Chapter 22 Phone Call

Two days before the quarterfinals, Zhang Jun received a call from Florence, Italy. It was Xiang Tao. He told Zhang Jun that Florence had finished the first leg of the European Champions League qualifiers, winning cleanly 2-0 away against Bulgaria's CSKA Sofia, and were now in pre-season training, preparing for the second leg on August 25th.

Florence's acquisitions this season weren't as swift and fierce as last season, but they were still progressing steadily. In defense, Florence snatched Parma's center-back Daniele Bonera from the clutches of many wealthy clubs at a high price. Bonera, hailed as Nesta's successor, was an outstanding defender whose arrival would greatly strengthen Florence's defense. Because Bonera could play both center-back and right-back, the right-back position was also strengthened to some extent. This transfer cost Ren Yudi 23 million euros, and he secured it after defeating many wealthy clubs, including Juventus, AC Milan, Barcelona, and Arsenal.

It could be said that although Florence's acquisitions this summer weren't as crazy as last year, they were hard-fought battles, with almost every transfer negotiation being difficult. Bonera was the first player to confirm his transfer to Florence, and from then on, every player Florence signed took a lot of effort from the club. Ren Yudi even borrowed Zhang Jun's agent, Hua Fang, to help him negotiate.

Hua Fang was initially unwilling because she was an agent for individual players, not a manager for a team. However, Ren Yudi unexpectedly lowered himself and pleaded with her, which moved her somewhat. In the end, she agreed to help on the condition of "receiving a very, very high commission."

Subsequently, Florence engaged in a head-on confrontation with Chelsea.

Florence and Chelsea had similar backgrounds, so they were often referred to by the media as "the Chelsea of Italy" because both owners were very rich, both teams' coaches were very individualistic and skilled, and both teams relied on these two points to dominate their respective leagues.

This time, Florence had set its sights on Chelsea's left winger, Irishman Damien Duff. The 29-year-old player had gradually lost his starting position at Chelsea. With the increasingly mature Xiao Lai Te on the right and Robben on the left, Duff's glory was nowhere near what it had been in previous seasons. Sabato saw this and believed that there shouldn't be any issues with the player himself coming, as long as they negotiated well with Chelsea. Moreover, Duff, who couldn't get a starting position at Chelsea, was a very important player for Florence, which was about to embark on the European Champions League.

However, Abu and Mourinho had always been the ones to snatch players from others with their wealth and power. When would it be their turn to have their walls dug out by others? Moreover, Mourinho insisted that although Duff couldn't be an absolute starter, he was still very good as a first substitute. Chelsea was unwilling to let him go, and the two sides stalled. Zhang Jun and Xiang Tao didn't know the specifics of the negotiation, but a month later, on August 18th, both Florence and Chelsea's official websites announced the event: Duff transferred to Florence for a "sky-high" price of 28 million euros. Why in quotes? Because for a player of Duff's age, 28 million euros was indeed a bit high. However, Ren Yudi didn't care, and Sabato didn't say anything, only happily noting that the team's strength on the left wing had been enhanced again.

Another thing that made Zhang Jun very happy was that his friend from Volendam, Dutchman Van Persie, was also coming. Florence spent 12 million euros to buy this versatile player from Arsenal. He could play left winger, striker, and attacking midfielder. Dubbed "Bergkamp's best successor," he hadn't been able to secure a starting position at Arsenal, and he hoped to change his environment. When Florence sent an invitation, he agreed almost without hesitation because Zhang Jun was there.

Sabato believed that Van Persie's arrival could relieve Cruz's pressure, appropriately reinforce the left wing, and also cooperate with Zhang Jun as a striker. In short, he was a very practical player. As for his temper... well, there were so many firecrackers in the team anyway, one more wouldn't hurt.

Finally, Xiang Tao excitedly told Zhang Jun that Coach Sabato had revealed in a moment of over-excitement... that the team might bring in at least one heavyweight player this summer. But Sabato didn't say who, and no one else knew either, but thinking about the owner's generous spending, it wasn't impossible for a world-class star to come.

"Hey, Zhang Jun! You know what? Maybe we can really win a championship next season! This lineup is too strong! Really! Too strong!"

Xiang Tao's excited voice still echoed in Zhang Jun's ears, and he couldn't wait to return to Florence to meet his new teammates. But...

Zhang Jun raised his head, looked at his silent teammates around him, and the coach who was analyzing their opponents, and was pulled back to the cruel reality.

