In the summer of 2015, Real Madrid had a golden chance to sign Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal from Juventus, but the Spanish giants ultimately decided against the move due to concerns over his off-field behaviour according to Mundo Deportivo.
At the time, Vidal was widely recognised as one of the best midfielders in Europe. His performances for Juventus were nothing short of exceptional, playing a crucial role in the club's four consecutive Serie A titles and their run to the 2015 Champions League final.
However, despite his undeniable talent, Vidal's history of disciplinary issues and controversial incidents raised red flags for Real Madrid's management.
In 2011, Vidal was arrested for a drunken brawl, and during the 2015 Copa America, he crashed his Ferrari while under the influence of alcohol. These incidents, along with reports of Vidal showing up to training still drunk from the night before, led Real Madrid to question his character and suitability for the club.
Even Vidal's teammates at Juventus, such as Giorgio Chiellini, acknowledged that alcohol was a "weakness" for the Chilean midfielder. While they praised his on-field abilities, they also recounted instances where his off-field behaviour caused concern within the team.
After Real Madrid decided against pursuing Vidal, he joined German giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2015. Under the guidance of manager Carlo Ancelotti, Vidal spent three successful seasons with the Bavarian club, winning multiple domestic titles. In 2018, he made a surprising move to Real Madrid's arch-rivals, Barcelona, where he spent two seasons before moving on to other teams.
Real Madrid's decision to pass on Arturo Vidal in 2015 highlights the importance of considering a player's character and behaviour when making transfer decisions. While Vidal's talent on the pitch is undeniable, his off-field issues were a cause for concern for the Spanish club.
Despite the off-field issues that have followed him throughout his career, Arturo Vidal is still regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. His versatility, tenacity, tackling ability, and contributions in both attack and defence make him a complete player who has left his mark on the game.
In an interview, Vidal alluded to having been close to signing for several top clubs, including Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester United, at various points in his career. While he did not provide specific details on why the move to Madrid fell through, it is clear that his off-field behaviour played a significant role in the club's decision to pass on him.