Alexis Sanchez talks Lamine, Messi, La Masia ahead of Sevilla vs Barcelona – ‘Mine was the best Barça team in history’ | OneFootball

At the age of 36, Alexis Sanchez made the move to Sevilla in the summer to close his professional career in the country where he saw his best years.

The Chilean international has played for several clubs over his long and illustrious career, including Inter Milan, Manchester United, Arsenal and River Plate. The highlight, however, was his stint with Barcelona between 2011 and 2014.

After leaving the club in 2014, he joined Arsenal, where he faced off against Barcelona twice, then moved to Manchester United and subsequently Inter Milan.

With a few stints at Marseille and Udinese past him, he will meet Barcelona once more tomorrow night as Sevilla gear up to lock horns with Hansi Flick’s side.

Alexis Sanchez reflects on Barcelona stint

Speaking to the media about his clash against his former club, the 36-year-old opened up on his memories at the club and the teammates he shared the dressing room with at the time.

He began, however, by remembering the winner he scored for Barcelona against Sevilla in the 90th minute at the Camp Nou back in 2013.

“I remember that goal. I hooked it in, and it went in at the far post. Now I have to score against Barcelona, and in front of the Sevilla fans at the Sánchez-Pizjuán. Hopefully it will happen…,” he said.

He then remembered his time in Catalonia and called the team at the time the best team in history without any doubt.

“I don’t think I did too badly during my time there. But I was very lucky: mine was, without a doubt, the best Barça team in history,” he began.

Alexis Sanchez faces Barcelona tomorrow. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“After playing on that team, it’s been impossible for football to surprise me. I played with Iniesta, Xavi, Messi, Neymar, and Puyol, who was a tremendous defender and captain of Spain,” he added.

“I played with all of them! Finding players like that today is very difficult for me,” he concluded.

Sanchez was then asked about Lamine Yamal and comparisons with Lionel Messi, which is the trending topic in Spain at the moment.

“Compare him to Messi? That’s a tall order. Lamine plays very well, but we shouldn’t overwhelm him with words.”

“Let him have fun, relax, and reach his best level, because he’s still very young,” he added.

Finally, the player was asked what he remembered the most from his time at Barcelona, to which he named La Masia without any hesitation.

“It left a mark on me. I got my coaching license, but I still want to do it as a player: teach young people what respect is, the timing of football.”

“And what football, the football of La Masia! That way of finding space, keeping possession of the ball. That’s what I like,” he added.

Source: AS