Arsenal news: Thierry Henry hits back at Alexis Sanchez as Gunners legend says he had ‘no idea’ Chilean was moving to Manchester United
Sanchez had fired a parting shot at the Gunners saying he left for the 'same reason' as Henry
THIERRY HENRY has hit back after Alexis Sanchez named him in his controversial farewell message to Arsenal fans.
The Chilean moved to Manchester United in a swap deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan on Monday - and said that he left for the "same reason" as Henry.
The French legend left Arsenal in 2007 over an inability to compete for trophies, moving to Barcelona where he won two La Liga titles and the Champions League.
In his prickly message on social media, Sanchez said: "I remember today, a conversation I had with Henry, a historic Arsenal player, who changed club for the same reason and today is my turn."
Some Gunners fans took that to be Henry advising Sanchez to make the move to Old Trafford - with a number of fans branding him a "snake" who had "tainted his legacy".
Arsenal's all-time top scorer, who has a statue at the Emirates, sent a strong message of his own to deny that any conversation took place.
"I know I don’t need to explain this to the majority of Arsenal fans but contrary to speculation at no time did I tell Alexis Sanchez to leave Arsenal," Henry wrote.
"I had no idea he was going to sign for Man Utd until I saw it on the news like the rest of you."
Sanchez, 29, also criticised pundits and media who have criticised him in recent weeks.
The Chilean was close to leaving north London in the summer and former Arsenal players - including Henry - have criticised his performances and desire this season.
There were also reports that he had become a disruptive force in the dressing room.
Sanchez wrote: "There are people (former club players) who have spoken with no knowledge of what happens inside the club and cause damage.
"I must say I always gave 100 per cent, until the last day, when I asked to the Mister to be in the team, because I wanted to [contribute]."
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Sanchez, who was pictured in a Manchester United jacket as a teenager, also said he was "thrilled" to be joining the "biggest club in the world".
"The chance to play in this historic stadium and to work with Jose Mourinho was something I could not turn down.
"I am very proud to be the first Chilean player ever to play for United’s first team and I hope I can show our fans all around the world why the club wanted to bring me here."