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Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal just recently did an interview with FCBayern! Current Barcelona player talks about tonight’s Champions League quarter-final against his former club — Bayern Munich. The midfielder is well known for his self-sacrificing style of play and warrior mentality, thus making him a fan favorite wherever he plays. He played for Bayern from 2015 up until 2018, when he joined Barcelona.
With tonight being the big night for Bayern and Barcelona, the player spoke to the media about the game. Arturo said that he expects a very intense match for both sides, likening it to a final. He goes on to say that the preparation for this match is a bit different since there won’t be a return match, but it will make the match even more interesting.
During his time in Munich, Vidal lifted the Meisterschale three times, he also won the DFB cup once and the DFL Supercup twice. After he left for Barcelona in 2018, he remained in close contact with the majority of Bayern’s squad, but he added that he had a good relationship with David Alaba, Javi Martinez, Jerome Boateng, Thiago Alcantara, Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski in particular. He also added that they “love each other and had three fantastic years together” and that he is looking forward to playing against all of them tonight!
When being asked about his feelings of playing against his former club, he had this to say:
“Yes, it’s a bit strange. You know a time like this will come, but it feels a bit strange. I had some terrific years in Munich with players who will now be my opponents. There’s a lot of love there, but I have to defend Barcelona’s colors, and I’m thankful to Barcelona for the love and confidence they have given me. And that’s why I’ll give my very best on Friday.”
He said that one of the most beautiful (and saddest) memories of his stay at Munich was when he announced his departure in front of his teammates — “... most of them didn’t want me to leave Bayern. We have such a good friendship and it was a beautiful moment, but also a sad one, because I had to leave Munich. I had to keep growing, looking for my destiny and I’m happy. It was one of the best times of my life because I felt supported, respected and loved by my teammates”
In the end, Arturo Vidal had a wholesome message for all Bayern fans:
“They have my respect. From the moment I arrived in Munich, they loved me and supported me. A lot of people from there still write to me, thanking me for what I gave and how I played, so I will always be thankful for that.”