a status to his Instagram account accompanied with ‘Now We Are Free’ from the bloody Gladiator soundtrack. Now we are free? Not so subtle.
Speaking of, Sanchez wasn’t exactly secretive about a conversation he had with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, one which may well have prompted the Chilean to do some serious soul-searching during his time at the Emirates.
“I remember today, a conversation I had with Henry, a historic Arsenal player, who changed club for the same reason and today is my turn,” Sanchez wrote.
It caused quite a stir amongst Arsenal supporters, especially seeing as there are some key differences between his departure and that of Henry’s. Firstly, the Frenchman didn’t leave in the middle of the season. He also didn’t leave for a Premier League rival, but for an illustrious club elsewhere (Barcelona). Also, one of the chief factors in Henry’s decision to leave was uncertainty over Arsene Wenger’s future. While that could be easily said for the current landscape at the Emirates, it’s clear that Sanchez’s exit has come about after his behind-the-scenes agitating.
Sanchez did say some nice things too, in fairness. For example, he made a point of thanking the technical and medical staff who don’t receive much public recognition for their roles at the club.
“I want to say thanks to the technical staff, to the medical team and all teammates with whom I shared many nice things for the club and especially those people who do not see themselves on the covers.”
“But without them, nothing would be possible, which are there to prepare food for us and take care of us day by day, those who keep our shoes clean and the grass in the best conditions.
“Many thanks to you for helping us to improve every day. Thank you very much. There are people (former club players) who have spoken with no knowledge of what happens inside the club and cause damage.”
But still, Arsenal fans have focused on his confidential conversation with Henry.
https://twitter.com/BallerWilshere/status/955512283706331137
This season alone, Thierry Henry has attempted to motivate Kane prior to the NLD, given Bournemouth a pep talk before playing us and advised Alexis on leaving the club. Regardless of his exceptional playing career, he’s really tainting his legacy at the club since
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) January 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/1886_blog/status/955506493930995713
Interestingly, Henry wasn’t the only person Sanchez spoke to about an Arsenal transfer. In fact, the Chilean once told Alex Ferguson that his dream was to play for the club. He revealed it during his first official interview as a United player, to the club’s in-house media team.
“I always said as a kid that I’d like to play for United and I once spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson about it. We chatted for around 20 minutes. And I told him that my dream was to come here to Manchester United.”
You can watch that full interview below:
How does it feel to call yourself a Manchester United player? Take it away, @Alexis_Sanchez!
Watch more from our first interview with #MUFC's new no.7: https://t.co/KgKz6QLlGt pic.twitter.com/4GWjxB5gVT
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 22, 2018
