If you are a brother, come and play football

Chapter 243 Fireball in the Roman Night Sky (Please Subscribe)
I know Europeans aren't good at geography.

But this is just too fucking outrageous.

Didn't your parents hang maps on the wall when you were kids?

Anyone who has looked at a map knows that Sri Lanka is located near India.

Well, Totti might think India is also Europe, after all, it's the jewel in the crown of the British Empire.

"Stop teasing Francisco, Uncle Mancini."

Lu Deyang said.

"Damn bastard, because of you, everyone calls me Uncle Mancini!" Mancini said angrily, reaching out to grab Lu Deyang by the collar.

Kids these days all think their profession is being a clown.

Redondo stretched out one arm, but Mancini's arm wasn't long enough, making for a rather comical scene.

Lu Deyang suppressed a laugh and said, "Since you've already ruined your reputation, why not offer some money as compensation? Are you planning to give up your shares in Monica Hamburger?"

"Dreaming is what I deserve!"

Mancini said.

“That’s true, you sit in front of the burger joint every day,” Totti complained from the side. “I often go to Monica’s Burgers to buy things, and I see you every time.”

"Damn brat, I've decided to retire and coach Roma!"

"Mancini said angrily."

Totti said dismissively, "With your level of skill, Mr. Sensi wouldn't invite you to coach."

Roma changed owners and was acquired by the Sensi family last year.

This family isn't exactly wealthy, but they've invested a lot in Roma. Even when they were preparing to sell the club after going bankrupt, they still invested tens of millions. Serie A's glory was basically due to the owner throwing money at the problem, so their earning ability is indeed not that great.

This is similar to the Chinese Super League.

Essentially, it's because the players are too expensive; most leagues simply can't keep up with the Premier League's spending spree.

Especially after PSG blatantly bought Neymar, even the most obscure players are being offered 50 million or 100 million euros. Many Serie A players, let alone lottery tickets, can't afford that much money, let alone buying players who can contribute immediately.

They didn't have any colonial benefits to begin with, and they didn't have their own stadiums.

It wouldn't be surprising if Serie A fell to below fifth place.

The key to revival lies in the boss; finding a sucker is better than anything else.

Even relatively poor clubs like the Sensi family can spend tens of millions every season, bringing in Cassano with a record-breaking expenditure for a young player. Even in 2020, it would be difficult for Serie A teams to spend that much money.

The European Championship is a big event this summer.

Many players and legends who plan to watch the European Championship will arrive in Rome early to watch the Champions League.

This made Lu Deyang the busiest person before the competition.

I doubt Lu Junyi was as busy as him back then.

Fortunately, these football professionals are all wealthy, so they don't need Lu Qiuwang to provide travel expenses.

But taking photos and chatting with them every day is also tiring.

Especially some Brazilians.

Even when it comes to women, things are different. Brazilian players like to spend money to find women, which Lu Deyang finds a bit unbearable.

Players of Ronaldinho's caliber, like Roberto Carlos, all had illegitimate children born to dancers.

Ronaldo was even worse off; he spent money to find a guy with a penis.

You're a world-class player, even if you don't date famous women, can't you at least date some decent women?

Players from the Americas all seem to have this problem; in fact, Mexico was exposed for having a group of prostitutes during two consecutive major tournaments. Maybe Rooney also has American ancestry.

I had just seen Romario off when I returned to my room and saw Mancini, Totti, and Redondo playing cards.

"You've come, Dejan. I'm having a lucky day."

Mancini said, waving his cards.

Lu Deyang: ...

That idiot, he acts like this even with a slightly good hand; anyone can see that.

Winning was purely due to good luck.

"You're going to report to the national team next, right?"

Lu Deyang asked, sitting on the sofa.

“Yes, I’m an important member of the Italian national team, how could they not include me?” Mancini said, raising an eyebrow.

Totti's face darkened.

The Little Prince was not selected for the final list.

"The final is the day after tomorrow, they'll probably thrash Real Madrid."

Totti changed the subject and asked.

"It's not that simple, that's Real Madrid."

Mancini said from the side.

"Tch, you're the only one who's afraid of Real Madrid," Totti said dismissively. "Real Madrid always loses badly when they face Dejan."

"What does Dejan's thrashing of Real Madrid have to do with you? You're so arrogant. If you weren't so old, I would have thought you were Dejan's illegitimate son," Mancini retorted.

