From the big cities of Barcelona, London, Manchester and Milan to the tranquil north-east of Italy: After 13 years at the biggest clubs in the world, Alexis Sanchez is reuniting with his old love Udinese Calcio
A prodigal son returns: Alexis Sanchez once developed into a player of international stature in Udine, but after 13 years the attacker is returning to the north-east of Italy. The Chilean moves to Udinese Calcio on a free transfer and signs a two-year contract.
The now 35-year-old joined the Bianconeri as an 18-year-old in 2006, before his path took him to the biggest clubs in the world. After spells at FC Barcelona, FC Arsenal and Manchester United, he finally returned to Serie A with Inter Milan in 2019 – first on loan, then permanently.
Now, after an interlude in Marseille, the contract has not been extended in the fashionable city by mutual agreement. Last season, “El Niño Maravilla” (the child prodigy) made 33 competitive appearances (four goals, five assists) and won the Italian championship with the Nerazzurri.
Massive experience
With his experience of almost 500 games in Europe’s top leagues and 77 appearances in the Champions League, the technically adept and prolific Chilean should help Udinese Calcio. And to a better season than the last: Because here, relegation was only prevented with a strong final spurt. Udine have not finished a season higher than 12th place since the 2013/14 season
