Alexis Sánchez didn’t come to Sevilla just for fun. The self-proclaimed still fit professional wants to fight for trophies in Andalusia, as he made clear in his first interview on his new club’s channels.
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Sánchez was officially unveiled only a few days ago as Sevilla’s latest signing, marking the beginning of a new and ambitious chapter in his long career.
The Chilean forward, now 36 years old, has already left his mark on some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Inter Milan. With his wealth of experience, he arrives in Andalusia determined not just to add another stop to his journey, but to lead Sevilla back to the heights the club has reached in the past.
Having worn the Barcelona shirt during his earlier years in Spain, Sánchez is no stranger to the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. Yet, as he himself emphasized, this time feels completely different. “The stadium is intimidating when you come here as an opponent,” he admitted, recalling the fiery atmosphere that Sevilla’s fans are known to generate. Now, with those same supporters behind him, Sánchez believes that the intimidating fortress that once challenged him can become the foundation of a successful new chapter.
In the days leading up to his decision, Sánchez weighed other options, including the possibility of returning to South America. Clubs across the continent had shown interest, eager to bring back one of Chile’s most celebrated players. However, Sánchez made it clear that such a move did not yet appeal to him. “I still feel physically good and I really wanted to stay in Europe,” he explained, underlining his desire to remain at the highest competitive level for as long as possible. “I’ve played here as an opponent and thought it was wonderful. I believe this club should be playing at a higher level again.”
This hunger is nothing new for Sánchez, whose career has been defined by both his technical brilliance and his relentless drive to win. Over the years, he has collected a glittering set of trophies, from La Liga and Copa del Rey titles with Barcelona to FA Cups with Arsenal and a Serie A title with Inter Milan. With Chile, he reached the pinnacle of international football by helping his country secure back-to-back Copa América victories in 2015 and 2016. For him, Sevilla represents another chance to fight for silverware, a motivation that remains as strong as ever. “I always want to win. Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve won trophies. I came here to fight for trophies as well, not just to play.”
The message is clear: Sánchez is not content with being a veteran presence in the dressing room or a symbolic signing. His ambition is to push Sevilla back into Europe’s elite competitions. “This club must return to where it belongs: the Champions League,” he declared, outlining his vision for the near future. “Or they must win another title like the Europa League. They need to get back to the top.” For Sevilla fans, these words carry significant weight, especially coming from a player with such a proven track record of success.
Sevilla’s leadership has echoed similar sentiments. The club, which has long been synonymous with Europa League glory, has struggled in recent seasons to maintain consistency in La Liga. Sitting in twelfth place with just one win and two losses so far this season, the Andalusians are eager to find stability and reignite their push for European football. The arrival of Sánchez, alongside fellow veteran César Azpilicueta, is seen as part of a wider strategy to inject both quality and leadership into the squad. Azpilicueta, a Champions League winner with Chelsea and a seasoned Spanish international, brings defensive solidity and experience, complementing Sánchez’s attacking flair and hunger for goals.
The timing of Sánchez’s signing is also significant. Sevilla face Elche on September 12, a home fixture that could serve as the perfect stage for Sánchez to make his competitive debut in front of his new supporters. The match will not only be a test of the team’s current form but also a chance for fans to witness firsthand the energy and determination that Sánchez has promised to bring.
Beyond his impact on the pitch, Sánchez’s presence is expected to boost morale in the dressing room. Younger players will have the opportunity to learn from someone who has competed at the very top for over a decade, while teammates and fans alike will look to him as a figure of inspiration. At an age when many players have either retired or moved to less demanding leagues, Sánchez’s decision to continue competing in Europe reflects both his physical condition and his mentality as a true competitor.
For Sevilla supporters, who have endured a turbulent few seasons, Sánchez’s words and ambitions offer a renewed sense of optimism. His determination to restore the club’s place among Europe’s elite is aligned with the expectations of a fanbase that has grown accustomed to success, particularly in continental competitions. While challenges remain in a competitive La Liga environment dominated by powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid, Sánchez’s arrival symbolizes a commitment to ambition and resilience.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on how the Chilean integrates into Sevilla’s system, how quickly he adapts to the demands of La Liga once more, and whether his leadership can translate into improved results on the pitch. What is certain, however, is that Sánchez has arrived in Andalusia with a mission: to win, to inspire, and to lead Sevilla back to where he firmly believes they belong at the top.
Updated: 02:44, 9 Sep 2025
