After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

In the first two days of the international break, the world's football attention was focused on national team matches.

Meanwhile, in the quiet Hoffenheim training ground, Yan Yuan had just finished his morning extra training session, sweat dripping from his forehead onto the floor of the tactics room.

He was eating an energy bar with a bottle of mineral water when his phone rang. It was a video call from his father.

"Hey, son, is training over?" The background on the other end of the screen looked like a warehouse or logistics center, with some background noise.

Yan's father was wearing a dark blue work jacket and looked travel-worn.

"Just finished, Dad. I'm resting at the base. It sounds pretty noisy from where you are?"

"Yes, you bet there's been a little mishap at the warehouse in Liverpool. I rushed over to check on the customs clearance of these Christmas decorations." Mr. Yan leaned closer to the camera, lowering his voice, but his face betrayed his barely concealed excitement.

"Son, I have something important to tell you. I received two important phone calls this afternoon and just now."

Yan Yuan's heart skipped a beat, and he roughly guessed what it was.

He tightened the cap on the water bottle and asked, "An important call? I'm guessing it's related to the national team?"

"Smart!" Dad Yan slapped his thigh, but the movement was a bit too loud. He heard something slip and fall nearby, and quickly turned around and shouted, "Be careful!"

Then he turned back to Yan Yuan and said,

"First, the FA contacted me personally. The FA's U21 assistant said they'd been watching you for a long time and that your performance so far has been outstanding. They wanted to call you up for the U21 team during the upcoming European U21 Championship qualifiers!"

Yan Yuan's performance wasn't too surprising. He topped the Champions League scoring charts at the age of 17, so it would be strange if he didn't attract attention.

He was more interested in what happened next and asked, "And then what, Dad?"

"And then?" Dad Yan chuckled. "Then, this morning, we got a call from our hometown."

He used a rather vague pronoun, "that person".

"Then came the representative of the national football team, remember, the representative of the first team! His meaning was very clear: he hoped to naturalize you and invited you to join the national team first team directly. His words were sincere and his attitude was enthusiastic. He even found out where our ancestors came from."

This surprised Yan Yuan a bit.

He put down the energy bar: "You want me to join the national football team's first team?"

"That's right, it's the first team," Yan's father smiled, but there wasn't much excitement in his smile; instead, there was a hint of schadenfreude.

"But your dad knows you so well, I can smell what you're thinking even through the screen."

So, what do you think now? It's like a pie fell from the sky, with two flavors: England U21 or the Chinese national team. Which one do you choose?

Yan Yuan didn't answer directly; he needed to carefully consider the matter.

The father's teasing was just that—teasing, but the matter was indeed significant.

He thought for a moment and said, "Dad, I'd like to hear our coach's opinion first. Are you available now? We can have a three-way video call."

"Convenient! Convenient anytime! Go to your coach's office now, I'll go back to my office and wait for your signal!" Dad Yan answered very readily.

Yan Yuan hung up the phone, quickly packed his things, and ran towards his mentor's office.

Sure enough, my mentor was in his office, studying something on his computer screen.

Seeing Yan Yuan knock and enter, Na Shuai asked him in confusion:

"Yan? Is something the matter?"

"Coach, I'm sorry to bother you," Yan Yuan said quickly but clearly. "It's about the national team call-up. The English FA U21 team and the Chinese national team have both contacted my father, wanting to call me up. I'd like to ask you and my father to have a video chat and hear your opinion."

Nagelsmann was clearly not surprised by this development; as a rising star, it was only a matter of time before the national team took notice of him.

He immediately understood Yan Yuan's intention in seeking advice, and also knew that the club's match rhythm was at a critical stage.

"Of course," he nodded, pointing to the sofa area on one side of the office, "Come on over, this is indeed a serious matter. Let's use the big screen in my office for a video call."

The video call connected quickly.

On the large screen in Nagelsmann's office, Yan's father appeared. He was wearing a dark suit, with the office bookshelves in the background. His expression was serious, yet also carried a hint of pride and nervousness that was unique to fathers.

"Hello, Mr. Nagelsmann, it's nice to see you again!" Mr. Yan greeted him cheerfully, trying to lighten the mood.

"Hello, Mr. Yan." Nagelsmann smiled and nodded in response, then kindly replied in English.

"Let's get straight to the point. Your son just told me the general situation."

"Yes,"

Yan Yuan took over the conversation and reiterated the core message conveyed by both football associations, making the content concise and straightforward.

