Arturo Vidal
experienced a unique, unforgettable and unusual party
, in his majestic presentation before the Colo-Colo fans on his return to Chilean football after 17 years touring the world.
The historic midfielder not only arrived by helicopter at the Monumental stadium, but also took an Olympic lap around the field mounted on a black horse and dressed in the style of the legend of King Arthur, with crown, cape and sword.
Awesome.
“I would be lying if I said I ever dreamed something like that.
It was truly wonderful to see the stadium full.
I don't know if anything like this has been seen in any other country,” he later said at a press conference because when he had the opportunity to speak to the 35,000 people present, his words were drowned in tears of emotion.
“It's very difficult,” he managed to pronounce before the microphone standing in the central circle of the albo team's field in the Chilean capital, which was packed to receive the 36-year-old footballer who returns to the team with which he debuted as a professional, after 17 years playing abroad.
“I am grateful to the Colocolino people.
One believes that they love one more abroad than in one's own country, but today I see that this is not the case and they have made me feel it,” he later admitted to the press at the conference.
Vidal's emotion was genuine and could be seen before he arrived at his presentation, when a video was projected on the stadium screen in which he commented on his previous feelings: "I'm very nervous, I couldn't sleep waiting for this day."
Vidal excited about his return to Colo-colo de Chile (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The show, which lasted one hour, began with the presentation of Chilean artists Pablito Pesadilla, Mary la cumbia de barrio and Amerikan Sound.
But the highlight was the appearance of the helicopter flying over the stadium and descending over the field so that Vidal could appear.
Then came the horse and all the clothing, which included a king's crown and a sword that was given to him in his hand and he did not have to take it from a stone like 'Excalibur', in the legend of King Arthur of Brittany, a character in the European literature.
"I was the first to ride a horse here on the Colo Colo field," Vidal later stated, but he was not the first to arrive by helicopter because the black and white club had already used the resource in the 'Noche Alba of 1999' , a traditional presentation that on that occasion was for the newly hired coach
Nelsinho Baptista
.
With his right leg, the one with the knee operated on last September, he kicked balls to the stands to make an offering. The fans were rewarded for attending and among the gifts given were 10 people who could have lunch with the idol.
Arturo Vidal on a horse tours the field of the Monumental de Chile.
EFE/ Javier Martin
Of all the great returns of Chilean soccer figures such as Jorge Toro, Elías Figueroa, Carlos Caszely, Patricio Yáñez, Iván Zamorano and Matías Fernández – also to Colo Colo – and which had 10 thousand people in 2019, Vidal's marks a precedent, since he is the Chilean footballer with the most titles won in history with 25 trophies.
To the fans, the '8' of the Chilean team also made requests and promises.
“We hope that the stadium is always like this (full) and I hope we can raise another Libertadores, why not?” He stated to those present.
Then, when asked about his great bet, he doubled it: “I take responsibility for my words, I always have.
Thank God I have won a lot, if I had not had this personality when I went to Germany I would have been here faster, I have confidence and if it does not happen I will take charge," he said regarding the campaign that Colo Colo has ahead of it from the previous phase of the Copa Libertadores.
“I'm going to try to give thanks in my own way, playing well and achieving the goals we have ahead of us and achieving everything I achieved outside with the help of my teammates and the coaching staff,” he added.
Arturo Vidal's presentation in Colo Colo was quite a show.
Arrival by helicopter and ride on horseback.
THE KING 👑🇨🇱pic.twitter.com/Zzdsxs5XQQ
— The Chips (@TheChips_Futbol) February 2, 2024
“Olé, olé, olé, Vidal, Vidal”, the powerful chorus that descended from the stands of the stadium located in the Macul neighborhood brought tears to the eyes of Vidal, who hopes to give back with football after an injury that could have retired him.
Vidal played for Flamengo and Athletico Paranaense last season without scoring goals, but starting several games.
His stopover in Brazil came after his successful time in Europe, where he played for Juventus, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Inter Milan.
Vidal is getting ready for the first challenges of the season, first this Saturday, February 3 in Viña del Mar against Independiente del Valle, then he will have to face Huachipato for the final of the Chilean Super Cup and the start of the season on Saturday the 17th against to the Spanish Union.