As of: February 3, 2024, 8:13 a.m
By: Christoph Klaucke
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The king is back: Ex-Bayern star Arturo Vidal is given a majestic welcome on his return to Chile.
The idea is second to none.
Munich – Arturo Vidal once threw himself into every duel for FC Bayern.
The Chilean midfielder enjoyed great success with the German record champions between 2015 and 2018.
Now the 36-year-old returned home to end his career and was celebrated frenetically - as a royal savior.
Pompous Vidal performance: Ex-Bayern star frenetically received
Like a messiah, Vidal floated down from heaven, with a cape, a huge crown on his head and a sword in his hand, he presented himself to his “people”: The former Bayern star was welcomed like a king at his home club Colo Colo in Chile .
First, Vidal was flown by helicopter to the Monumental Stadium in Santiago de Chile, where the returnee was greeted by around 35,000 frenetically celebrating fans.
In the style of King Arthur, the 36-year-old later rode around on a horse and presented his symbols of power, waving to the supporters with a smile.
Numerous fans held up jerseys with Vidal's name in the air.
Ex-Bayern star Arturo Vidal receives a frenzied welcome on his return home.
© Photosport/Imago
Helicopter, horse, crown: Ex-Bayern star with the most “surreal” performance at a new club
“I would be lying if I said I ever dreamed of something like this,” said Vidal, who moved from Colo Colo to Bayer Leverkusen in 2007.
“It was really wonderful to see the stadium full.
“I don’t know if anything like this has ever been seen in any other country,” he added, close to tears.
He “couldn’t sleep” while waiting for his return.
The Spanish
Marca
wrote about the “most surreal presentation in the history of football”; the show with musical interludes lasted a total of an hour.
Recently, ex-Bayern star Vidal caused a stir with a disturbing statement about Robert Enke's suicide and justified himself.
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Ex-Bayern star Vidal ends his world career at home
The former Munich and Leverkusen player returns to his youth club Colo Colo after 17 years.
At the age of 20, the midfielder moved to Europe and, in addition to the Bundesliga, also played for Juventus Turin, FC Barcelona and Inter Milan.
Before returning home, Vidal last played for Athletico-PR in Brazil.
The defensive midfielder played 142 international matches (34 goals) for Chile; no Chilean won more titles than Vidal (25).
Colo Colo is supposed to be his final adventure as a professional footballer.
His contract runs until the end of the year.
His former Bayern teammate Jerome Boateng, however, is signing in Italy.
Vidal played for FC Bayern for three years
For FC Bayern, Vidal played 124 games and scored 22 goals with 17 assists in three years.
Shortly before the transfer deadline, Bayern also presented a new signing and signed the Spaniard Bryan Zaragoza.
(ck/sid/dpa)