INTER MILAN have completed the signing of Arturo Vidal from Barcelona for just £900,000.
The Chilean reunites with manager Antonio Conte, who he previously worked with at Juventus between 2011 and 2014.
Vidal’s final appearance for Barcelona came against Bayern MunichCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Vidal, 33, will look to add to his amazing tally of 11 league titles in four different countries.
The combative midfielder left Juventus a year after Conte, spending three years at Bayern Munich before arriving at Camp Nou in 2018.
He made 96 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 11 times and making ten assists.
Vidal took to social media to thank Barca for “two wonderful years”, while the club itself placed on record its thanks for his “commitment and dedication”.
And stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez also paid tribute to their departing fellow South American.
The former wrote: “I only knew you from facing up against each other and you always seemed a phenomenon, but after I was lucky enough to get to know you personally and you surprised me even more.
“They were two years sharing a lot and you made yourself noticed a lot. The dressing room will miss you, Arturo.”
While Suarez, who himself appears set for Atletico Madrid, added: “To have you as an opponent was unbearable because of how great you are as a player, but to have you as a team-mate, friend and to know you as a person, you are even greater!”
Vidal links up with Chilean compatriot Alexis SanchezCredit: Reuters
Vidal’s final appearance for Barcelona came in the 8-2 drubbing against Bayern Munich, and he immediately did not feature in new manager Ronald Koeman’s plans.
He has been let go for under £1m because of Barcelona’s sheer desperation to offload high-earners in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic – while also only having nine months remaining on his contract.
Vidal joins compatriot Alexis Sanchez at Inter Milan, as Conte attempts to mould a squad capable of ending Juventus’ Serie A dominance… that he started.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both paid tribute to their departing friendCredit: Getty – Contributor
Barcelona’s Arturo Vidal looks close to vomiting as Bayern Munich celebrate one of their eight goals
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
