Chapter 130 The End of the Invicibility

The injured Zhang Jun was taken away directly in an ambulance, no need for the commentators' incessant explanations. Everyone knew what this meant. In the last six months, he had been taken off the field in an ambulance twice. The first time, everyone had a false alarm, and hoped that this time would also be a false alarm.

Sabato, on the other hand, was sent to the stands with a red card by the referee for verbally abusing the fourth official and grabbing his collar. The fourth official also wrote Sabato's egregious behavior in the match report, and a very serious ban awaited him.

Klu was also sent off with a red card by the referee for punching an opponent, which caused the match to be interrupted for ten minutes.

Suddenly, before the end of the first half, Fiorentina was already two men down, the coach was also sent to the stands, and the main striker was seriously injured and off the field. No one believed that Fiorentina could set a record.

As if to confirm everyone's guesses, in the last minute of the first half, Sampdoria seized the opportunity when Fiorentina's morale was in disarray, and scored another goal, taking a 3-0 lead over Fiorentina at home!

At the same time, AC Milan, who had just finished the first half, were leading their opponents 2-0 at home. Yang Pan and Kaka both turned their attention to the scoreboard.

Sampdoria 3:0 Fiorentina.

"What is Zhang Jun doing?" Yang Pan thought with a frown.

※※※

At this time, Zhang Jun was on his way to the hospital, with Feng Qing and Sophie accompanying him.

He had recovered from the pain and his expression had returned to normal. Looking at the nervous expressions of the two people next to him, he wanted to comfort them with a few words: "My foot..."

Before he could finish his words, Sophie quickly interrupted him: "Don't worry! It's okay, everything is okay! It's just a minor injury. Remember the Asian Cup? Weren't you sent to the hospital like this at that time? So don't worry, everything will be fine!"

Feng Qing also nodded beside her, agreeing with Sophie's statement.

Zhang Jun looked at the two people who were even more nervous than him, sighed helplessly, and gave up the idea of ​​continuing to explain. Forget it, let's wait for the diagnosis.

※※※

During the half-time break, the atmosphere in the Fiorentina locker room was a bit dull, and everyone was silent. Sabato was still on his way from the crowded stands, so Dili Wei Ao temporarily exercised the power of the coach on his behalf. However, looking at these players who were hanging their heads and silent, he didn't know what to say to boost morale.

Just when everyone was feeling awkward, the door was kicked open with a bang.

Sabato appeared at the door with an angry face.

"You—damn—bastards!" A very Sabato-esque opening. "We're only three goals behind, only two men down! Are you damn guys planning to give up on me now? Those who don't want to play, get the hell out! We're going to counterattack in the second half! We're going to make those Sampdoria sons of bitches pay! I don't need spineless cowards and idiots! Now! What are you bunch of morons doing? Panting like dogs with your heads down? Seeing your captain maliciously fouled and seriously injured, aren't you angry? Don't you want to show those sons of bitches what's what? Like this! Raise your heads, clench your fists, furrow your brows, and grit your teeth! Bite those sons of bitches to death like mad dogs!" While shouting, Sabato kicked the locker room door, and the wooden door made a strange sound, and then tilted downwards—it was kicked broken by Sabato...

Dili Wei Ao watched from the side, and Sabato just blurted out a long string of swear words like venting, which actually revitalized the originally discouraged players. He himself had been at a loss just now, not knowing what to do.

※※※

Only three goals behind! Only two men down!

Fiorentina launched a desperate counterattack against Sampdoria in the second half. They repeatedly ignored their leaky defense and went all out to attack. Although they were two men down, Sampdoria was helpless against this "bereaved army". The harsh boos rang out again at home.

Sampdoria was actually one man down, because Diego. Mori was sent off directly with a red card by the referee for a malicious foul, but having one more man still couldn't help Sampdoria against Fiorentina. If Sampdoria could win today, they would be really lucky.

In the sixty-ninth minute, John. Jones scored Fiorentina's first goal of the game. His powerful shot made the goalkeeper afraid to pounce, for fear of being knocked unconscious within a distance of five meters.

Fiorentina pulled one back.

