FC Bayern fans have never had the chance to see Arturo Vidal in such a candid way. The Chilean spoke one-on-one with FC Bayern TV LIVE about his upbringing, his family, his first years at Säbener Straße and his famed fighting spirit. “That comes from my childhood,” Vidal explained. “It was never easy for us but we were always joyful and tenacious. My mother did all she could to support the family. That’s shaped who I am today and I try to show it in every match.”
Away from the pitch, the midfield motor is much more softly spoken. “Privately I’m really quiet and loving. I enjoy spending time with my family – my kids, my wife and my friends. I enjoy the calmness. But on the pitch I change.” Vidal explained, “When I pull on the Bayern or Chile shirt, I want to win. When I see the fans I immediately get hyper motivated.”
Vidal believes that the fans play a "big part" in the success of his team. “Without them football would only be half as beautiful,” the 30-year-old said. “We couldn’t give 100 per cent without the fans. They’re an unbelievably important part of every match and every team.” Vidal is “forever thankful” to the fans and is looking forward to the upcoming season with the supporters and the entire club. “The special thing about Bayern is that we’re a family. The whole team. All the players have a close relationship to one another. We help each other where we can, and that’s what makes us different from every other big team in the world.”
"Bremen were never easy"
Vidal wants to attack again with Bayern this season and is counting on the quality brought in by the new arrivals to help. “It’s going really well,” he said in praise of the first weeks working with Corentin Tolisso, Sebastian Rudy, Niklas Süle and the currently injured James Rodriguez. “They all seem to be happy. Like I said, this team is a family. Every new player is welcomed like a brother. That’s something really positive because you have to be a unit to achieve something great.”
The Bavarians want to be successful as a group in Bremen on Saturday. “That will be a tough game. Bremen were never easy opponents for us but it’s our aim to be champions so we have to win there.” The Chilean finished by wishing “my family continued health and happiness” because when things are going well off the pitch, they tend to go well on it.
You can see the full exclusive interview on FC Bayern TV LIVE!
Topics of this article