For Noah and the future Oldfields to come Looking forward to reading this book together
acknowledgements This was a very special opportunity for us as brothers to work together on something we are both so passionate about Football has always been a big part of our lives We hope this book will inspire others to start or continue playing football and chasing their dreams Writing a book like this was one of our dreams and we are extremely thankful to John Blake Publishing and James Hodgkinson and Chris Mitchell in particular for making this project possible It was great to have your guidance and support throughout our writing process 9
We are also grateful to all the friends and family that encouraged us along the way Your interest and sense of humour helped to keep us on track Will Doug Mills John James Pang-Oldfield and the rest of our King Edward VI friends our aunts uncles cousins the Nottingham and Montreal families and so many others thank you all Melissa we could not have done this without your understanding and support Thank you for being as excited about this collaboration as we were Iona thank you for your kindness and encouragement during long work-filled weekends Noah we’re doing our best to make football your favourite sport We look forward to reading this book with you in the years ahead Mum and Dad the biggest thank you is reserved for you You introduced us to football and then devoted hours and hours to taking us to games You bought the tickets the kits the boots We love football because you encouraged us to Thank you for all the love all the laughs and for always believing in us This book is for you 10 ALEXIS SÁNCHEZ
CHAPTER 1 Winning at Wembley Alexis Sánchez baby Alexis Sánchez oooohhhhhhhh Alexis could hear the Arsenal fans loud and clear as he warmed up on the Wembley pitch He loved the song that they had made for him There was still half an hour until kick-off but the atmosphere was already amazing It was Arsenal’s second FA Cup Final in a row but for Alexis this was the chance to win a first English trophy and what a trophy it was Even as a kid growing up in Chile Alexis knew about the oldest football competition in the world It was a dream come true Alexis this is it Arsène Wenger said to him in 11