Finally, he looked at his father and his mentor on the screen:

"Dad, and the coach, my personal opinion is that I should temporarily decline the call-up to England U21."

Yan's father on the other end of the video call was visibly taken aback: "Refusing U21? Is it because..."

He thought his son would make a choice between the two sides.

Nagelsmann also looked at Yan Yuan, his gaze probing, knowing that his beloved disciple had always been quite opinionated.

Yan Yuan took a deep breath, first looked at Na Shuai beside him, and then explained the reason:

"First, as you have always emphasized, Coach, this is the most crucial period for Hoffenheim. We need to compete for a Champions League spot in the league, and advancing from the Champions League group stage to the knockout stage is also imminent."

I hope to put all my energy and every bit of focus into the club's matches.

The timing of the U21 matches and training camps will be a significant distraction in our current final push, and I don't want to be distracted.

Upon hearing this, Nagelsmann's eyes revealed obvious satisfaction and approval. He remained silent, waiting for his beloved student to continue.

"Secondly," Yan Yuan's eyes became exceptionally serious and determined,

"England U21 is not my ultimate goal. The significance of U21 is to gain international playing experience and pave the way for entering the senior team."

But given my current situation... I am very clear about my position and ambition. I want to join the England senior national team, that is, the first team.

I'd rather play for the Three Lions in the European Championship and the World Cup.

If I went to the U21 team now, I could certainly gain experience, but I would always feel that I was still one step away from the stage I truly wanted.

"Good lad, so this is what you were waiting for! You've set your sights high! Just like my son!" Dad Yan slapped his thigh on the screen, his eyes lighting up.

"However..." he changed the subject, his tone revealing a practical concern characteristic of a Chinese father.

"The England senior team isn't a free-for-all; you can't just get into any team you want. The U21 team is definitely a more reliable path."

"Dad, I know the U21 route is safer," Yan Yuan nodded, his tone unwavering.

"But I'd rather let my performances at Hoffenheim and in the Champions League speak for themselves and impress Southgate, the coach of the England national team. That would best match my abilities and goals."

Instead of focusing on the U21 team, I should concentrate all my efforts on playing well in the Bundesliga and Champions League. If I do well for a season, I'll be 18 by then, and that will give me a stronger foundation for joining the senior team.

Nagelsmann then spoke, his tone calm yet firm: "Yan's analysis is very rational and aligns with the optimal path for the club and his personal development."

As his club coach, I completely agree. What he needs now is consistent, high-level performance and accumulation of experience, especially to deliver a convincing performance on top stages like the Champions League knockout stage.

Involving him too early in the national team's secondary-level competitions, especially at the U21 level, poses a risk to his steady improvement in individual ability and competitive form, as well as his contribution to the club.

Na Shuai's words undoubtedly gave Yan Yuan's judgment an authoritative endorsement.

When Yan's father heard Na Shuai say the same thing, the doubts on his face basically disappeared, and he asked instead:

"Son, what about the national football team? They promised him direct entry into the first team and a spot in the World Cup Asian qualifiers, although..."

Yan's father paused subtly, glancing around as if considering his next words.

"Even though the national football team struggles to qualify for the main tournament?" Yan Yuan directly picked up on his father's words, which he was too embarrassed to point out, and said very frankly.

"Hey...you kid, you don't hold back at all. Why are you being so blunt? I'm a long-time fan of the Chinese national football team, after all..."

Yan's father coughed twice. His son's words had really struck a chord with him. He gave Yan Yuan a look that said, "You know what I mean."

"Dad, Coach," Yan Yuan said without hesitation, his expression frank and serious.

"I am very grateful for the sincerity of the Chinese Football Association. It is indeed very tempting to be offered a position in the first team directly."

However, when it comes to choosing a national team player, it's not about whether there's a place available, or even which team offers a higher position. The core issue is whether my sense of honor and goals align with my aspirations.

He clearly stated his concerns, without any superfluous emotion, based solely on a rational analysis of reality:

"Representing a national team means pursuing that country's ultimate dream: the World Cup championship."

This is the ultimate goal of every top player.

But the current strength of the Chinese national football team and its position in the world football arena... Dad, you're a veteran football fan, you know better than I do.

My worry is that if I choose the path of the national football team, I fear I won't even be able to play in the World Cup knockout stage by the time I retire, let alone win the World Cup trophy.

There was a brief silence in the office.

On the screen, Yan's father didn't speak, but just looked at his son with understanding, helplessness, and a hint of approval in his eyes.

