Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has revealed why he treats “every match like a final” for both Arsenal and Chile.
The Arsenal star has revealed that it is the fear of becoming a “nobody” that drives him on in football, and has suggested he could be tempted to leave Emirates Stadium if he becomes concerned Arsenal are not heading in the right direction in the near future.
“Looking at everything I’ve done in my career as a footballer, at all the titles, I believe that what’s hugely important is motivation,” he told Arsenal Player. “If a footballer is well motivated and has various things to motivate him every day, he will keep achieving his goals.
“In my case my life has changed and improved because different things have motivated me. For example, in the beginning my motivation was to help my family. Later on, my motivation was to be the best.
“It’s the joy you get from your family and from those close to you that motivates you. That gives you the push you need to get better.
“So even if a match has gone badly, you don’t let it get to you and you move forward. As a footballer, everything you’ve achieved can easily be lost and then you are nobody. That’s just how life is and that’s why you shouldn’t let things get you down. That’s the reason I treat every match like a final.
“I try to do that in every game – to give 100 per cent. Life is like a set of scales. One minute you can be right up there and the next really low.
“It’s important to try to maintain a sense of balance and that’s down to the individual.”
Arsenal fans will certainly be hoping to keep hold of Sanchez come the end of the summer transfer window, especially with the speculation regarding manager Arsene Wenger and his future at the club, but if Sanchez really does feel Arsenal are heading backwards and not forwards, there may be some cause for concern.