Yes, the cruel reality...

The Olympics were almost halfway through, and the Chinese team, with the advantage of being the host, firmly occupied second place on the gold medal table and was still threatening the United States' top spot. The whole country was cheering, and the media declared that China was already the second strongest sporting nation in the world, that Russia was no longer a threat, and that future Olympics would be a confrontation between China and the United States, and that with China's growing national strength, surpassing the United States was only a matter of time.

Against this backdrop, the men's Olympic football team was also given this sacred mission: to win a medal, preferably gold, but at least bronze.

Zhang Jun felt that everyone had gone crazy, and that with the current strength of the national Olympic team, even reaching the semi-finals was dangerous. Outsiders didn't know, but he knew very well that the team's internal conflicts hadn't been resolved in a day or two. Seeing many players ignoring each other as soon as they stepped off the training field, he felt that this team had no future.

Not very strong, and they really thought they were stars. A bunch of spoiled brats!

Their opponents in the knockout stage were the not-so-weak Argentinian Olympic team. The coach was on stage analyzing the team's playing style, strengths, and weaknesses. But looking at the players around him, one by one with their heads down, how many were really listening? Zhang Jun suddenly felt sorry for the coach, who was conscientious but had encountered such a group of bastards. With no personal charisma, he could only sigh as he looked at them. He also had to complete the impossible task under the huge expectations of the Chinese people. If they failed, the players would at most be scolded a few times and then return to their respective clubs to enjoy the good life, while the coach might not be able to coach for a while. What an unlucky guy.

An Ke sat at the back looking at the ceiling, his eyes vacant. He had been like this for several days. Zhang Jun shook his head. Cruz, on the other hand, had a gloomy face, not knowing what he was thinking. It was he who had strongly urged him to participate in the Olympics, intending it as a way to increase his feelings for the country, but he didn't expect that it would instead make him see the ugly side of it. Perhaps he was very disappointed. Zhang Jun felt very sorry for him. Even being scolded by Sabato in Florence was better than suffering here, right?

Zhang Jun felt a heavy burden. He really didn't want the team to fail. But playing with those people, could they really achieve success with just a few of them? Moreover, he didn't want the victory he worked so hard for to be used by some people as a big red flower to please those above - Zhang Jun didn't know what kind of person Chen Wei was, he still believed that the Chinese Football Association was the source of all evil. He had no ability to resist anything, but he didn't want his efforts to be violated.

The Football Association, the media, the fans, the teammates, the coach... everyone was expecting him, and this expectation far exceeded Zhang Jun's strength. He was the team's current first star, that was true, but he wasn't a robot. If the pressure was too great, he would also feel tired. After all, he had only been captain for one season, far from being as comfortable as Yang Pan.

The coach was still saying something, but Zhang Jun couldn't hear anything anymore. He only felt a buzzing sound in his ears, and his mind was a little confused.

A season of frantically rising, fifteen rounds undefeated, thirty-one goals, league top scorer, European Golden Shoe award, Olympics... maybe he really was tired.

***

This was the Chinese team's last public training before tomorrow's game, and many reporters were gathered on the sidelines, with the photographers taking pictures.

Su Fei was looking for Zhang Jun in the lens. Her film always had a lot of photos of Zhang Jun. Li Yan joked that she was using public funds for personal gain.

This time, when Zhang Jun's face appeared in the lens, Su Fei didn't press the shutter for a long time.

Because she saw a different Zhang Jun than usual.

Li Yan, who was standing next to Su Fei, noticed Su Fei's abnormality: "What's wrong, Su Fei?"

"Well... Zhang Jun is a little different today..."

"I noticed it too." Li Yan looked at Zhang Jun in the field, stroking his chin.

That Zhang Jun with a solemn face, a frown, and a heavy heart... just didn't look like the sunny Zhang Jun of the past.

This was definitely not one of the signs of maturity. Li Yan knew it, and Su Fei knew it too.

"The pressure is too great. The media is hyping him and the team up like crazy. They talk about the Olympic gold medal all day long, saying that this is China's best chance to win a gold medal in football in history. The pressure of 1.3 billion people can't be compared to that little Florence with 300,000 people."

"Should I remind him? I can call him after training..."

Li Yan reached out and stopped Su Fei: "No, Su Fei, don't call him, don't contact him. Don't do anything this time."

