Man Utd flop offers explanation as he breaks celebration promise against old club

Alexis Sanchez was playing against former club Barcelona at the weekend and celebrated as he scored for Sevilla – despite the ex-Manchester United player claiming he wouldn’t as a mark of respect

Alexis Sanchez scored for Sevilla in their rout of Barcelona and, despite claiming he wouldn’t celebrate against his former club, the Chilean admits that emotions can sometimes boil over as the Spanish champions were humbled.

The Manchester United flop scored one of four goals as the Catalans were well beaten, losing for the first time as they relinquished top spot in La Liga. Red Devils loanee Marcus Rashford scored, but it was nothing more than a consolation.

Sanchez has played for numerous teams since his departure from Manchester. He’s now found himself in southern Spain and celebrated as he scored from the spot after 13 minutes. As a show of respect the 36-year-old didn’t plan to celebrate, but u-turned in the moment.

He said after the game: “I had said I wouldn’t celebrate, but sometimes the excitement overcomes me, and the desire drives me to do so. In truth, I hold a great deal of love for Barcelona.”

Sevilla were leading 2-0 when Rashford pulled a goal back for Barcelona. The hosts then scored twice in stoppage time to add some serious gloss to the scoreline with Jose Angel Carmona and Akor Adams both getting in on the act.

READ MORE: Man Utd favourite David De Gea sends message to supporters after latest blowREAD MORE: Spanish press react as Marcus Rashford scores in Barcelona’s ‘disastrous’ 4-1 loss

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick said after the heavy defeat: “We have to accept this defeat and look at the positive side. In the first half we made a lot of mistakes, but in the second half we were able to react. The international break this October will do us good.

Sanchez famously chose a move to Old Trafford, despite huge interest from Manchester City, when he decided to leave Arsenal in 2018. His move to the Red Devils made him the highest paid player in the Premier League but he rarely delivered on that huge investment. He spent only 18 months at the club before being allowed to leave.

He’s since struggled to find a home. He’s had two spells in Italy with Inter Milan – sandwiched in between that was a season at Marseille. More recently he headed to Udinese, the club he made his name out before signing for Barcelona.

In the summer he returned to Spain to join the Seville-based outfit and has helped them enjoy a promising start to the season. He’s scored twice in his five games for the La Liga side.

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