Alexis Sanchez attempts to clear the air over claims Thierry Henry told him to leave Arsenal for Manchester United

The Chilean finally completed his move to Old Trafford on Monday and appeared to hint that the Frenchman, who left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007, had urged him to do so

Wednesday 24 January 2018 12:01 GMT
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Alexis Sanchez unveiled as Manchester United player

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Alexis Sanchez has moved to deny suggestions Arsenal legend Thierry Henry told him to leave the club for Manchester United.

The Chilean finally completed his move to Old Trafford on Monday and appeared to hint that the Frenchman, who left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007, had urged him to do so in his farewell message to Gunners fans.

After the signing was announced by United, Sanchez wrote on Instagram: "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."

Those comments have been construed by some as Henry who was forced to deny that this was the case on Tuesday.

He said: "I know I don't need to explain this to the majority of Arsenal fans but contrary to speculation at no time did I tell Alexis Sanchez to leave Arsenal. I had no idea he was going to sign for Man Utd until I saw it on the news like the rest of you."

And now Sanchez has moved to clarify the situation further with a denial of his own.

The 29-year-old tweeted on Wednesday: "I want to clarify that Henry never told me to leave the club, it was a personal decision ... he LOVES the club and someday it would be nice to see him as the arsenal coach because he loves the club."

Sanchez, who scored 80 goals in 166 appearances for Arsenal, was in the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium after turning down a new deal.

He had been heavily linked with Manchester City but United became his destination after the Premier League leaders withdrew their interest due to the costs involved.

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