Arturo Vidal denies claims Chile camp exit was due to alcohol offence

Vidal left the Chile training camp earlier in the week, with the Chilean football federation releasing a short statement that merely cited “personal problems” as the reason behind the 28-year-old’s early departure.

Initial reports indicated that the ex-Juventus man had returned to Germany to deal with some family issues - with his son reported to be unwell - before other claims emerged that Vidal had actually been expelled for indiscipline, with some reports claiming he had turned up for training the worse for wear following a night at the casino.

Vidal has had a tough time at international level in recent months, with his part in Chile’s historic Copa America victory marred by a pre-tournament incident that saw him crash his car on a motorway just outside the country’s capital Santiago. At the time police said the player had been under the influence of alcohol.

The player vehemently denies the latest allegations, saying his unexpected exit was to deal with family issues back in Munich.

"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,” Vidal told reporters.

"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.

"[The early departure] 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."

Vidal clarified that the health of his family was not the issue.

"This does not all have to do with my son, these are family problems,” he said. “He is doing well as is my daughter, but I have some things to sort and I preferred to leave at this moment because it is a friendly."

The midfielder acknowledged that the rumours about his conduct had got back to Bayern, and admitted that he expected some questions from Pep Guardiola and his staff.

But he insisted he has a strong relationship with staff at Sabener Strasse.

"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," he said.

He also expressed disappointment with the way he has been treated by media and fans in his homeland.

"It has only been two months since we became the champions of the Americas and already, in our first match back together, people are already talking smack that has a profound effect. I am glad that at least the federation issued a statement and that Jorge [Valdivia] spoke and I hope that this is the last we have to talk about this.”

Valdivia had previously defended Vidal, saying: “Vidal left the team for something particular. You have to believe that. There is no need to look for something else. No need to fuss.”