This can be considered the most resonant event in the South American transfer market. After 17 years playing abroad, the Chilean midfielder returned to startup team Colo Colo.
Nicknamed “King Arthur”, Vidal made his debut in the style of an emperor. The 36-year-old midfielder landed by helicopter at Monumental Stadium amid the welcome of 35,000 spectators.
Vidal then rode around the courtyard dressed as king with a crown, black cloak and a sword. Despite the hot weather, Chilean fans still packed the Monumental Stadium to welcome the country’s number one football star over the past decade.
“Hello friends. I’m so happy that tickets are sold out for today. I was very nervous, restless and had insomnia before this special return day. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you. I hope that today will be a great day, going down in the history of Colo Colo and Chilean football,” Vidal said at the grand opening ceremony.
Vidal grew up at the Colo Colo academy, playing two seasons in the first team before moving to Leverkusen in 2007.
Vidal has played for many top European clubs including Juventus, Bayern, Barcelona, Inter and has won both Serie A, Bundesliga and La Liga.
In the last two years, Vidal played for Brazilian clubs Flamengo and Athletico Paranaense. The 36-year-old midfielder has been away from the field for the past 4 months due to a knee injury, before returning to Colo Colo on a free transfer.
Vidal has played for Chile 142 times and scored 34 goals. This midfielder with a strong playing style participated in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.