Alexis Sanchez makes Udinese return after 13 years | OneFootball

Alexis Sanchez made his return to Serie A, but above all his first appearance in an Udinese jersey since May 2011.

The Chile international celebrated his 36th birthday just over a week ago and marked it with this historic moment at the Bluenergy Stadium, or the Stadio Friuli as it was known when he last represented the hosts here.

That was all the way back in May 2011, the last until today of his 113 competitive appearances in the Udinese jersey.

Alexis Sanchez of Udinese Calcio reacts during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Friuli on February 5, 2011 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

It was his showing here with 21 goals and 20 assists that allowed him to earn the €26m transfer to Barcelona in July 2011.

Since then, Alexis Sanchez moved through Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter and Olympique Marseille, before returning to Udinese in August 2024 as a free agent.

Dogged by injury problems throughout the campaign, it was only today that the former Niño Maravilla managed to make his ‘debut’ for Udinese against Torino.

He was greeted by a huge cheer from the crowd, including some kids who weren’t even born when he last played for the club.

Alexis Sanchez returns for Udinese