"But if the game is lost..."

"Maybe losing the game is a good thing for him... Ah, anyway, don't call him, no matter what the result of that game is, don't interfere with him too much..." Li Yan felt that his explanation was very far-fetched. If Su Fei really wanted to call Zhang Jun, he wouldn't be able to stop her anyway.

***

Zhang Jun was panting in the locker room. Cruz packed his things and was still waiting for Zhang Jun, but he waved his hand and let him go. "You go back first, Cruz. I want to rest a little longer."

Watching Cruz leave, when he was the only one left in the locker room, he leaned weakly against the wall behind the bench and breathed a sigh of relief. He was really tired, but even if he was tired, he couldn't show the slightest bit of fatigue in front of others because he was the hope of all of them. He had to show enough strength in front of these youngsters. If he told them now that he wasn't in good shape, then tomorrow's game wouldn't need to be played, they would definitely lose. These people had long regarded him as everything. It wasn't like this in Florence, either. Heh heh, it seemed that being the core wasn't all good. But the fact that the core was doing this could only mean that the others were too incompetent.

Cruz was good, but because he had never given those youngsters a good look, they didn't regard him as one of their own. What about An Ke? He was always worried about his own trivial matters, so how could he have any intention of stepping forward? This Olympics was really messed up.

Zhang Jun's condition was indeed not good now, but he didn't tell anyone. He was also very active in training, but only he could feel some subtle things. Perhaps he still had some luck in his heart, thinking that the Argentinian Olympic team was, after all, just an Olympic team, and that the few overage players who came weren't that great. He still wanted to take this team further.

Go further... not to satisfy someone's desires, but just because he didn't want to lose.

For tomorrow's game, please try your best.

Zhang Jun stood up, then slowly put on his clothes. After packing up, he turned off the lights, closed the door, and left.

***

Ren Yudi looked at the team's head coach in front of him: "Now you're satisfied, right? I've been preparing for this since the winter break of last season."

"Hehe, satisfied, satisfied!" Sabato rubbed his hands together excitedly. "Nothing could be more satisfying."

"Well, I'll have Francesco announce this tomorrow. Then hold a press conference. After he completes his medical examination, you can take him to the training camp. Be careful to let him get along well with the players and integrate into the team as soon as possible."

"Don't worry, I know what to do. The current Florence is not the Florence of a year ago. I think everyone will be as excited as I am."

"Jorgensen is hard to say, right?"

"He should be aware of it. We are a team that needs to fight on multiple fronts, and he is constantly injured now, so we do need more reserves. He is a professional player, and I think he should have this quality."

"Well, that's good. I don't want my locker room atmosphere to be destroyed. Also, the managers are actively contacting other substitutes that the team needs, but I still hope that you can find some good talents from the youth team."

"This... boss, you know, the Florence youth team has never produced any outstanding players..."

"It's very simple, then I'll increase the investment in youth football... Well, maybe the Franchi Stadium should be expanded..." Ren Yudi covered his forehead, thinking about these issues. "Don't rush, don't rush, take it slowly, take it slowly. I have plenty of time... Okay, if there's nothing else, go back."

Sabato left contentedly because he had obtained a player he had always dreamed of, a player who would help him start an attacking storm in Europe.

***

This game was held at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing. The Workers' Stadium, which had been renovated to welcome the Olympics, looked brand new. It would also host a semi-final of the football event at this Olympics.

The Workers' Stadium was packed, and an ordinary Olympic football match actually filled the huge stadium. The Argentinians obviously didn't expect to receive such treatment.

Zhang Jun walked in the lead, but he turned a deaf ear to the clamor coming from the stands. In fact, his mind didn't know where it was now, and he was a little dazed.

These clamors could only become heavier and heavier pressure on his back. He hadn't felt pressure from the media and fans for a long time. The Chinese were really enthusiastic... Ha!

The players behind Zhang Jun were still muttering: "Why did they arrange the game in the afternoon? Damn, the afternoon in Beijing in August is the hottest time! Playing in this kind of weather, do they want people to live or not?"

"Haha, it's okay, it's okay! The Argentinian team is even more unaccustomed to this kind of weather than we are. You know, it's winter over there at this time."

Blind optimism...