In the eighty-third minute, Paccini, who replaced Zhang Jun, scored Fiorentina's second goal. Like Jones, it was also a powerful shot in the penalty area, and the goalkeeper had no reaction again.

At the last moment, Sabato replaced two defenders and sent on Montolivo and Chris. Williams. In this way, Fiorentina only had Svensson as a defender in the lineup. This was completely a do-or-die tactic!

Faced with such a great situation, Sampdoria didn't dare to attack. Their coach replaced the last striker and replaced him with a defender. Everyone retreated to their own thirty-meter area to participate in the defense. Even the commentators of Sky TV couldn't stand it anymore: "Leading by three goals, with a numerical advantage, and the opponent having three absolute main players off the field, either injured or sent off, Fiorentina has chased back two goals under these circumstances. At the last moment, the opponent only has one defender left, but they replaced the only striker, giving up large areas for Fiorentina to besiege. This game... is really weird! We saw a crazy coach and a conservative coach..."

Although Sabato went all out, the score difference was too great, and Fiorentina was short of two players, and the entire central axis was almost non-existent, and their strength was greatly damaged.

When the referee blew the whistle to end the game, Sampdoria fans cheered, celebrating their victory in ending Fiorentina's fifty-eight-game unbeaten record. And Fiorentina fans used endless boos to disrupt the Sampdoria people who were celebrating their victory.

The score on the big screen was fixed at 3:2, Fiorentina finally lost...

At the press conference, the Sampdoria coach came first, and he smiled and accepted congratulations from some familiar reporters, while preparing to answer questions from other reporters. At this time, Sabato strode onto the stage angrily, without shaking hands with the opposing coach who had extended his hand, and ignoring the reporters who were stretching towards him. He didn't even sit down, but directly took the microphone from the host and expressed his views on the game:

"First of all, I congratulate Mr. Baldini, the coach of Sampdoria, he and his team have become heroes, congratulations. Then I take this opportunity to congratulate the other coaches. Mr. Baldini solved the nightmare of the entire Europe with an ignorant kid. I can still clearly remember the words he shouted off the field. You have created another shining and incomplete superstar, congratulations to you, your heart disease has finally been removed..."

The host remembered that he wanted to snatch the microphone from Sabato's hand, and the entire press conference was silent.

"...Great Italian Serie A, the tomb of heroes!" (Note: The above part of Sabato's speech is provided by Qidian book friend madgun.)

After saying this, Sabato stuffed the microphone into the host's hand, and then turned and left the scene, leaving a group of stunned people who did not recover for a long time.

He didn't care what kind of storm his rebellious remarks would cause, he just wanted to embarrass these people in front of the national audience. In every game against Fiorentina, which coach didn't let his subordinates adopt foul tactics against Zhang Jun? There wasn't a single intact spot on Zhang Jun's two legs! Zhang Jun's injury today was not the credit of that Mori alone, they knew very well what they had done themselves.

Make a fuss! Hype it up! The bigger the hype, the better!

※※※

The news media were going crazy with joy. There were so many hot topics that could be hyped in one game: Fiorentina's unbeaten record ended, and they failed to surpass AC Milan, dominating Serie A alone; Zhang Jun's accidental injury caused a stadium riot; Sabato's shocking speech at the press conference pointed the finger at the entire Italian football world, the entire European football world, and the entire world football world... What? He didn't say that it was aimed at the world football world? Don't worry, the editors will edit it a little bit, and that's it.

For a time, the media suddenly realized that they didn't have enough manpower: Fiorentina's hospital needed people to squat, Fiorentina's training base needed people to squat, and each Serie A team needed to be interviewed. Sampdoria was the top priority.

The Sampdoria coach certainly claimed that he had absolutely not let his subordinates deliberately foul Zhang Jun, and defended his beloved disciple, saying that it was just an accident on the field and definitely not intentional. Diego. Mori finally apologized to Zhang Jun after two days of silence, and claimed that he definitely didn't do it on purpose and that he had never thought of hurting anyone.

