Arturo Vidal to Manchester United: Midfielder admits he'd 'love to play for a big club'

Chile international appears to be open to a move to United, but claims he will not look at his future until he has returned from his post-World Cup holiday

Jack de Menezes
Tuesday 15 July 2014 10:12 BST
Comments
Chile's midfielder Arturo Vidal reacts after losing their match against Brazil in a penalty shoot out after extra-time in the Round of 16 football match between Brazil and Chile
Chile's midfielder Arturo Vidal reacts after losing their match against Brazil in a penalty shoot out after extra-time in the Round of 16 football match between Brazil and Chile (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arturo Vidal has given Manchester United a sign that he is ready to join the club after admitting that he would “love to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world”, although he will not make a decision on his future until he returns to Italy to speak to his current club Juventus.

Vidal’s agent was reported to be in talks with the Premier League club regarding a £35m move to Old Trafford, with new United manager Louis van Gaal said to be leading the race to sign the Chile international.

The 27-year-old is currently on holiday after competing at the World Cup in Brazil for his country, and when quizzed by Chilean newspaper La Tercera over whether he would be joining the Red Devils, he did open the door to a potential transfer.

“I've heard about the rumours, but I haven't spoken more about this subject,” Vidal said when asked about the move.

“I'm enjoying my holidays, and when I return to Italy I'll see what happens.

“I'm very calm, but anyone would love to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

Despite already signing England international Luke Shaw and Spaniard Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao, transfer activity at United is set to significantly increase with Van Gaal due to arrive at United on Wednesday after he took charge of his final Netherlands game on Saturday night.

Should Vidal end up moving to United, he would be joining one of his international team-mates in the Premier League after Arsenal secured the £35m signing of Alexis Sanchez this week. The former Barcelona star impressed at the World Cup, and Vidal believes he has made the right choice in heading the English top flight.

“I am happy for him, he needed to take a step like this and at Arsenal he will be able to do things very well,” added Vidal on Sanchez’s move to the Gunners.

Sanchez’s agent, Fernando Felicevich, may yet find that he has work to do even though Sanchez’s move is complete, given that he also has Vidal among his clients, and he could be off to Manchester over the next few weeks should talks between the two club progress positively.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in