Unable to contain himself, Totti took action directly.

The two started wrestling on the bed, and Redondo quickly grabbed his cards and moved aside.

Mancini was clearly no match for Totti.

Even though Totti is younger, his physique is better, and he was also a bit excited, so Mancini was completely overwhelmed.

Not long after, Totti pressed his knee against his back and asked, "Are you wrong or not?"

"Francisco Lu".

Mancini continued.

Totti added more pressure to his hand.

Mancini's body cracked and popped, and Lu Deyang was a little worried that Totti might break his spine.

Fortunately, there was a knock on the door at that moment.

Lu Deyang turned around, opened the door, and saw the person at the door. He said, "Paul, did you come here to see the pre-match situation of the Champions League finalists?"

"You guy..."

Maldini shoved him aside impatiently, went inside, and said, "Adriana wanted to come and cheer you on, but I already said I didn't need to."

“You don’t need to push your thoughts onto her, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” Lu Deyang said, putting his arm around Ma Baoluo’s shoulder. “We’re good brothers.”

Paul Ma gave Lu Deyang a push, sounding somewhat disgusted.

He sat on the sofa and asked, "Are you confident of winning?"

"Have you all placed bets? You keep asking me if I'm confident. How can you be confident in a game?" Lu Deyang rolled his eyes and said.

Maldini: ...

"Milan is getting a new president, did you know?"

Maldini asked mysteriously.

"what?"

Lu Deyang's eyes widened.

No, isn't this a bit too early?

"what happened?"

Lu Deyang asked.

“I’m not too sure either. I heard it from my dad. You know Galliani, right? The manager who’s been missing for a long time. Apparently, he’s made a fortune,” Maldini said.

“I know that guy.”

Lu Deyang asked, "He wants to acquire Milan?"

"That seems to be the case. I'm not too sure of the specifics, but it seems that Mr. Berlusconi is preparing to exchange the team for a sum of money. In name, Mr. Berlusconi is still the club owner, and he has to guarantee his investment if he buys the team."

Maldini said somewhat uncertainly.

Lu Deyang: ...

No wonder Berlusconi sold it.

He bought Milan to increase his fame and make a name for himself in politics.

The reputation belongs to him; he doesn't need to invest any of his own money, so selling it would be very satisfying.

This is essentially like spending someone else's money to become the top influencer on the leaderboard, showing off without spending any money.

Galliani is no ordinary guy; he's made a lot of money.

I never expected so many things to happen in Italy.

If Paul Ma hadn't told him, he really wouldn't have known.

Later that evening, Lu Deyang invited many Italian players to dinner together outside.

Many Italian players chose to watch the final match live in Rome.

People come to support Lu Qiu Wang, so we should at least show some appreciation.

The following day, the entire Manchester United team briefly familiarized themselves with the pitch before returning to their hotel to await the arrival of the final.

On match day.

Reports about the Champions League final swept the world.

Even with the European Championship, the Champions League is still the most popular competition right now.

Photos of Manchester United training yesterday were taken and made it into the newspapers.

Former captain Bryan Robson, who has since left the team, said in an interview with The Times: "I am now a coach, a player-coach. At this point, I can really understand how difficult it is for the boss. Coaching a team is very difficult. But with Dejan here, everything will be much easier. I don't think Real Madrid has much of a chance. Manchester United will become an unprecedented seven-time champion. If I had known that, I would have stayed with the team for another season."

In an interview with Bild, Beckenbauer said: "Real Madrid is great, they have a great history, but I stand by my opinion. Bayern made a mistake not to buy Dejan. If possible, I would spend hundreds of millions of dollars to buy Dejan. He is worth the price. He is the best player right now, without a doubt."

Real Madrid legend Stefano expressed a similar view, telling AS: "Manchester United are incredibly strong. I knew English football would come back, but I didn't expect it to be this fast. Dejan accelerated the process, and he helped English football get through its most difficult period. This match will be very difficult for Real Madrid, and I think focusing on defense is a good idea."

Rome's Prince Giannini told Corriere dello Sport: "I have great respect for Real Madrid; it's a team with a great history. But if you know Dejan, you know he's unbeatable. When he was in Serie A, I always had to mentally prepare myself before facing Sampdoria. Playing against Dejan is very difficult; you have to constantly watch him score brilliant goals and keep yourself from getting discouraged, which is very difficult."

