Ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich star receives bonkers transfer unveiling involving a helicopter, horse and sword

A former Barcelona and Bayern Munich star rode a horse while carrying a sword during a bizarre transfer unveiling this week.

South American football is renowned for its colour and passion, but Chilean giants Colo-Colo have taken things to a whole new level of bizarre.

On Thursday the 33-time Primera Division champions officially unveiled new signing Arturo Vidal, 17 years after he left the club to embark on a career in Europe.

The combative midfielder left Colo-Colo in 2007 to join Bayer Leverkusen, and in the years that followed he enjoyed trophy laden spells with Juventus and Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Inter Milan. He also helped Chile to win the Copa America in 2015 and 2016.

For his homecoming, Colo-Colo gave Vidal a reception fit for a king - literally.

After the 36-year-old was transported into the Estadio Monumental by helicopter, 35,000 fans cheered and sang his name as Vidal was paraded around the pitch on the back of a horse.

In a bonkers twist, Vidal was dressed up as a knight in shining armour, before he was then handed a ceremonial cloak, a crown and a sword to wield as he trotted around the field on horseback.

Arturo Vidal arrived at his Colo Colo unveiling in a helicopter, before riding a horse dressed as a king, wearing a crown and holding a sword as he toured the pitch while greeting approximately 35,000 fans in Santiago, as he returned to the club after 17 years away pic.twitter.com/04ZDLHvybc

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Vidal's return to Santiago comes after two underwhelming spells in Brazil. He joined Flamengo in 2022 and was part of the side that won the Copa Libertadores that year, but last summer his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

He then signed a deal with Athletico Paranaense - who boast former Manchester City star Fernandinho among their ranks - but he only lasted until January after suffering an injury.

The Chilean midfielder returns to his first club with a bulging medal collection. Vidal won Serie A four times with Juventus and once with Inter, La Liga once with Barcelona and the Bundesliga title three times.

Vidal could make his second competitive debut for the Colo-Colo when they take on Huachipato in the Supercopa de Chile on Sunday February 11.