Alexis Sanchez has once again proven that he’s a genuinely lovely bloke by revealing that he’s invested in two football pitches in his hometown of Tocopilla.

The Chilean always seems to be attempting to help his former home, which has been struck by both poverty and natural disaster, and, this time, he’s bought two football pitches for the children to use.

Speaking about the investment, the forward said, “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.

“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.”

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Chile’s Alexis Sanchez gestures during the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup South American Qualifiers’ football match against Argentina, in Santiago on March 24, 2016. AFP PHOTO / MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP / MARTIN BERNETTI (Photo credit should read MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP/Getty Images)

The 27-year-old continued, “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.”

It’s always good to see footballers giving back to the community they grew up in, especially underprivileged areas, and the fact Alexis does this on a regular basis is a testament to his character. Although people tend to complain about the amount of money in the football industry, particularly players’ wages, they can also do a lot of good with their earnings.

Hopefully, other players will follow in Alexis’ example and invest in the future of their countries.