6. He Comes From Humble Beginnings
Junji Kurokawa/AP/Press Association ImagesDespite now being a globally-recognised star about to make a £30 million move to Arsenal, Alexis Sanchez came from humble beginnings. Growing up in the Chilean city of Tocopilla, Sanchez and his family were impoverished. Before he became a footballer, Sanchez would wash cars and push carts, and would take every opportunity he could to take part in a kick-about with his friends on the streets. Too poor to even buy football boots, he was given his first pair by Tocopilla's mayor.
Sanchez once revealed in a candid interview:
"One afternoon Mr. Courtois brought them to me, who was the mayor of Tocopilla and who liked Arauco, my team. I didnt have shoes because my mother could not afford them. When the mayor gave them to me, I couldnt wait more than two hours. I took off those Reeboks and went out into the street to play on the cement, with boots made for grass. I was as happy as a dog with two tails."
From a young age Sanchez knew he wanted to play football for a living, and would often reassure his mother that one day, he and his family would find a way out of poverty. The forward continued:
"Since I was little, practically a baby, it was clear to me. I would say to my mother: Relax, Im going to become a footballer and it will all turn out okay, well have money. And she would laugh. I would also say to my friends: Im going to give a car to you, a house to you I dreamed of cleaning up all of Tocopilla I have not given my friend the car, he needs to earn it, but I am searching for a way to help Tocopilla however I can I will find a way. I have made reality the dreams of that boy that played in the street against adults and they gave me some kicks! But I came back to play against them every time. My football is that of the street."
Sanchez once celebrated a goal for Barcelona by pulling off his shirt and revealing the message 'I love you mum' (above).