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Football London
Football London
Sport
Lewis Pangratiou

Alexis Sanchez gives verdict on Arsenal's new home kit in Instagram message to Granit Xhaka

Alexis Sanchez has given his verdict on Arsenal's new home kit after its official launch on Thursday morning.

Sanchez's former teammate Granit Xhaka posted the kit announcement video on Instagram with the caption: "North London (United) forever. £5 from every Arsenal home shirt bought through Arsenal ahead of the new season will go to the Arsenal foundation @Arsenal."

As seen in the opening sentence, the Swiss international referenced Louis Dunford's new Arsenal anthem 'The Angel' in his message. The song, which went viral on Twitter a little over a fortnight ago, has become a bona fide anthem for the club with it celebrating the history of Islington and the area surrounding the ground.

READ MORE: Arsenal accidentally drop William Saliba hint as new home kit unveiled ahead of Everton clash

Dunford's anthem is one of the many examples of how Arsenal have been trying to do find common ground with the local community as they look to strengthen the connection between their fans and their players. The kit announcement video built on that theme as several players travelled to local businesses, sports clubs and schools to show their support.

The new culture seems to be going down well with former players too, one of whom is - perhaps surprisingly - Alexis Sanchez. The 33-year-old replied to Xhaka's post with red and white heart emojis, as he showed support for his old teammate and club.

It's not the first time he's done so this season, either. The Chilean left in unfortunate circumstances back in the January 2018 transfer window, as he signed for Manchester United in a deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan move the other way.

It's often been touted as one of the worst deals in recent history after Sanchez and Mkhitaryan flopped at their respective new clubs. Sanchez has since split opinion amongst Arsenal fans, as the once loved winger was deemed a traitor by some for joining their old enemy.

Nevertheless, it seems as though he still wants Arsenal to do well, as he also replied to Xhaka's Instagram after the Gunners' win over West Ham earlier this month. Xhaka said: “Three BIG points – now we prepare for the next one." In response, Sanchez commented “Gunners” along with clapping emojis. Sanchez has his own fond memories of the London Stadium, having scored a hat-trick on his first ever appearance there in a 5-1 win.

Sanchez isn't the most popular former Gunner following his controversial move to United, but if he continues to show Arsenal support and love like he's been doing, opinion could shift in the future.

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