I remember that time he came to the Italian national team's training camp to cheer us on. All the Italian players were looking at him, but none of them had that kind of presence. Dejan looked like a conqueror, like Caesar.

Gazzetta dello Sport published a photo of Lu Deyang rushing into the fire, along with an interview with the mother and son.

A middle-aged woman named Jennifer Maroney said, "I'm not a die-hard fan, but after that I became a Dejan fan. Oh my god, I was thinking that my little Paul and I were going to die, the fire had spread downstairs, but then Dejan rushed in. God, he was like an angel. My mind was a mess. It was Dejan who arranged everything. I had no idea what I was thinking. But Dejan will definitely win the next game. If he loses, then God must be asleep."

Eight-year-old Paul Maroney, wearing a Manchester United number 7 jersey, gave an interview, saying, "Dejan saved my mom and me. He's a superhero. My friends and I are his supporters. Although we can't be there in person, we'll definitely watch the game on TV. Dejan is the best!"

Revisited.

Italian fans, however, found it familiar.

At the time, Lu Deyang was playing in Serie A and was making headlines almost every day.

Seeing all this news about Lu Deyang now is like he never left.

In Italy, every fan has their own favorite team, but that doesn't stop them from supporting Ludyan.

The TV station had already prepared for the promotion.

The whole world is waiting for the upcoming football feast.

Football is about to return home, and the British are equally enthusiastic about this match, wanting to warm up for the European Championship.

Gary Lineker, the famous football star who recently retired, was invited by a television station to do a street interview.

Lineker stopped a fan wearing a Roma jersey and asked, "Do you support Dejan?"

There were reporters nearby providing translation.

The fan nodded and said to the camera, "Totti is a genius, he is Dejan's successor!"

"Okay, so do you think Manchester United's strength is because English football is very strong?" Lineker asked expectantly.

Upon hearing this, the fans stared wide-eyed at Lineker and said, "English football is crap. The ball is always flying in the air. You're not even as good as the Spanish."

Lineker awkwardly took the microphone and said to the camera, "This fan may have some prejudice against the England national team, but we can interview other fans."

This time, he approached a fan wearing a Manchester United jersey and asked, "Where are you from?"

"German Democratic Republic"

The fans said directly.

Lineker: ...

He felt this might not be a good interview subject, since East Germany had already dissolved.

However, I could only bite the bullet and ask, "So, as a German, why do you support Manchester United?"

"I'm not German, I'm from the German Democratic Republic!" the fan said angrily. "Those damn bastards cheated us, stole our wealth and factories. Dejan always manages to thrash West German teams, so we all support him. West Germans should go to hell!!!"

The live stream then switched back to the live stream room.

The topic raised by this fan is somewhat sensitive.

Martin Tyler chuckled and said, "It seems the fans really support Manchester United, which shows that English football is developing very well. It would be great if they could become the first team to defend their Champions League title after the reform."

“They are clearly supporting Dejan. If Dejan goes to Aberdeen, they will be Aberdeen fans,” Jim Beglin said.

Cough,

Martin Taylor could only cough to cover his embarrassment.

The partner sitting next to him wasn't a good person either.

Hilton, who was a guest, nodded and said: "Dejan is a very charismatic player, and I am a supporter of his, but I will never support Manchester United."

"Right? Dejan is amazing!"

"Beglin said excitedly."

The two began to talk. Martin Tyler could only sit awkwardly to the side.

……

As a famous tourist city, Rome attracts many visitors.

However, the number of tourists this time clearly exceeded the city hall's expectations.

More than 120 million tourists flocked to Rome in just a few days. Although this is less than a third of Rome's population, it still had a serious impact on Rome's security.

Firstly, there aren't many places to stay in this city.

Some locals have been using their homes as guesthouses to earn money for a few days, which has led to some security issues.

During the few days that the two teams were in Rome, the sirens in Rome never stopped.

They had arranged for police cars to clear the way in advance, but the road to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome was still completely blocked, and the bus moved as slowly as a tortoise.

Even though the Manchester United players were experienced, they couldn't help but be surprised.

Even with the enthusiasm of Japanese fans, the bus wasn't blocked this badly.

"Italian police are still the same as always," Redondo complained.

"Yes, Italian police officers don't earn much, so they're not very enthusiastic about their work."

Lu Deyang said with a smile.

"What about the Japanese?"

"Redondo asked."

