- Veteran forward answers age and fitness doubts
- Takes Lukebakio’s number 10 at Sevilla
- Promises fans joy and title ambition
Sevilla have turned to experience in their bid to rediscover winning ways, completing the signing of former Barca and Arsenal star Sanchez on a free transfer after he terminated his contract with Udinese. The 36-year-old Chilean forward, who will turn 37 in December, inherits the number 10 shirt vacated by Dodi Lukebakio, and with it, the responsibility of adding goals and leadership to a side that has struggled in attack.
Despite concerns over his age and recent fitness issues, Sanchez has wasted no time addressing critics. He joined training under new coach Matias Almeyda this week and immediately reassured fans that he still has the hunger and quality to deliver. Sevilla, buoyed by their first La Liga win of the season 2-0 against Girona, now welcome the veteran into a squad that suddenly looks stronger, and more complete.
Sanchez came out swinging in response to criticism over his age and fitness, telling club media: “I feel physically fit. I still have a chance to be in Europe and at a big club like Sevilla FC. These fans are a reason to be here. I’m here to bring them joy.
“I’ll give my best. I’m here to bring joy to the fans, the whole group and the coaching staff. We’re all going to move forward together. I think you have to be professional. If you’re physically fit and professional at what you do, I think you can prove your worth on the pitch. Age is just a number.”
He added: “I always have desire, experience, I always want to move forward, I always want to win… Wherever I’ve been, I’ve always won titles. If I’m coming here it’s because I also want to fight for titles, I’m not coming here to play for the sake of playing.”
For Sanchez, this is another chapter in a career that has taken him to Barca, Arsenal, Inter and Udinese. For Sevilla, it’s about adding proven mentality, Sanchez has won titles everywhere he has played, to a team still searching for balance and a reliable source of goals. With Lukebakio gone and doubts surrounding Sevilla’s attack, the Chilean’s output could prove decisive for a side that narrowly avoided relegation last season.
While the Chilean trained for the first time with his new teammates, his official La Liga registration is still pending international clearance from the Italian federation, a formality the club expects to resolve shortly.
Coach Almeyda will then decide how to integrate him into a side that has just begun to turn a corner after back-to-back defeats. With Sanchez carrying the No. 10 shirt and expectations sky-high, his debut will be closely watched, both for the energy he brings to a transitional squad and for whether he can deliver goals.
