Arsenal vs Barcelona: Alexis Sanchez explains why he joined Gunners after admitting leaving La Liga giants was not easy

Alexis Sanchez has revealed that his desire of wanting a new project convinced him to join Arsenal after admitting leaving his dream club Barcelona was not easy. He left Camp Nou and made a switch to the north London club in the summer of 2014 and has been a key player for the Gunners.

Luis Suarez left Liverpool and signed for the Catalan club in 2014. His arrival forced Barcelona to offload Sanchez, which allowed Arsenal to secure his services. The 27-year-old claims a plethora of options in the attack at Barcelona would have limited his playing time and suggests that leaving his former club was the right choice.

"It wasn't easy to leave Barcelona. I fulfilled a dream when I moved there — to play in Spain and for the champions — but very few players stay in the same club all their life. To leave is normal," Sanchez told the Sunday Mirror, as quoted by Sky Sports.

"I wanted a new project, a new experience. And with so many attacking players at Barca it was a good choice to go... it has been a positive move and I love it at Arsenal."

The Chilean international has won two FA Cups and one Community Shield since he joined Arsene Wenger's side. His impressive form in his debut season in the Premier League saw him make it to the PFA Team of the Year.

Arsenal face Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League knockout clash at home on 23 February. Luis Enrique's side boast a strong attacking lineup, which includes the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Suarez. Sanchez has issued a warning to his teammates that the clash against the La Liga giants will not be easy on Tuesday.

"We know it won't be easy. [Messi] is the best footballer in the world, without a doubt. It's very difficult to stop him but we will work on it. And remember, Barcelona is not only Leo..."