When some reporters ran to Fiorentina to ask Sabato to verify what he said at the press conference, he repeated what he had said again, and claimed that this must be a conspiracy against Fiorentina and Zhang Jun.

Other coaches certainly wouldn't admit it, no... of course they all denied it. AC Milan vice chairman Galliani had his own high opinion on this: "I understand his feelings of losing an important player in his team. But some of his words are really excessive. Conspiracy theories will not have any good results. We never play any tricks off the football field. Our victory comes fairly and squarely. We have been suppressed by Fiorentina all these years. If we wanted to deliberately make trouble, we would have done it a few years ago. Why wait until they have won so many championships before taking action? You can go and look at the videos of our past matches to see if Zhang Jun has received our 'special treatment'... Back then, when Van Basten was injured, we didn't bite like mad dogs..."

Galliani said a lot of "we", the meaning was obvious. On the one hand, it showed that everything had nothing to do with them, and on the other hand, it satirized Sabato as a mad dog. These words were a bit mean, but they were in line with Galliani's character.

Sabato certainly wouldn't be stupid enough to clash head-on with AC Milan, who had an extraordinary influence in the G14. He also knew that Milan hadn't done anything deliberately targeting Zhang Jun, after all, they also valued Zhang Jun very much.

So he remained silent about it.

The outside world was in an uproar, what about the gains of those reporters squatting in the hospital?

Zero.

This was their achievement in the past few days. Zhang Jun didn't open his mouth to accept any interviews, and Fiorentina team doctor Feng Qing and Zhang Jun's wife Sophie also kept silent about Zhang Jun's condition.

In fact, they also knew that what the media wanted to dig out couldn't be hidden at all. It was just that these days were very important for Zhang Jun, and they hoped to maintain a quiet environment so that Zhang Jun could think.

※※※

"Comminuted fracture of the left ankle, ligament tear. Optimistic estimate of eight months of treatment and recovery..." Feng Qing stopped talking after finishing, and Sophie, who was sitting on the other side of the hospital bed, also remained silent.

For a time, there was no other sound in the white ward except for the low humming of the air conditioner.

Zhang Jun looked blankly at the ceiling, he didn't expect that this time he would be injured so seriously.

After a long time, no one spoke, and the atmosphere was very depressing. Feng Qing finally couldn't stand it and opened his mouth: "Zhang Jun, you also know that I told you that your left ankle would have an accident sooner or later... and once something happened, it wouldn't be a small matter. Now... you've seen it too. And..." Feng Qing spoke intermittently, because he always had to consider how to say it without hurting Zhang Jun and Sophie. "And, this situation will definitely recur if you continue to play football. You are a striker, and you have very little time when you are not fouled by others. So... so..." After so many "so", Feng Qing finally gritted his teeth.

"I hope you can accept the suggestion to retire from now on."

Sophie stared at Feng Qing with wide eyes, and Zhang Jun finally retracted his gaze from the ceiling.

"Re...tire?" he repeated.

Feng Qing nodded: "Retiring is the best way to protect your body as much as possible."

After a moment of silence, Zhang Jun refused: "I won't."

Feng Qing obviously knew that his suggestion would be rejected, and was not surprised. "Zhang Jun, I know what you're thinking, but you promised me at the beginning that you would bear the consequences of the treatment. Now the consequences have come, are you going to escape?"

Zhang Jun's tone seemed slightly excited: "This is not escaping! If I retire because of this, that's escaping!"

After shouting it out, he realized that it was inappropriate for him to speak to Feng Qing like this, and he quickly lowered his head to apologize: "I'm sorry, Brother Feng, I'm in a bad mood."

Feng Qing nodded: "I can understand."

After another moment of silence, Zhang Jun spoke: "I'm only twenty-nine years old. As a professional player, twenty-nine years old should be the golden age, right? I have both experience and... body." Zhang Jun said this sentence a bit reluctantly, "I don't want to retire so early. I can't play football after I retire... I long to participate in competitions and enjoy the cheers. This is the joy of football for me. I don't know anything else except playing football. If I retire like this, I really don't know what else I can do..."

Sophie took Zhang Jun's hand and comforted him: "No, Zhang Jun is very capable in my eyes."