Nagelsmann remained silent, understanding the weight of this choice, which was based on the ultimate consideration of a player's personal career planning, and had nothing to do with anything else.

Yan Yuan's voice was calm but firm as he continued:

"Although the England national team's performance in the World Cup in recent years has not been ideal, they are still one of the world's strongest teams, with a deep football tradition, a good development system, and a consistent top competitiveness."

England players have received ample training in top-tier leagues and cup competitions such as the Premier League and the Champions League.

For them, reaching the group stage and knockout stage of the European Championship and the World Cup is the norm, and winning the championship is not an unattainable fantasy.

Meanwhile, my football career began at the Birmingham youth academy, where I received systematic English football training and became familiar with the culture, pace, and way of thinking here.

Choosing England means I'm striving on a platform that's more suitable for me, more challenging, and more likely to help me achieve my dreams.

Yan's father remained silent for several seconds before letting out a long sigh.

The shrewd calculation of a businessman had completely vanished from his face, leaving only a father's understanding and support for his son's pursuits.

"You little rascal... you've thought things through better than your old man. Fine! Since your coach supports you and you've clearly laid out your future, I have no further objections!"

Although Dad works in foreign trade, he understands that a good product can't just focus on one market, especially when that market might... well, the service isn't up to par or the market environment isn't competitive.

Let me be frank, Dad supports you! Focus on playing well for Hoffenheim in the league and Champions League, and use your goals to break into the England first team!

His last words were delivered with great boldness and a touch of江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry) spirit.

"Thank you, Dad!" Yan Yuan breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

Yan Yuan's personal goals are clear: he declined the invitation from England U21 and explicitly refused to be called up by the national team, focusing on club matches and aiming for a place in England's first team.

Nagelsmann smiled and nodded: "Mr. Yan, you are a wise father. Such a choice certainly requires courage and foresight."

"Well then," Yan's father switched back to "business" mode, "can I begin my response work? How should I appropriately refuse the FA and the Chinese Football Association?"

Over the next ten minutes, the three of them carefully considered their response together via video call, and finally, Yan's father was responsible for organizing and conveying it.

After the video call with his son ended, Yan's father didn't rest for long before picking up two pieces of paper with different numbers written on them.

I dialed the number for the FA's technical department first.

The call connected, and it was the same assistant to the technical director I had previously worked with.

"Mr. Yan? Hello." The other party's tone remained very professional.

"Hello, Mr. Jensen," Mr. Yan said, getting straight to the point.

"Regarding the U21 call-up, I just had a detailed discussion with Yan Yuan and Hoffenheim's coach Nagelsmann. I'm really sorry, this kid, well, how should I put it..."

His tone carried just the right amount of apology and helplessness.

"He got stubborn and insisted that the club's current schedule of running between the Champions League and the league is too heavy, and he was afraid that the back-and-forth would affect his form and drag down the team's performance."

He was single-mindedly focused on taking charge of the club's affairs first, and then...

Mr. Yan paused, lowered his voice, and said with a hint of self-deprecation.

"This kid's ambitions are off the charts. He's declared that he'll either not make the national team, or he'll aim for England's first team. What do you think of that…?"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone.

The expected dissatisfaction or persuasion did not materialize.

The assistant's voice, however, revealed understanding:

"Mr. Yan, Yan's goal is very clear, which is good. We can understand that young players put club responsibility first, and we appreciate his ambition. Good talents should aim for the highest."

The conversation between Yan's father and his assistant was indeed quite sophisticated. The assistant continued,

"We respect your son's decision. Please tell him that continuing to focus on Hoffenheim's matches and maintaining a high level of performance is the best option for him right now. The FA will continue to monitor his performance."

The assistant continued, "And now for the most crucial part."

"Please also tell him that after this season ends, and after the World Cup next summer concludes, and after the major competitions such as the Premier League and the Champions League are settled."

The Football Association will once again conduct a serious evaluation and weigh his overall performance throughout the 2017-2018 season.

At that time, we very much hoped to have the opportunity to have a more in-depth conversation with him and explore the possibility of future cooperation.

The FA's commitment was crystal clear: no rush, we'll see after the season ends.

Hearing the FA's reply, Mr. Yan felt a huge weight lifted from his shoulders and said:

"Thank you so much! Thank you for your understanding and support! I will definitely pass on the message and tell the kid to play well and live up to expectations!"

