Growing up in a small village in Austria, Arnold Schwarzenegger always dreamt big. While his father was a police chief, he was extremely strict with Arnold. Schwarzenegger had a clear plan in his head since his childhood years that he would flee to America one day, act in movies, and earn a fortune for himself. However, fate has something else planned for him. While he did live his dream of becoming a Hollywood star, it came after he successfully established his name in the realm of bodybuilding. 

It was a euphoric moment for the Austrian when he first stepped on American soil back in 1968, at the age of 21 years old. He was left speechless after witnessing the culture, infrastructure, development as well and bodybuilding scene of the country. In a recent tweet that Schwarzenegger posted, he expressed his happiness as he celebrates the 40th anniversary of his American citizenship.

Arnold Schwarzenegger looks back in time

7X Mr. Olympia champion’s intentions of permanently moving to America got even more certain after he saw the nation for the first time with his own eyes. Years after this, when Schwarzenegger got his citizenship, it was a dream come true for ‘The Austrian Oak.’ It was a new beginning for Schwarzenegger and he never looked back since. Proving his love for the nation, he even served as the 38th Governor of ‘California. While he also showed interest in standing in the presidential elections, he was unfortunately denied the opportunity.

Posting a tweet recently as he celebrates the anniversary, Schwarzenegger posted a short video comprising of his images from both Austria and America. The caption of the post read, “On this day 40 years ago, I became an American citizen. It is one of the proudest days of my life. I owe everything to America. Born in Austria, Made in America!”

Read More: “To Be Fat and 82 Is Truly Pathetic”: Harry Potter Famed Actress Who Still Hasn’t Forgiven Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Gross Act Curses Bad Food Choices for Her Poor Health

However, it was not all gold for Schwarzenegger. He was also a little surprised when he first visited America. The picture that he had in his mind of the country, the actual reality was completely different than that. 

Schwarzenegger explains his realization

Arnold first came into the country with nothing but a gym bag. He had this idea in his head like countless other individuals that the country is full of bodybuilders who live a luxurious, extravaganza life. He had a wrong idea because of how movies and magazines depict the nation. Completely shocked by the reality, Schwarzenegger disclosed his initial experience in America during an event at the Academy Museum.

“When I came to America, I thought bodybuilding is very popular in America, it’s an American sport, but in fact, it was not,” Arnold stated. Schwarzenegger continued by revealing, “What I read in the magazines that it’s huge, guys getting into movies with bodybuilding, become businessman, successful, and making millions of dollars, none of it was really true.”

Watch This Story: From Ronnie Coleman to Jay Cutler: Bodybuilding Legends Show Up at Arnold Classic 2022 in Absence of Arnold Schwarzenegger

Nonetheless, Schwarzenegger has no complaints. He openly admits that he is more than happy being an American citizen. After all, his big ambitions would have never been completed if he had not been in America. What are your views on this? Let us know in the comments.