Alexis Sanchez hails ‘historical football legend’ Arsene Wenger after Arsenal manager announces he will stand down

Alexis Sanchez expressed his gratitude to Arsene Wenger a day after the Arsenal manager announced he would end his mammoth 22-year reign at the club at the end of the season.

The Chilean moved to north London from Barcelona in July 2014 and went on to establish himself as one of the Gunners' key players before leaving for Manchester United earlier this year.

Sanchez, who scored 80 goals in 165 appearances for Arsenal, revealed he has been in recent contact with Wenger and described the Frenchman in glowing terms on Saturday evening.

Speaking after United's 2-1 FA Cup semi-final victory over Tottenham at Wembley, Sanchez told reporters: "I texted him yesterday to wish him the best. I could not say anything on social media but I texted him and he replied to me saying thank you to me.

Arsenal chief executive gives powerful tribute to Arsene Wenger

"It's sad because he is a historical football legend, I always said he is a gentleman and a football master, he taught me a lot about respect and to be professional.

"I'm just so thankful to him."

Possible New Arsenal Manager Candidates - In pictures

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Possible New Arsenal Manager Candidates - In pictures

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  Patrick Vieira

  AFP/Getty Images

• 2/13

  Carlo Ancelotti

  Bongarts/Getty Images

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  Thomas Tuchel

  EPA

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  Massimiliano Allegri

  Bongarts/Getty Images

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  Brendan Rodgers

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  Mikel Arteta

  PA

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  Joachim Loew

  Bongarts/Getty Images

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  Thierry Henry

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  Lucien Favre

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  Diego Simeone

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  Rafael Benitez

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  Sean Dyche

  PA

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  Leonardo Jardim

  EPA

Additional reporting by the Press Association