Brazil will host the 2019 Copa America, which will be played from June 14 to July 7 in Rio de Janeiro. Manchester United striker Alexis Sanchez will play for Chile at the tournament, according to reports.
In the Copa America Groups, Chile, Ecuador, and Japan are the four Group C teams.
Speaking to media, Sanchez said he is immensely proud of his Chilean heritage and honoured to represent his country at 2019 Copa America tournamnets and will be looking to add to his 41 goals and 124 caps as Chile seek to become only the second nation.
“When you first play for your country you fail to understand the magnitude of playing for Chile,” Sanchez said.
“The first time I wore the shirt, I could not believe it. It’s like defending your country.” Now, when you wear Chile’s shirt, it makes your hair stand on end.
“When we won our first Copa America in Chile, and the support of all the people, our family and friends, it was very nice for the entire country,” Sanchez added.
Alexis Sanchez celebrates with the Copa America trophy in 2016. (Source:www.tempo.com)
Chile won the Copa America for the first time in its history after a dramatic penalty shootout against Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final in Santiago in July 2015. They won the same tournament in 2016.
“I think the Chileans are going to remember it their whole lives. What is more, we won the same cup twice. The second one too, I think, was a joy for Chile. And to this day they are proud of every player. We need to repeat this triumph, do our best to take Chile to the top.” Sanchez said.
“I really hope to keep improving, to play another World Cup, to win another Copa America, to keep growing in the national team, scoring more goals, and continuing to give joy to the Chilean people.” he added.
Former Barcelona star failed to bring the best for United last season. He scored only one goal in 11 appearances in the Premier League for The Red Devils.
