Arturo Vidal released from custody after car crash
Arturo Vidal who was involved in a car crash in Chile on Thursday has been released by the police after being arrested for allegedly driving under influence of alcohol. Vidal who suffered minor injuries in the accident got his driver's license suspended.
The Chilean can still feature for Chile in the ongoing Copa America after escaping suspension. "I let everyone down," Vidal said tearfully after being freed from police custody as reported by the BBC.
Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli meanwhile maintained that the reaction to the whole incident was blown out of proportion. "I don't think it's as major as some have said," the coach said. The coach said that Vidal will continue to feature for the Chile national side.
"I don't think it's as major as some have said," the coach said. Sampaoli and Vidal will have to let this whole accident saga behind them as they get ready for a crucial clash against Bolivia on Saturday in their bid to qualify for the next round.
The local media had reported that the car in which Vidal was travelling along with his wife collided with another vehile as they were driving back from a casino. They were being treated in the San Luis de Buin hospital in Santiago, Chile.
Vidal was under influence
Ricardo Gonzalez, the police colonel conceded that the Juventus player had been 'under the influence' during the time of the crash. He however did not disclose the amount of alcohol that was there in the player's system at the time.
Vidal put out a message to his fans on Youtube after being released, where he said that the crash was not his fault. "It was not my fault. I'm fine, my family's fine. Thank you for everything," Vidal said in the video.
Vidal is going to have to report at the Chilean consulate in Milan every month when he returns to Italy as part of his punishment. The midfielder is currently the top scorer in Copa America with three goals from two games and will be crucial to their chances of winning the title on their home soil.