Arturo Vidal revealed that he was experiencing a “dream come true” as he underwent his formal unveiling as a Barcelona player on Monday afternoon.
The Chilean midfielder left Bayern Munich to join the Catalans in a €30million deal after agreeing a three-year contract over the weekend.
🏟 Welcome to Camp Nou, @kingarturo23!#EnjoyVidal pic.twitter.com/2juMVlMCHh
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) 6 August 2018
The crowds weren’t exactly thronging, but Vidal underwent the standard Camp Nou rigmarole as he donned his new club colours for the first time.
“It is a dream come true. I hope to achieve my objectives,” the 31-year-old told the gathered press.
“I am here to win all the trophies available and I will give everything on the pitch to achieve this.”
Vidal was joined by his young son Alonso on the pitch as he knocked off the obligatory kick-up display…
😏 Like father, like son
👍 @kingarturo23
🔵🔴 #EnjoyVidal pic.twitter.com/UCZKRQNcqH— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) 6 August 2018
So that’s that. The deal is done.
Barca have shipped Paulinho back to China for a profit as well as finding suitors for misfiring/unfavoured duds like Aleix Vidal and (imminently) Andre Gomes while replacing them with Vidal, Artur and Malcom.
While Real Madrid have lost their main draw, the reigning La Liga champions have overseen a fairly decent summer business-wise.
Are we looking at back-to-back titles for the blaugrana? Pies wouldn’t bet against it.