Feng Qing also nodded: "I heard that you asked Hua Fang to help you set up a football school? How can you have nothing to do after you retire? Moreover, Zhang Jun, I hope you recognize reality. I know this is very cruel and ruthless to you. But everything always has an end. Ending everything at this time is not a bad thing. At least you can leave the world with a beautiful back and memory. It's better than dragging your injured leg and letting your state get worse every year, right? Do you want to spend your time on the bench and in the stands from now on, and let everyone forget you?"

Feng Qing's words were a bit harsh, but how could he make the stubborn Zhang Jun change his mind if he didn't harden his heart? Zhang Jun wouldn't be easily persuaded unless he cut off the last glimmer of hope in his heart. He wouldn't give up until he saw the Yellow River, and he wouldn't turn back until he hit the South Wall—he was as stubborn as a mule!

Sophie knew that Feng Qing was doing it for Zhang Jun's good, and she bit her lip tightly without saying a word.

"I can see it very clearly!" Zhang Jun's blood rushed to his head after being roared by Feng Qing, "Very clearly! What a beautiful back and memory? That's all nonsense! I don't play football for others to see, I play football for myself. I know what I need. I just want to play football for a few more years, is that okay? Who am I offending? Why don't you let me play? Why do you want me to retire? Tell me!"

Seeing that Zhang Jun's emotions suddenly became agitated, Sophie quickly held his hand tightly: "Calm down, Zhang Jun. Brother Feng is also doing it for your own good. You can't talk to him like that."

After being reminded by Sophie, Zhang Jun's tone obviously softened. He continued to say as if talking to himself: "Yes, I know I once said that I would consider ending my career early, but I regret it now. I still want to continue playing, I don't want to leave. I don't want to cry in front of so many people and say that I have to leave, that's escaping... I don't care what others think of my future career, even if I am very embarrassing and pathetic in their eyes... let them shake their heads and sigh! Over the years, everyone has added such and such expectations to me, 'Zhang Jun, sign for me!' 'Zhang Jun, take a picture with me!' 'Zhang Jun! You must win the championship!' 'Zhang Jun, you can't lose!' 'Zhang Jun, you must fulfill your contract!' 'Zhang Jun must score!' 'Zhang Jun is a hero!' 'Zhang Jun is a legend!'... Zhang Jun this, Zhang Jun that! I've had enough! Everything is arranged for me by others. I have to do it according to these things, please them, satisfy them... Now it's alright, I'm injured, those people won't put anything on me anymore, right? Very good, my contract with Fiorentina expires in 2016, and I plan to fulfill this contract. In the remaining five years, I will only play for myself..."

"Zhang Jun..." Sophie's hand stroked him gently, she felt so sorry for her husband who was lying on the hospital bed and couldn't do anything.

Zhang Jun stared at the ceiling, he was still talking to himself: "Sophie, actually... what I said just now was all an excuse. In the final analysis, it's still... still me, I'm too selfish, too greedy. I'm reluctant, reluctant to leave, I don't want to go, don't want to give up football... I like my teammates, like the coach, like training and playing with them, like the Fiorentina fans, like... football..."

Two lines of tears flowed from Zhang Jun's eyes, across his cheeks, and dripped on his clothes.

Feng Qing stood up silently, and then slowly walked out of the ward, while Sophie leaned down and hugged Zhang Jun tightly in her arms.

※※※

Feng Qing gently closed the door, and then leaned against the hospital wall to catch his breath. Zhang Jun was more stubborn than he thought. Could it be that stubbornness also increased proportionally with age?

A burst of rapid footsteps came from the empty corridor. The sound was very crisp and should be high heels. Feng Qing turned his head to look at the source of the sound, and found that the person who came was Zhang Jun's agent, Hua Fang.

Hua Fang had been in Sichuan, China, supervising the construction of Zhang Jun's school and handling other related procedures. After hearing the news of Zhang Jun's serious injury, she completed the work in her hands as quickly as possible, and then flew directly to Italy.

Hua Fang saw Feng Qing at the door, and before she arrived, she asked: "How is the situation?"

