After his move to Manchester United was confirmed , Arsene Wenger says that Alexis Sanchez was always professional and ready to play, even in the days leading up to his transfer.

The Chilean was in the squad for the 4-1 win against Crystal Palace but late developments saw the manager give him permission to leave the team hotel and go to Manchester to complete the move.

Wenger wouldn’t be drawn on suggestions Sanchez had previously agreed an extension with Arsenal before changing his mind, but insisted that the 29 year old was a ‘good guy’ who always gave his best for the team.

“Look, I don’t want to come back on the history of his negotiations, but maybe one day,” he said.

“Alexis is a great guy and has always been committed, did the negotiations go well or not well?

“It has never affected him and I would just like to remind you I took him to the hotel on the night before the Crystal Palace game and he was completely focused and ready to play the next day until I told him, look you can go home, the deal is over the line.

“So, that’s what he did. No matter how the negotiations went he was always focused on football.”

The Frenchman also spoke about the financial side of the deal, which was obviously favourable to Sanchez, but said it wasn’t simply about the money.

“Of course the financial aspect is important, but he could combine both. I think he’s going to a great club and he gets a great contract, so you can understand that a professional player can combine both aspects.

“Alexis combined both. At the end of the day, we are a serious football club who have responsibilities and we want to spend the money we can afford.

“The maximum we can afford, we do, but as well you have some decisions to make at some stage – are you responsible in your management or not?

“If you cannot afford, you have to say ‘No, sorry, can’t do that’.”