Zhang Jun stood in the center circle, waiting for the kick-off. Standing next to him was the Olympic team striker who partnered with him. A center forward who was tall and strong, but whose footwork was rough. Seeing him, Zhang Jun thought of Li Jie, the high center forward who had briefly partnered with him on the national team. Although he was also tall and strong, and his footwork was rough, he was very aggressive and could at least hold the ball in the frontcourt with his body and wait for his teammates to come up to support him. As for the current center forward... Zhang Jun had cooperated with him for three games, not to mention repeatedly wasting opportunities, he was also very unconscious and always liked to fight alone. He was respectful to him off the field, but on the field, he treated himself as a king. Zhang Jun hated playing with this kind of person, but... this was the only person on the national Olympic team's front line who was still decent - the original main striker, Wu Shangshan, was injured in training before the Olympics and was destined to miss this Olympics.

"Beep!" Just as Zhang Jun was thinking wildly, the referee from Sweden blew the whistle to start the game.

"Viewers, viewers! With the referee's whistle, this highly anticipated Beijing Olympic men's football semi-final has begun. The Chinese Olympic team, wearing red shirts and red shorts, is attacking from the left side of the screen to the right, while the Argentinian Olympic team, wearing blue and white striped shirts and black shorts, is attacking from right to left!"

***

At the same time, in Italy, it was morning. A press conference was being held inside the Florence club.

"I have to introduce someone to you..." Gialemi smiled at the confused reporters.

Many reporters had been notified by private phone late last night to attend the press conference early this morning, and some of them hadn't woken up yet and were yawning at the press conference. No one knew what Florence was trying to do so mysteriously, but anyway, Florence had always been so mysterious, so everyone didn't think too much about it and came.

This summer, many people were rumored that Florence would be making moves on some giants. However, they had never seen any substantive actions from Florence.

Could this press conference be related to the previous rumors?

"Come up." Gialemi said to the stage behind him, which the reporters couldn't see, and then he saw a person step onto the stage, moving nimbly, and then smiling and greeting everyone.

"This is Florence's most important transfer this season, Florence's number 7, right winger Joaquin Sanchez Rodriguez."

Everyone woke up, and they looked at the smiling Gialemi and the smiling Joaquin on the stage with surprise, as well as Sabato, who was smiling very happily next to him.

***

"Goal! Good goal... but Argentina scored first. Their captain Messi scored his fourth goal of the Olympics, chasing Zhang Jun."

The Chinese commentator said weakly, and only the Argentinian fans cheered in the Workers' Stadium.

An Ke reluctantly got up, took the football out from behind him, and kicked it forward. He had nothing to say, the defender had obviously lost his position, and Messi's cut from the left to the middle was very sharp, but the defenders didn't pay enough attention to it.

He didn't even have the strength to scold. In the first game, he still tried to scold a few words, but later, seeing that scolding was useless, he simply didn't scold anymore. Let them go.

Now he just wanted to finish the Olympics as soon as possible so he could go back to Germany.

Zhang Jun watched the excited Argentinian players run back to their half, surrounding Messi, and he was indifferent.

Now everyone knew that he had become Messi's target to surpass. Originally, Messi was the most watched star in this Olympic football event, but because he came, the first place became him. The young man's competitive nature was fully reflected in Messi.

Scoring against the Chinese team was a demonstration to him.

Zhang Jun remembered how eagerly he had looked forward to playing against Shevchenko in the past, and he had the same idea in his heart. From Messi's back, he seemed to see another version of himself. What kind of person would the Argentinian, who was now the main midfielder for Barcelona, ​​become in the future?

However, Zhang Jun, who was full of admiration in his heart, would of course not easily let go of the opponent who was provoking him in front of him. He would not be willing for anyone to climb on his head and act arrogantly.

So at the beginning of the second half, Zhang Jun used a direct free kick to equalize the score. Lacking enough support from the midfield, Zhang Jun could only rely on set pieces to seek goals. Cruz was jointly restrained by Argentina's two defensive midfielders, and he didn't seem to be in a good mood, rarely making those amazing techniques.

"Oh - Zhang Jun!!! The Chinese team has equalized the score! Less than five minutes have passed since the beginning of the second half!" The commentator shouted excitedly, and the majestic national anthem was heard from the Workers' Stadium.

"Why do you use the national anthem to celebrate after scoring a goal?" Cruz asked puzzled.

"This represents patriotism..." Zhang Jun explained.

After scoring the goal, Zhang Jun didn't celebrate with anyone. He walked back alone calmly, just waving to his teammates around him.

