Alexis Sanchez completes Udinese return on two-year deal after leaving Serie A champions Inter Milan
By Ben Southby
Published 11/08/2024 at 11:31 GMT+1
Former Arsenal and Manchester United attacker Alexis Sanchez has returned to Udinese, where he spent the early stages of his European career, after 13 years. The 35-year-old left Inter Milan following the expiration of his contract with the Italian champions. Sanchez spent five years as an Udinese player from 2006 to 2011 before catching the eye of Barcelona. He has signed a two-year deal.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Alexis Sanchez has sealed a return to Italian side Udinese 13 years after leaving the club, signing a two-year contract.
Sanchez joined Udinese from Chilean outfit Cobreloa during the early stages of his career in 2006, before swiftly returning to his home country on loan the following season.
Another loan move to Argentinian giants River Plate followed before his permanent switch to Europe, where he went on to play for Udinese 112 times from 2008 to 2011.
After representing Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United and Inter Milan, the 35-year-old has sealed a return to the club following the expiration of his contract with the reigning Italian champions.
Sanchez has had a glittering career in Europe, where he has won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, two FA Cup medals, two Serie A titles and the Copa Italia.
He also played a vital role in historic back-to-back Copa America triumphs with Chile in 2015 and 2016 - the country's only major trophies.
During a prolific career, the forward player has racked up over 200 club goals, while he has also bagged 51 in 166 games for his country.
After impressing in the Italian top flight with Udinese during his first spell, Sanchez made a blockbuster move to La Liga and European champions Barcelona in 2011.
Following his time in Barcelona, the then-25-year-old left Catalonia to join Premier League giants Arsenal in a deal worth around ÂŁ35 million in 2014.
It was in north London where Sanchez enjoyed arguably the best football of his career, playing 166 times for the Gunners under legendary manager Arsene Wenger. He scored 80 goals and provided 43 assists.
Sanchez added two FA Cup medals to his trophy haul during his time with Arsenal and scored in both finals at the iconic Wembley Stadium, against Aston Villa and Chelsea.
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Sanchez finishes off quick Inter attack to extend lead
Video credit: TNT Sports
He spent four years at Arsenal before a controversial move to United followed in 2018, which saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan move in the opposite direction in a swap deal.
The move did not go to plan, with Sanchez struggling to find the form he showed in the capital.
After managing just five goals in 45 games for the Red Devils, he returned to Italy in 2019 with Inter on an initial loan deal in his first of three spells with the club.
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The move became permanent a year later, as Sanchez rediscovered his form and helped the club to win the Serie A title.
After 109 games for Inter, he spent a year in France with Marseille and was at his scintillating best as he struck 18 times in 44 games.
After just one season, he made his return to Inter on a free transfer and sealed another domestic title with the club.
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