VIDEO: Alexis Sanchez tells brilliant story of how he got his first pair of boots aged 14

Alexis Sanchez might not have become the football superstar he is today had it not been for an act of kindness from a Chilean mayor.

The Arsenal talisman revealed in an interview with beIN sports that he often played barefoot in the streets as a teen because his parents weren't able to afford to buy him proper boots. He explained that it all changed one day when his mother approached the mayor of Tocopilla, when Alexis was just 14, requesting a grant that would allow them to purchase adequate footwear for him. The mayor clearly saw something in the youngster as not only did he make sure Sanchez got his boots, he hand delivered them to his house. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or9njoLcIf8