Arturo Vidal Denies Chilean National Team Exit Was Due to Disciplinary Reasons

Arturo Vidal has been on the offensive after angrily denying he's exited international duty with Chile because of disciplinary reasons.

The superstar midfielder returned to Bayern Munich on Thursday amid rumours his country had forced him out of their squad. 

However, Vidal vehemently denied such an occurrence, saying he returned to Bavaria for "family problems," imploring the press to stop hounding him, as reported by ESPNFC.com:

"

Of course I am upset because you are dirtying my image and I think that I am playing on one of the best teams in the world and this affects me a lot. I would prefer it if you would be more kind to me in Chile, but some people just want to drag me through the mud.

It is for family problems and nothing more. The coach understood me and I am leaving on a positive note and I hope to return for [CONMEBOL] qualifying.

"

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Vidal also confirmed Bayern had been in contact with him on Tuesday after reports claimed he faced sanctions by his national team, saying he wants to protect his image in the Bundesliga and Germany, per ESPNFC.com: "Of course they will ask me at some point because they are going to see so much published about this. But they know who I am and I have a good relationship with the coach and the staff."

According to El Mercurio (h/t ESPNFC), it had sources which corroborated its belief Vidal was given an "ultimatum" to improve his behaviour by Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli.    

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Vidal impressively returned from a serious knee injury last year to lead Juventus to the Champions League final—also winning the Copa America with Chile, scoring three goals in six games, per WhoScored.com.

His return to German football has also started well, but Italian football writer Adam Digby believes Bayern have paid out for a fading talent and disruptive force:

Despite the confusion surrounding Vidal's rushed return to Germany, it is certain he is still one of the planet's true midfield powerhouses.

The player has previously been caught in the glare of the media, but with his reputation on the line, all he needs to do is let his football do the talking.