Given the sound track Alexis Sanchez chose for his Instagram story showing the process of his transition from Arsenal to Manchester United, you knew some drama was coming. Monday brought that conflict as the newest member of the Red Devils took a parting shot at some of Arsenal’s former players who are now pundits.
The Chilean’s video showing him boarding a jet in the snow was set to the song “No Easy Way Out” by Robert Tepper. If you’re a fan of “Rocky IV,” you know the song as the backing for a montage in which Rocky Balboa drives late at night and ruminates about his life, reflecting on how he got to where he is right now.
Apparently, the lyrics, “there’s no easy way out, there’s no short cut home! Giving in, giving in can be wrong!” struck a chord with Alexis, as he felt it applied to the tension surrounding his exit.
Sanchez posted a video on his official Instagram account, and the caption that included a goodbye message to Arsenal, as he thanked staff, fans and teammates. Sanchez didn’t explicitly call out specific former players, but he referenced Thierry Henry when discussing some of the rationale for departing Arsenal. Henry, in his role as a Sky Sports pundit, called attention to some Arsenal players not celebrating Sanchez’s first goal with him in a win over Crystal Palace.
“There are people (Arsenal club legends) who have spoken with no knowledge of what happens inside the club and cause damage. I must say I always gave 100 percent, until the last day, when I asked to the Mister [manager] to be in the team, because I wanted to be a contribution.”
“I remember today, a conversation I had with Henry, a historic Arsenal player, who changed club for the same reason and today is my turn,” Sanchez wrote.
“Thanks for everything Gunners! All we achieved and the good moments that I gave to the club, I want to dedicate it to the fans, they are the most important. Thanks for every time you sing Alexis Sanchez Baby.”
Of course, Alexis isn’t the only Gunners star to get into it with ex-players who became pundits this season. Mesut Ozil has also been criticized by club legends who now work in the media, and he’s not been shy about returning fire.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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