It often appears that Alexis Sánchez has nothing in his life but football; the forward simply lives and breathes the beautiful game.

Even when injured you can see he is desperate to get back on the pitch. Even if he isn’t match fit he works hard, always pushing himself to his limits. However he is, apparently, capable of unwinding.

After a tough game or a week of training, Alexis goes home to relax with his piano and his dogs.

“I’m not an expert pianist but it does help me relax, because the whole day revolves around football. I go home, then football,” said the Chilean in an interview with Arsenal Player“It allows me to disconnect from football and that’s really good for me.”

It must be. When on the pitch or training, there’s no doubt Alexis gives his all and it must be great for him to switch off for a little while.

“When I go home I don’t want to watch any more football, I just want to play with my dogs and spend some time with my family, because that helps me recharge for the next day.

“It means I can go out with all the impulse and strength I want to bring.”

Alexis is currently on international duty back in South America, where Chile face Argentina in the early hours of Friday morning in a World Cup qualifier.

Like most international breaks he has probably taken his dogs, Atom and Humber, along with him. The piano may be trickier to lug around the world.