Arsenal legend Martin Keown has told Alexis Sanchez to give his best for the club this season and ‘leave with dignity’ when his contract expires next summer.
The Chile international was denied the move he wanted this summer as Arsene Wenger fought off interest from Manchester City to keep his star player at the Emirates Stadium for one final season.
Despite the offer of a new contract being on the table for Sanchez, it seems highly likely that the 28-year-old will walk away on a free at the end of the season after attracting interest from a host of Champions League clubs.
Sanchez more or less admitted he wanted out of Arsenal in order to play in Europe’s top club competition, with the Gunners only competing in the Europa League this term.
This has led to concerns that Sanchez may not give it his all in his final year with the club, but Keown believes it is in his interests to carry on as always.
‘Sanchez is an emotional player who seems incredibly low at the moment as a result of not getting what he wants,’ Keown told the Daily Mail.
‘But this is a player who loves football. He wants to play and win and must refocus on this as he rejoins his Arsenal team-mates following the international break.
‘Manchester City may try again for Sanchez in January but the player should now be looking to leave with dignity at the end of the season having given his all for Arsenal.
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‘There are lots of factors to consider, of course. It can have a toxic effect on the dressing room if all the talk is about players wanting to leave.
‘But this situation has demonstrated just how stubborn Arsene Wenger can be. He will not be dictated to by a player in this way.
‘If Sanchez wants to make a fool of himself and down tools, then that is up to him.’
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