Vladimir Romanov visited Chile to look for him after he returned home to seek treatment for depression. Pinilla spent two weeks in a psychiatric clinic and admits he considered quitting football.
The now 37-year-old retired earlier this year following a career which never quite hit the heights he appeared destined for, having joined Inter Milan in 2003, although he did win 45 caps for his country and played in the 2014 World Cup.
He moved to Sporting Lisbon after Inter then headed to Tynecastle in a surprise loan in 2006. But his time in Edinburgh was beset by knee injuries and he ended up only playing eight games for the Gorgie club, before rejuvenating his career in Italy with several Serie A clubs.
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