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
the dressing room before the game but he knew he didn’t really need to inspire his superstar You’ve had an amazing first year here but you need to end it with a winner’s medal As Alexis walked out on to the pitch holding the hand of a mascot fireworks went off all over the pitch The FA Cup trophy was sitting there shining brightly and waiting for him He couldn’t wait to get the ball and run at the Aston Villa defence He knew it would be a tough game but there was no way he was going to lose this match Alexis had been the Arsenal hero in the semi-final scoring both goals to beat Reading And he was determined to be the hero again in the final patient Alexis said to Mesut Özil and Theo Walcott his partners in attack If we play well we will score in the end Alexis was right Aston Villa stopped them again and again but the Gunners didn’t give up or get frustrated At the end of the first half the Gunners finally scored and it was thanks to Alexis Nacho We need to stay focused and we need to be 12 ALEXIS SÁNCHEZ
I’m not done yet Alexis told Mesut once Arsène Monreal crossed from the left and Alexis was there at the back post He couldn’t get enough power to head for goal so instead he headed the ball across to Theo who smashed it into the back of the net They had that goal they needed had given his half-time team talk The important message was that they were only halfway to victory I want to win but I also want to score Five minutes into the second half Alexis chased across the pitch to get to the ball first The Aston Villa defenders backed away in fear of what he might do with his brilliant skill Alexis had the space he needed for one of his trademark long-range shots With his right foot he hit the ball with so much power and swerve that the goalkeeper could do nothing as it sailed over his head Alexis couldn’t believe it he had scored and it was one of his best goals ever Per Mertesacker scored a third and Olivier Giroud made it four 4 0 what a way to win the FA Cup Final On the touchline Arsène clapped and allowed 13 THE WONDER BOY
