Alexis Sanchez: I'm not fully fit yet

Posted Monday, August 04, 2014 by Goal.com

Following his big-money move from Barcelona to the Gunners, the Chile international played 74 minutes as Arsene Wenger's side lost 1-0 to Monaco in the Emirates Cup

New Arsenal signing Alexis Sanchez has set his sights on reaching full fitness after making his first start for the club.

The Chilean played 74 minutes as the Gunners lost 1-0 to Monaco in the Emirates Cup on Sunday, having come off the bench during a 5-1 demolition of Benfica a day earlier.

Alexis, who joined the north Londoners from Barcelona in July, is keen to settle as soon as possible and believes that his game time over the weekend will prove hugely beneficial.

"I have to go step by step; I have only trained twice with the team," he told the club's official website after the Monaco match.

"Today I played 70 minutes - I believe I needed it - and I just have to keep on working hard and training.

"I like this style of football. What is important for me now is to try to play games, to score as many goals as possible and to win titles.

"What is important now is to play and get fit. I need to get 100 per cent."

The 25-year-old also thanked Arsenal's fans for his warm reception.

"Of course I loved it, I am extremely thankful to all of them," Alexis added. "I am extremely happy and I hope I can make them very happy as well."