Arturo Vidal signs with Flamengo
‘Rei Arturo’ is headed back to South America. After 15 years playing in Europe, Flamengo announced the signing of the Chilean midfielder following their 2-0 victory against Atlético Mineiro for the Brazilian Cup.
The love story between Arturo Vidal and Flamengo is nothing new, as Flamengo fans and the Chilean have exchanged compliments for years. A new chapter in the story between the ‘Nação’ and the midfielder was written after Vidal expressed his desire to play for the Brazilian club during an interview for TNT Sports Chile back in April.
The Inter Milan player said at the time he dreamt of playing for Flamengo one day and he was hoping that it would be possible soon. Almost three months after that interview, the Chilean achieved his goal and signed with the club from Rio de Janeiro until Dec. 2023.
“Today a dream I have had all my life comes true. Now I am Mengão,” wrote Vidal on Twitter.
Flamengo was not the only South America giant to offer a contract to the Chilean, as Boca Juniors also made an official bid to sign the player a few weeks prior.
According to the Argentinian website TyC Sports, the Xeneizes offered a contract valid until Dec. 2023, similar to Flamengo’s proposal, with the possibility of extending it to July 2024.
When asked about the possibility of wearing Boca Juniors’ jersey last month, Vidal praised La Bombonera, the club’s stadium, and said that it would be a dream to play for the six-time Libertadores champions.
“We all know how much of a winner Boca are, the people, it would be a dream,” Vidal said. “We all know what Boca are in Argentina, the players who have played there. I was never lucky enough to play at La Bombonera and I’ve always wanted to feel what it’s like to play there.”
Despite his praises and Boca’s effort to hire the midfielder, Flamengo won the battle for the Chilean and the Brazilian club have their new number 32.
The Chilean legend begins a new chapter in his life after consolidating his victorious career in Europe. He arrives in Rio de Janeiro carrying 18 trophies from Italy, Spain and Germany in his luggage. In addition to his club titles, Vidal was one of the key players to lead Chile to its two Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016.
Despite all of his success in Europe, for Viidal last season in Italy was one to forget as he ultimately spent more time on Inter Milan’s bench than on the field. In 41 matches, he scored two goals and provided four assists.
-Matheus Teles
Photo: Дмитрий Садовников. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.