***

"Joaquin's transfer fee is 38 million euros, which is the largest transfer for Florence this summer. Coach Sabato believes that Joaquin's talent and experience will bring crucial effects to the team, and our marketing manager also believes that Joaquin's arrival will help promote the sales of peripheral products and the team's influence in Spain." Gialemi was talking eloquently, and Joaquin always kept smiling next to him. He still maintained his short hair style when he was at Betis.

In fact, Florence also spent a lot of effort to get Joaquin to come this time. There was no knowing how much the benefits to Joaquin's agent alone were.

Betis had always been hovering in the middle of La Liga. For a player like Joaquin, who had very lofty ambitions, it was okay at first to be at Betis, but as he got older, he was no longer satisfied with spending his life in a team like Betis, which had no great future. He wanted to go to a wealthy club, to a team that could win more championships.

At first, Real Madrid said they wanted him, and he was ecstatic. Among La Liga players, except for Barcelona players, they could all be proud of going to Real Madrid. But Real Madrid had Beckham, and in the end they gave up on him. Then Chelsea said they wanted him, and this time the success rate was very high, but in the end, Wright's sudden rise made Mourinho change his mind. He told Joaquin that he wouldn't necessarily get a starting position even if he went. Joaquin was proud and unwilling to be a substitute for a junior. In the end, he rejected Chelsea's invitation. In the three years since then, he had been staying at Betis. There was a year when Betis was lucky enough to make it to the European Champions League, which seemed to make Joaquin determined to continue staying here. But the results in the European Champions League were really terrible. Joaquin realized that maybe it was really time to leave. He was a professional player, and also a genius. He craved victory, craved championships, more than many, many people. Vicente had won the domestic league championship in Valencia, and Reyes had also tasted the league championship in Arsenal. Of the Spanish twin angels, he was the only one who had nothing.

When Florence first appeared in the ranks of his pursuers, it was last winter. He didn't take it to heart at all. Because a team of Florence's level was about the same as Betis in his eyes.

But when that season ended, he had to re-evaluate Florence.

It was definitely not as simple as the Spanish media said luck that a team that was on the verge of relegation one season could become fourth in Serie A this season. Moreover, Florence's offensive principle made Joaquin feel very much to his liking. Looking at their acquisitions this summer, it seemed that they didn't just want to do something in the Champions League.

Moreover, the price offered by Florence was also difficult for Betis to refuse. There were not many buyers left who could still offer more than 35 million euros to buy people. Moreover, the salary that the club promised to Joaquin was also higher than what he received at Betis.

Joaquin had no reason not to be tempted.

Just... the only thing he was worried about was that there seemed to be no successful precedent for Spanish players to play in Italy. Without exception, they all went there in glory, and then ended up bleakly wandering around the world. This time, he decided to come to Florence, and many Spanish media had even decided on his ending in advance, a very pessimistic ending. They believed that in the fiercely defensive Italy, he would definitely have to spend most of his time in the stands.

Joaquin felt that this was a gamble, putting his future on this transfer. Either success or failure, there would definitely be no other results.

"So, Joaquin, come and show everyone your jersey." Gialemi finished his speech and called Joaquin and Sabato up. The reporters knew that the climax of the press conference was coming.

Gialemi handed the purple Florence new team uniform for this season to Joaquin, with the back facing out. The three of them grabbed the sleeves and neckline on both sides of the clothes, respectively, and stood together smiling, showing it to the reporters at the scene.

Under the flashing lights, the golden name and number sparkled: "Joaquin, 7."

The number 7 was left over from Di Livio's retirement. No one had worn it last season. Now that Joaquin was wearing it, he believed that he had the ability to wear it.

While constantly pressing the shutter, Cagliani was worried about this Spaniard in his heart.

The Italian defenders are not as cute as you Spaniards, Joaquin.

***

Li Yan yawned inappropriately in the press box. Other people were watching nervously, but only he felt sleepy. Although it was related to the fate of the Chinese Olympic team, this game was not exciting at all. The players' low-level mistakes occurred more than once or twice. Argentina didn't dare to attack with all its strength due to Zhang Jun's pressure, and China wanted to attack with all its strength but didn't have the ability. The overage players and the players who returned from studying abroad were not in good condition in this game.

Zhang Jun, Cruz, An Ke, and Shao Jiaying were not in good shape, and Wu Shangshan simply withdrew from the Olympics due to injury. It was really a double whammy.