"It doesn't seem like a high position, and promotion is very difficult. But it's different in Asia. Asian countries are very concerned about their image, and security is better for events with foreigners."

Lu Deyang explained.

The Confucian cultural sphere is pretty much the same.

Beckham, noticing the enthusiastic fans, remarked, "The Italian girls seem quite beautiful."

“Let me see, let me see!” Gary Neville squeezed to the window.

Many players looked out.

Lu Deyang agreed with this.

Italian girls are indeed among the best in Europe; otherwise, you'd have to look at those from Eastern Europe.

Just her face shape alone is enough to make girls from England and Germany look like dirt.

"Li, there's a girl holding up a phone, do you want to try again?"

Bruce urged.

Sharp immediately shook his head.

He was almost killed in the last incident.

I don't want to go through that again.

Feeling the fans' enthusiasm, the Manchester United players also got excited.

However, the bus arrived at the stadium more than an hour late, which still caused everyone quite a bit of trouble.

At Ferguson's prompting, the players got off the bus and quickly walked onto the pitch.

"Deyang, let's go to the press conference together."

Ferguson waved and said.

Lu Deyang followed him over.

The two of them went to the press conference together.

The press conference hall at the Rome Olympic Sports Center was quite large, but there were so many reporters that many had to stand still.

Not long after, Asenio sat down with Hierro.

The reporters couldn't wait to start asking questions.

"Fernando, did you have a conflict with your teammates?"

"Mr. Arsenio, which team is stronger, yours or Manchester United?"

"Dejan, you rejected Real Madrid several times before, was it because you felt Real Madrid wasn't strong enough?"

How many goals will Dejan score today?

"Mr. Ferguson, which Real Madrid player is the most dangerous?"

"If you have the opportunity in the summer, which Real Madrid player would you sign, Alex?"

"..."

The reporters had many questions.

And they're all about the two teams.

However, they clearly positioned Real Madrid as the weaker side.

Asenio said somewhat irritably, "The game hasn't even started yet, it's too early to talk about the outcome. As for our players not transferring, I don't know who wants to leave the team right now."

Is it true that your relationship with Michael Laudrup has broken down, and will he leave Real Madrid this summer?

"I asked the reporter with a Catalan accent."

They've been waiting for this day.

Arsenio's expression darkened further. He said, "Michel is a great player, we have a great friendship, and there is absolutely no breakdown in our relationship."

"Then why did the reporter capture the footage of him ignoring you after the match?"

The reporter pressed for an answer.

They clearly don't want to let Arsenio go.

"Players are very tired when they come off the field, and it's normal that they sometimes don't want to talk, especially since today is the pre-match press conference for the Champions League final," Arsenio said irritably.

"Will you start Laudrup?"

the reporter asked.

Arsenio said, "I don't really want to discuss my lineup, but I can tell you in advance that Michel will start today. He is an important part of our tactics, so let's stop with those pointless questions. There are no problems between us, we're doing great!"

Paul Breitner thinks your tactics are conservative, what do you think?

the reporter asked.

"Who is that? A Real Madrid legend?" Arsenio asked, somewhat annoyed.

The reporter reminded him that the other player had played for Real Madrid for four seasons and won three championships.

Arsenio rolled his eyes dramatically.

Of course he knew who Breitner was.

But if you criticize me, then I won't recognize you anymore.

Asenio said sarcastically, "There are many players who have won championships at Real Madrid. It's normal that I don't know them all. If he wins the Ballon d'Or, I won't forget his name. This Mr. Breitner doesn't seem to have achieved much as a coach either. I can't understand why he would misunderstand me. Does playing football mean you know how to coach?"

Ferguson chuckled to himself.

I didn't expect this colleague to be so interesting.

Big clubs also have their problems.

There are too many famous figures out there; you never know who might suddenly cause you trouble.

This is not a problem at Manchester United.

The old guys from Manchester United's early days are mostly in their 10s and 20s. The last glorious era was with the Three Saints and others. Those legends are quite good at taking a stand and never say much.

This made his coaching career much less troublesome.

Hierro noticed that the coach was struggling and quickly helped, saying, "We've made a lot of preparations, but the coach has been busy with tactics lately, so there are some things he's not aware of."

"Your tactics are all set up, but can you stop Dejan?"

one reporter asked.

“We will try our best,” Hiero said briefly.

He really didn't want to answer that kind of question.

Even before the game started, he knew that it was probably impossible to defend against.

