"I feel really happy to play. My only problem was that I had a coach [Jorge Sampaoli], a loser who didn't know how to appreciate the players. But that's behind me now," Arturo Vidal has told the media after Athletico Paranaense beat Bahia 2-0 in the Brazilian Serie A.
Jorge Sampaoli is a well-known Argentine manager who also coached their national team from 2017 to 2018.
Earlier this year, Vidal played under Sampaoli at Flamengo. The Chilean was frustrated with some of the decisions that affected his game time. As a result, the player terminated his contract with the club by mutual consent.
Now, the 36-year-old plays for Athletico Paranaense where he can expect better treatment. Until 2024, he will play alongside Barca's future wonderkid forward Vitor Roque.
Vidal played for Barcelona from 2018 to 2020, making 96 appearances and recording 22 goal contributions. After that, he also played for Inter Milan.
