Inter should think twice before deciding to sell Alexis Sanchez in the summer, at least if they rate the forward as much as Arturo Vidal does.
Reports in Italy today suggested the Nerazzurri were planning to offload Sanchez and Vidal because of their high salaries, as the club look to cut costs ahead of next season.
Vidal insists he is happy at Inter and intends to stay for at least another season, but the midfielder would be delighted if Sanchez could stick around as well.
Speaking to TNT Sports Chile today (via FcInterNews.it), Vidal said: “Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez, the two strikers who have played the most, know they have a champion behind them.
“Sanchez is one of the best players in the world and makes the difference.
“We have strong competition (in Serie A), that’s why we have three such great players up front.”
Sanchez lost his way during an 18-month spell at Manchester United, but the Chilean appears to have rediscovered his best form since joining up with Conte at Inter.
Vidal believes a return to Serie A was exactly what Sanchez needed to kick-start his career, explaining: “This league has been good for him.
“I was surprised by what happened at Manchester United because I know that Alexis makes the difference and helps you win games.
“In Italy you train more intensely than in other places, and if you’re physically fit you can make the difference anywhere.
“It’s important for Sanchez to be fit and happy.”
Vidal had already played with Sanchez for many years with Chile’s national team, but the midfielder insisted it was more satisfying to play together at club level.
“We’d only played together for Colo Colo for a club (before now),” he explained.
“It’s different when you’re together day after day, because with the national team we’re only together for 10 days and then everyone goes in different directions again.
“We speak a lot about what we’ve done and we know how important we are in a team.
“Alexis has had a career of success and so have I, we’re players recognised by everyone.
“We’re not kids anymore and that brings greater responsibility.”