But saying it directly would make Real Madrid seem a bit weak.

"Besides Dejan, who is Manchester United's most dangerous player?"

the reporter asked.

Hierro thought for a moment and said, "Cantona, his technique is excellent, I've seen him play, he's very capable."

Hiero was quite patient.

He only looked at Ferguson after he finished answering the reporter's questions.

Ferguson said: "You always want to ask me if I will bring in players from the opposing team. I know that Real Madrid has a lot of good players, but it's not something I can just buy whenever I want. For example, Fernando Hierro is already here, but I'm not sure if he will have the chance to wear the Manchester United shirt. If possible, I hope he plays at Old Trafford."

Lu Deyang quickly lowered his head.

It starts again!

Arsenio clearly sensed something was amiss, saying, "You can't talk about my players before the game!"

"Sorry, it was a reporter who asked."

Ferguson shrugged and said nonchalantly, "I thought it was my responsibility to answer questions. I'll definitely pay attention next time."

Arsenio glared fiercely at Ferguson.

No wonder those reporters wrote about this guy's psychological warfare so brilliantly.

Damn it, he invited his players to play for Manchester United right to their faces.

Even Hierro would have emotional fluctuations.

Seeing Ferguson's face made him unable to hold back any longer; Arsenio slammed his hand on the table and stood up.

Hiero quickly followed and left.

"You see, if I don't answer, you'll be unhappy; if I do answer, some people will be unhappy. But in terms of numbers, more people are happy when I answer. That's democracy."

Ferguson blinked and said.

Many people at the scene laughed.

He is a head coach who is very good at making witty remarks.

"Mr. Ferguson, you beat Real Madrid when you were in Aberdeen. What do you think are the differences between the two Real Madrid teams?"

A reporter raised his hand and asked.

"The team I lead now is stronger."

Ferguson said with a smile: "13 years ago we reached the Cup Winners' Cup final, and nobody thought Aberdeen could beat a big club like Real Madrid. But now it seems the situation is reversed. The newspapers all think Manchester United has a better chance of winning. This shows that I have grown a lot, and I am very satisfied."

"Do you think Manchester United can win today? What are the chances of them winning?"

the reporter asked.

Ferguson said: "I don't want to make any predictions, but we will work very, very hard. This championship means a lot to us, and everyone will run to the last second for it."

The reporters nodded in agreement.

A seven-time champion.

It is of great significance.

The Champions League is still one of the most important trophies.

It would be somewhat unsatisfactory not to win the Champions League.

"Could you share the secret to your success this season?"

the reporter asked.

"Just try your best in every game, don't overthink it, and that's the result we've achieved." Ferguson glanced at the time and said, "If you don't want to ask Dejan, you can continue asking me. We need to go back and prepare."

The reporter quickly changed his target and asked, "Dejan, who is Real Madrid's most threatening player?"

“Louis Enrique and Laudrup are both very strong. If I had to name just one, it would be difficult for me to say,” Lu Deyang said.

Real Madrid's performance has been mediocre lately, but their squad is still quite strong.

They always manage to bring in superstar players.

"Playing in Rome is practically like playing at home. Do you think you can win?"

The reporter pressed for an answer.

Lu Deyang said with a smile, "This is the last question. I have to go back and change my equipment. The coach said he wouldn't predict the outcome, but considering I haven't lost here, I have no reason to lose today, right?"

boom--

The reporters became excited again.

That kind of confident statement is wonderful.

Regardless of whether Manchester United wins or loses, it will be good news after the match.

If Manchester United loses, this can be used to thoroughly mock Lu Deyang.

The only thing that disappointed them was that Lu Deyang and Ferguson left the press conference.

On the way back, Ferguson thought for a moment but still didn't say anything.

Lu Deyang has already said what he wanted to say, so it's too late to say anything now.

The two men opened the locker room door, and Gary Neville immediately called out, "Hurry up and change. Steve gave you the armband; he's probably scared to death."

"Damn Gary!"

Lu Deyang smiled as he changed his equipment and casually chose to participate in the lottery.

[Your good friend Roberto Mancini did very well as a coach after retiring, even inviting his former teammates to join the coaching staff. Therefore, we've drawn a player who, after retiring, would typically only join a coaching staff. *Ding!* You've obtained a single-match trial card for the 1969-1670 Spanish King's Cup Final, Real Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao, Francisco Gento López.]

(End of this chapter)