Arsenal’s striker Alexis Sanchez celebrates a goal during an English Premier League football match against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on October 4, 2015. PHOTO/AFP
LONDON, December 8- Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez withstood stiff competition to win the Football Supporters’ Federation Player of the Year award.
Sanchez has scored 20 goals in all competitions for Arsenal this year, including a superb hat-trick against Leicester City on September 26.
However, the 26-year-old’s successes go beyond the club level as he has also tasted glory with national team Chile – he scored the deciding penalty against Argentina to help his country win their first-ever Copa America title.
“I’m delighted to receive the FSF Player of the Year award,” Sanchez, who won the award ahead of Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero and Jamie Vardy, told reporters. “Personally, it’s been a great 2015 for me on the pitch with both my club and country.
“Arsenal have enjoyed a good start to the season and it was disappointing to pick up an injury. But I’m hoping to be back soon to help my team-mates have another successful year.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger lauded Sanchez and said that the forward has had a superb impact and been a major asset ever since he joined the Gunners from Barcelona for approximately £35 million in July 2014.
“Alexis has had a great 2015 – winning the FA Cup with us and the Copa America with Chile,” Wenger said. “He has made a huge impact on English football since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium and I’m very happy that his skill, ability and dedication has been recognised by football fans across the country.”