He didn't know, as time passed, how many people in the stands and in front of the TV had seen something wrong?

It was said that Florence was very lively now. Zhang Jun, I personally think that small city is more suitable for you to stay.

"Oh! Zhang Jun's shot went wide! This shot was a bit outrageous, and there was no one forcing him around him!"

Zhang Jun propped his knees, and his breathing became very rough. He felt very tired, so the shot just now was "a bit outrageous." Cruz walked past him and asked, "Are you okay?"

Zhang Jun shook his head: "I'm okay, I'm fine." Then he straightened up. He realized that he was the captain, a role model for those disappointing people. He couldn't slack off first, otherwise those bastards would have even more reason to slack off. He wiped the sweat hanging on his chin, then looked up at the big screen. There were seventeen minutes left until the end of the game. If the score was still 1:1, then they would have to play extra time, and if it was still 1:1 in extra time, then they would have to play penalty kicks... This was what Zhang Jun didn't want to see. If the Chinese team could win, winning by penalty kicks would be too costly. What he hoped now was to end the battle within ninety minutes and then strive for more rest time.

"Hey, Cruz. Pass the ball to me, I'll try to end the game."

Cruz looked at Zhang Jun, then nodded.

To be honest, he had always felt very lonely since coming to China. Fortunately, there was Zhang Jun to accompany him. He didn't know anyone here, and the environment here was also very unfamiliar. At least in Florence, there was Xiang Tao who could provide him with some entertainment.

It was because he had experienced such an environment that he admired Zhang Jun even more. It was not an easy thing to play in such an environment and still have to take responsibility.

He had to help Zhang Jun.

***

After the twenty-minute press conference, Joaquin was taken to the team doctor by Sabato. They needed to give him a comprehensive physical examination. This time was not long, nor was it too short. After completing the physical examination, he would go to Florence's training base to meet all his teammates, and then go home. The next day was a meeting with the fan representatives at the Franchi Stadium, and in the afternoon, he would officially enter the team to participate in training.

When Joaquin saw that the person giving him the physical examination was an Eastern face, he was still a little surprised. Because it was not a common thing to see an Eastern doctor in a professional football club.

And then, the methods used by that Eastern doctor were even more unexpected for Joaquin.

He was not put on various electronic instruments to participate in sports tests, but was asked to lie flat on the bed, and then the doctor pressed on his arms, ankles, knees, thighs, calves, chest, eyes... and other places, looking here, touching there, while doing so, he also asked him various questions about his body through a translator.

Finally, he finished touching.

Feng Qing wiped his hands, then said to Sabato next to him: "Joaquin's physical condition is not bad, but he has been injured before, and there are old injuries in his body, and there is a risk of recurrence. In addition, the defense in Serie A is also a very big test for players who come from La Liga. I am worried that his body will not be able to adapt at first. You have to be mentally prepared that he will still be injured. Of course, we will also arrange corresponding methods to help him adapt as soon as possible. Okay, let him do the test next."

Joaquin listened to his translator translate everything, and the more he listened, the more surprised he became. He could know so clearly and draw such a definite conclusion just by touching his body and asking questions. No wonder the Florence team had so few injured players last season!

The next procedure finally returned to what Joaquin was familiar with, but he still couldn't forget the mysterious Eastern doctor.

Indeed, he had been injured frequently in the past few years. Although they were not big injuries that required surgery, those frequent small injuries still made him very annoyed, because frequent absences from games and being unable to complete a season completely had greatly affected his condition, so before the 2006 World Cup in Germany, he was even unable to be selected for the Spanish national team.

In the past two years, thanks to his own efforts, he had gradually returned to the national team, but the competition for the main position was still very fierce.

Watching Joaquin go out to do sports tests, Sabato asked Feng Qing next to him: "Well, how is Jorgensen's recent physical condition?"

"Very good." Feng Qing replied very concisely. For Sabato, such a concise answer was the best.

He nodded: "That's good..."

***

Zhang Jun received a very concealed pass from Cruz, but this time he was surprised that Messi had returned to the penalty area to defend, and he was defending him.

He underestimated the situation and was intercepted by Messi. Zhang Jun immediately chased back. It was his responsibility for losing the ball this time, and he had to make up for the mistake.

Having been squeezed behind, it was really difficult for Zhang Jun, a player without much defensive ability, to successfully steal the ball. In the end, Zhang Jun directly tackled from behind.

