MADRID, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal gave his first interview since signing for FC Barcelona from Bayern Munich on Wednesday in which he spoke about his humble beginnings in Chile and what joining the Liga Santander Champions means to him.
"I've never been able to play at the Camp Nou, so when I walked onto the pitch for the first time it was incredible. I hope to score and to be able to feel the appreciation of the crowd," he said on Barca TV.
Barca play their traditional Joan Gamper pre-season friendly against Boca Juniors on Wednesday, before kicking off the defense of their title at home to Deportivo Alaves on Saturday night.
"I want the games to start in order for me to be part of this dressing room," said Vidal, who made his competitive debut in the closing minutes of Barca's 2-1 win over Sevilla in the Spanish Supercup on Sunday night.
Vidal said he had to work hard to get where he is today as a player.
"When I was young I lived in a dangerous neighborhood. I had a very hard childhood, my mother took care of the five brothers alone, and she sacrificed a lot," he explained, adding that he has inherited that spirit.
"Everything I've gained on the field, I feel proud about because I leave everything on the pitch, nothing has been easy for me."
"When I was a kid I couldn't sign for (Chilean club) Colo Colo until I was 12, and the first time I tried, we didn't have enough money for the journey or equipment; we needed the money at home," said Vidal, who explained he used the money he earns in the game to ensure his mother now has "a better life."
Finally Vidal said he was looking forward to playing with Barca forward, Leo Messi.
"He's the best in history, for who he is and what he does," he commented. Enditem
