Midfielder Arturo Vidal experienced an eclectic celebration on Thursday as he arrived at Monumental Stadium in a helicopter, took a lap on a black horse dressed in the style of the 'King Arturo' legend, followed by a lively mix of traditional cumbia, techno, reggaeton, and trap. This served as his presentation to Colo Colo fans, marking his return to Chilean football after 17 years.

"I would be lying if I said I ever dreamed of something like this. It was truly wonderful to see the stadium full. I don't know if something like this has ever been seen in any other country," Vidal expressed in a press conference, his words choked with emotion.

"It's very difficult," he managed to say into the microphone, standing in the center circle of Colo Colo's field in the Chilean capital, which was packed to welcome the 36-year-old footballer back to the team where he made his professional debut, after 17 years playing abroad.

"I am grateful to the Colo Colo fans. One tends to think that they are more loved abroad than in their own country, but today I see that it's not true, and they've made me feel it," he acknowledged during the press conference.

Vidal's emotion was genuine and could be sensed even before his presentation, when a video was played on the stadium screen in which he shared his pre-event feelings: "I am very nervous; I couldn't sleep, waiting for this day."

The one-hour spectacle began with performances by Chilean artists Pablito Pesadilla, Mary la Cumbia de Barrio, and Amerikan Sound. However, the highlight was the helicopter's appearance, flying over the stadium and descending onto the field to drop off Vidal.

Next came the horse and the entire regal attire, including a king's crown and a sword handed to him, which he didn't have to pull from a stone like 'Excalibur' in the legend of King Arthur. Vidal later claimed, "I have been the first to ride a horse here on Colo Colo's field," but he wasn't the first to arrive by helicopter, as the club had used the same entrance for the 'Noche Alba' in 1999 to present newly hired coach Nelsinho Baptista.

Using his right leg, the one that underwent surgery last September, Vidal kicked balls into the stands as offerings to the fans, who were rewarded for attending, including 10 people who will get to have lunch with the idol.

Among the great returns of Chilean football figures such as Jorge Toro, Elías Figueroa, Carlos Caszely, Patricio Yáñez, Iván Zamorano, and Matías Fernández—who also returned to Colo Colo—and drew 10,000 people in 2019, Vidal's return sets a precedent, being the Chilean footballer with the most titles won (25).

Vidal also made requests and promises to the fans. "We hope the stadium is always like this (full), and hopefully, we can lift another Libertadores Cup—why not?" he affirmed to the audience.

Later, asked about his bold statement, he reiterated, "I stand by my words, I always have. Thank God, I have won a lot. If I hadn't had this personality when I went to Germany, maybe I would have been here sooner. I have confidence in myself, and if it doesn't happen, I take responsibility," referring to Colo Colo's campaign ahead in the Copa Libertadores.

"I will try to thank in my own way, playing well and achieving the goals we have ahead and achieving everything I achieved abroad with the help of my teammates and coaching staff," he added.

"Olé, olé, olé, Vidal, Vidal," the powerful chorus descending from the stadium's stands in the Macul neighborhood brought tears to Vidal, who hopes to repay with football after an injury that could have ended his career.