The referee blew the whistle and gave Zhang Jun a yellow card. Messi was rolling around on the ground in pain. Zhang Jun glanced at him, didn't show any kindness to pull him up, but walked straight past him.

Messi felt bored and got up from the ground again. He hadn't been tackled by Zhang Jun in any vital area, so he could still be energetic after jumping up, and Zhang Jun himself knew it, so he didn't go up to pull him.

"The ninety minutes of the game is coming to an end! But the score is still 1:1! There are not many exciting scenes in this game. Is it because it is related to who can enter the semi-finals, everyone is playing carefully?"

"Well... this possibility exists. After all, both sides value the Olympic medals, right?" The special guest used Chinese thinking to evaluate others, which made Li Yan, a reporter who had been in Europe for several years, feel funny.

However, speaking of it, the Workers' Stadium had been renovated very advanced for the Olympics. The originally dilapidated press box now had television broadcasts, in order to take care of the reporters who couldn't see what was happening on the field from the stands.

He was looking at his watch, and the referee was also looking at his watch. The deafening shouts that were in the stands at first had gradually subsided. Maybe even the fans themselves felt a little ominous. The Chinese team, which had the Serie A top scorer and the European Golden Shoe winner, couldn't break through the Argentinian team's goal.

"Hey, is the Chinese team's attack power not that weak? The opponent is just an Olympic team!"

"Who knows! It looks like Zhang Jun is not in good condition..."

"Damn! How can he not be in good condition at this time?!"

"You ask me, who do I ask? Why don't you talk about Ronaldo in the French World Cup final?"

The audience inevitably began to discuss.

"The Chinese team players' running feet seem very heavy. Maybe the weather is too hot, which makes their physical energy too depleted. There are four minutes left until the end of the game. The upcoming extra time will be a serious test for the players. We hope they can withstand the pressure. Now is the confrontation of will. The Argentinian players are as tired as we are. Whoever persists will be the winner!"

The commentator was saying enthusiastically, but if he heard the voices of many Chinese players on the field, he didn't know what he could say?

"Damn it! How long until the game ends? There's still half an hour of extra time... Drag it to penalty kicks, penalty kicks! We have An Ke, there will definitely be no problem with penalty kicks."

***

After completing his physical examination, Joaquin learned the preliminary opinions from Florence. They were quite satisfied with Joaquin's current physical condition. There were no injuries on his body that were concealed and not reported when he transferred over. Now Sabato was going to take him to the training base.

On the way to the base, Sabato was sitting in the passenger seat, while Joaquin, his agent, and his Italian translator were sitting in the back row.

"Well, Joaquin. There are some things I need to tell you. You also know that our team needs to fight on multiple fronts this season, so I can't guarantee that you will start every game, because it is related to your physical energy and condition. I hope you can understand this, but as long as your condition and body are fine, the starting lineup should be yours. You are already famous, and Florence has many young players. I hope you can set an example for them, which will also help you integrate into this team. In Florence, no player cannot be a substitute, even Zhang Jun. If his body and condition are not good, I will let him sit on the bench." Sabato sat in the passenger seat, then turned his head and said to Joaquin behind him.

Joaquin listened to the translator, then thought about it, and then nodded: "I understand. I also know the team's situation. I just hope that you can fulfill your promise and let me start when my body and condition are fine. I hope our cooperation is based on mutual trust."

"There is no problem with this. I let the boss spend more than 30 million euros to buy you, not to let you sit on the bench. Also, this is the first time we have cooperated. Maybe my way of speaking and doing things will surprise you, but I hope you don't have any other ideas in your heart. They were also like this when they first saw me, but they got used to it later."

Joaquin laughed: "I have heard of it. Even the Spanish media call you a 'rogue'."

Sabato scratched his messy hair: "Oh... am I that famous?"

Joaquin's agent also laughed: "Very famous, sir. So you don't have to worry that Joaquin can't accept your coaching style. As long as we can achieve victory, the style is secondary."

"That's good, that's good. In fact, I have long been tired of speaking politely with you like this. Do you mind if I swear?"

"I don't mind." Both of them shook their heads.

"Okay, Joaquin, listen carefully. This season our goal is not just to take a trip around the European Champions League and come back. We want to strive for honors, very, very many honors. At the same time, we can't lose the domestic league. The only thing we can give up is the Italian Cup. To be honest