This response was both dignified and pragmatic.

In fact, the English Football Association is not in a hurry to call up Yan Yuan now. Their biggest concern is not that Yan Yuan will not be selected for the U21 team, but that he might choose to join the national team.

Fortunately, Yan's father's phone call conveyed Yan Yuan's intentions to the FA: Yan Yuan did not want to join the England U21 team, but wanted to directly join the England first team.

Whether or not Yan Yuan joins the U21 team is secondary; what reassures the FA most is that Yan Yuan has already confirmed his participation in the Three Lions.

After hanging up the phone with the FA, Yan's father rubbed his face.

The next call was to a different person, so he had to change his wording. He dialed the number for the Chinese Football Association.

"Hello, Director X? I'm Yan Yuan's agent." He switched to Chinese, his tone becoming more formal.

"Hello, Mr. Yan!" The voice from Section X sounded urgent. "How did your talk with Xiao Yan go?"

"Director X, we are truly grateful for the recognition and kindness shown by the association leaders!" Mr. Yan said sincerely. "We will remember this heartfelt sentiment."

"That……?"

Yan's father chimed in, saying, "It was after communicating with the child and his head coach, Nagelsmann."

Considering the child's long-term career development and taking all factors into account... unfortunately, we feel that he is not yet suitable to directly represent the national team at this stage.

The person on the other end of the phone visibly paused in breathing.

"What are Mr. Yan's specific concerns...?" Director Zhang's tone turned serious.

Father Yan said calmly, "It's mainly two large parts."

First, there's my son's responsibility to the club. Hoffenheim is currently in a crucial period of climbing the league ladder and their qualification for the Champions League group stage is still uncertain, making every match extremely important.

As one of the team's key players, Coach Nagelsmann has a well-thought-out plan for how to use my son and allocate his physical energy.

If he is frequently called back to China for competitions and training at this critical juncture, it will be a huge disruption to his personal form and the pace of refining his skills.

He has let down the club's promises and professional plans made during the contract signing process, which has severely damaged the professional platform upon which his future career is built.

He didn't give Director Zhang a chance to interrupt and went straight to the point:

"The second, and most important, consideration is the long-term goal that the child has set for himself, which is the World Cup."

He dreams of going there, and as his parents, we can't hold him back. After much deliberation, considering the realities of talent development and competitive landscape both domestically and internationally, we decided to take it into consideration.

We believe that at this stage, the most reliable and stable path for him to achieve his ultimate goal is to firmly "weld" him into the competitive ecosystem of Europe's top leagues and keep him in a high-intensity, high-level competitive environment for as long as possible.

This choice is the most responsible decision I've made for my son's career.

Yan's father slapped the "World Cup champion dream" on his head, then weighed it down with the weight of "professional life," and added official terms like "competitive ecology" and "talent development" as supplementary terms.

His logical chain is flawless.

Serving one's country is a noble sentiment, but playing in the World Cup is the ultimate medal for a professional player.

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone.

So long that Yan's father could almost hear the heavy breathing of the leader on the other end of the line.

After a long while, a sound that had clearly diminished in intensity from X was heard.

"Okay... Mr. Yan, we understand and respect the player's and his family's decision. Please convey our best wishes to Yan Yuan. We hope he continues to perform well in European competitions and stays healthy."

The implication was clear: there was no room for negotiation.

"Thank you for your understanding, leaders! Please also convey our deepest gratitude to the association leaders. The national football team has a long way to go, and we wish you all the best!"

Yan's father's response was polite and concise, and that was the end of it.

The phone hangs up.

Dad Yan put his phone on the table, leaned back in his chair, and let out a long sigh.

Facing the empty office, he shook his head and muttered his honest, somewhat vulgar thoughts in a voice only he could hear:

"Sigh... They even told me to focus on developing my son, to make him the core of the national team, etc. Let the national team figure out the World Cup qualifiers first, and make sure they can secure a spot in the World Cup finals before talking about anything else."

Otherwise, what's the point of just giving a good young footballer a red jersey? No matter how well he plays, he's the only good one; it's a complete waste of effort!

Yan's father gave a bitter smile, revealing the bitterness of a decades-old fan of the Chinese national football team. He picked up the half-cold coffee on the table and gulped down a large mouthful.

After finishing his coffee, he sent a message to his son:

[It's all settled, son. Now go about your business. The national team thing is over. As for Hoffenheim, you better play well for your dad. I'm waiting for you to wear the Three Lions jersey!]