Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published Wednesday, 04 March 2026, 15:25 / Updated Wednesday, 04 March 2026 15:25
Arturo Vidal (38), a former Barcelona player from 2018-2020, said he felt “stolen by Real Madrid” repeatedly throughout his career and launched a controversy, according to which VAR was invented so that the “galacticos” would not be helped in matches.
The Chilean midfielder intersected several times with Real Madrid when he played in Europe, with teams such as Barcelona, Juventus or Bayern Munich.
Arturo Vidal released controversial statement: “VAR was invented so Real Madrid don't steal anymore”
“Yes, I felt robbed by Madrid. In two games against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, in the quarter-finals and in the semi-finals, when they knocked us out“, said Arturo Vidal, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Chilean didn't stop there and added, referring to Real Madrid: “That's why they invented the VAR, so they don't steal anymore“.
As for his future, Arturo Vidal has revealed that he wants to become a coach.
“I want to continue in football and take over a team quickly. I would really like to be a coach. I want to stay connected to what I love. I love football not only because it is my profession, but also because I watch a lot of football. I would like to help the young people here in Chile, teach them and support them to have a career like mine,” concluded Vidal.
Currently playing for Colo Colo, in his native country, the team where he started his career, Arturo Vidal has also played for Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Inter, Flamengo and Athletico-PR.
Despite playing for some of the most successful teams in Europe, Arturo Vidal never managed to win the Champions League. Instead, the Chilean won the Serie A title 5 times, 4 with Juventus and one with Inter.
Vidal also has 3 Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich and one in La Liga with Barcelona. At national team level, Vidal was one of the most important players in the Copa America triumphs in 2015 and 2016.
