Alexis Sanchez: Arsenal star reveals he has built two pitches in his hometown

Chile star has built two artificial pitches in his hometown of Tocopilla

(2016 Getty Images)

Arsenal and Chile star Alexis Sanchez has revealed that he has built two artificial pitches in his hometown to help the children of Tocopilla.

Sanchez, 27, has funded the building of the two pitches as he wants children of the city to avoid "going down the wrong path".

The forward, who provided two assists as Chile beat Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier, also said he returns and gives out gifts whenever he returns to his hometown.

"I built two football pitches because I wanted young kids to have a decent pitch to play on, because I didn't have one when I was younger," he told Arsenal.com.

"I'm lucky because I've had the opportunity to leave the country and play football, but it's a small town and opportunities are not common.

"People can end up going down the wrong path with alcohol and drugs, and that's bad news for kids. When I'm there I try to set up events where I play with the kids and try to boost them.

"Every time I go I try to set up events and get gifts just to see the smiles on small children's faces.

"I honestly believe that children are the most important thing in the world. They learn from adults and it's very important to be good role models."