England v Chile: Gary Medel tweets picture of humiliating initiation for new team-mates

Three youngsters given bizarre haircuts after joining up with the squad

James Orr
Wednesday 13 November 2013 11:25 EST
Comments
(TWITTER)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Usually you are let off with singing or dancing in front of your new team-mates – but the Chile national team have taken the level of humiliation during an initiation up a notch.

Cardiff City midfielder Gary Medel has tweeted this picture of himself alongside three youth players who, while not part of the official La Roja squad to face England on Friday, have travelled to gain experience with Jorge Sampaoli’s team.

Sebastian Vegas, Roberto Riveros and Carlos Lobos may be highly rated youngsters, but to Medel they are known as something else. "Bienvenidos a La Roja pichones !!! ;)" he wrote under the image, which translates as "Welcome to La Roja little pigeons".

It seems Medel, nicknamed "Pitbull" after his combative playing style, has already made his mark.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in