Man Utd, Arsenal complete Sanchez-Mkhitaryan swap deal

Manchester Jan 23 (IANS) Manchester United on Monday completed the signing of Chilean football star Alexis Sanchez while their club forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan moved to London rivals Arsenal in a straight swap deal.

Alexis Sanchez said: "I am thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world. I have spent three-and-a-half wonderful years at Arsenal and I bring with me very positive memories of that great club and its fans."

"The chance to play in this historic stadium and to work with Jose Mourinho was something I could not turn down. I am very proud to be the first Chilean player ever to play for United s first team and I hope I can show our fans all around the world why the club wanted to bring me here " he added.

Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho commented: "Alexis is one of the best attacking players in the world and he will complete our very young and talented group of attacking players. He will bring his ambition drive and personality qualities that make a Manchester United player and a player that makes the team stronger and the supporters proud of their club dimension and prestige."

The Portuguese tactician also wished the Armenian who secured a move to the London club best for his future.

"I would like to wish Henrikh all the success and happiness that I am sure he is going to get. He is a player that we will not forget especially for his contribution to our Europa League victory " Mourinho said.

Meanwhile Mkhitaryan expressed his joy on moving to Arsenal while the club coach Arsene Wenger expressed his views on the new recruit.

Mkhitaryan said: "I m very happy that we could finish this deal and I m very happy to be here. It s a dream come true because I ve always dreamed of playing for Arsenal. Now that I m here I ll do my best for this club to create history."

"Henrikh is a very complete player. He creates chances he defends well he can absorb distances and he is very committed as well. I must say he s a player who has all the attributes " Wenger said.

--IANS
sam/sku/