Feng Qing shook his head. Hua Fang had already walked up to him. "The injury is very serious. He will definitely need surgery this time. I optimistically estimate that it will take at least eight months to recover."

"What are the specific injuries?" Hua Fang continued to ask with a frown.

"Comminuted fracture of the ankle bone, partial tear of the ligaments."

Hua Fang took a breath of cold air. She was in frequent contact with players and naturally knew what such an injury meant to a player.

Feng Qing saw Hua Fang's expression, and he continued: "I think you also know about such an injury. I originally planned to suggest that Zhang Jun choose to retire, but he didn't agree, and he is a bit emotionally unstable now. I think this blow is really too big for him..." As he said that, he remembered that he had been guaranteeing Zhang Jun that he would definitely keep him healthy not long ago, but he didn't expect that these words would be shattered by reality ten days later. Things are unpredictable...

Thinking like this, he shook his head gently.

Hua Fang put her hand on the doorknob, but Feng Qing stopped her: "I think you'd better not go in now."

"Why?" Hua Fang turned her head and asked without taking her hand away.

"Now, it should be a world belonging to two people..." Feng Qing sighed and suddenly smiled.

Hua Fang rolled her eyes, understood, and smiled and took her hand back, and then pointed to the bench behind: "Since that's the case, let's sit there and wait."

"Ms. Hua, you often help Zhang Jun manage his business. You must be very troubled by his stubbornness, right?" Sitting on the bench, Feng Qing took the initiative to strike up a conversation. He still couldn't get rid of the problem of getting excited when he saw a beautiful woman, and he didn't want to change it.

"It's really a bit troublesome, but Mr. Feng, aren't you also troubled by his character?"

The two smiled at each other.

"That's right, you're right. I was still persuading him to retire at the peak of his career when I was giving him a massage some time ago. He refused at that time, and he found a lot of reasons to convince me. It's the same today. I think the one who will be convinced in the end will definitely be me, not him." Feng Qing shrugged.

"Hehe, we really have a common topic. Every time I give him all kinds of reasons to give up something, he always gives me all kinds of arguments to convince me. Of course, the one who is convinced in the end will definitely be me." Hua Fang gently brushed her hair.

"Well, speaking of which, Zhang Jun hasn't changed clubs many times, and Ms. Hua's income has decreased accordingly, right?"

Hua Fang smiled: "There is a kind of person in professional football who is very respected. As long as the commercial value is well developed, it may not be higher than those stars who transfer frequently. So-called loyal ministers are people like Zhang Jun. Look at how much he earns now? I and Zhang Jun are paid according to the percentage of various incomes, so this is not a concern."

"Tsk tsk, agents really make money, it's a pity that my doctor is miserable." Feng Qing sighed deliberately.

Hua Fang continued to smile: "Then do you want me to package Mr. Feng?"

Feng Qing quickly waved his hand: "Don't! I can't stand big scenes. I get dizzy when I see a lot of flashing lights."

Hua Fang laughed happily. The frown that had been on her face for so many days finally slowly unfolded.

At this time, the door of the opposite ward opened, and Sophie came out from inside. "Brother Feng, Zhang Jun is calling you... Oh, Sister Hua is here? That's great, let's go in together."

Hua Fang smiled at Sophie: "Long time no see, our Sophie is getting more and more beautiful. Zhang Jun usually dotes on you a lot, right?"

Sophie blushed.

The atmosphere that had been very dull just now was swept away by Hua Fang's arrival.

※※※

In the ward, Zhang Jun was still lying on the bed, while Hua Fang and Feng Qing sat on one side, and Sophie sat next to Zhang Jun on the other side.

Zhang Jun was also a little surprised that Hua Fang arrived so quickly: "Sister Hua, how are things in China?"

Hua Fang smiled: "Everything is going well. Don't worry, I'll take you back to see when you recover from your injury. It's great to see your dream come true little by little, right?"

Before, almost everyone in the ward was frowning, but when Hua Fang came, her smile suddenly filled the ward with spring breeze. She was indeed a person who had seen a lot of scenes, and it was no wonder that Zhang Jun relied so much on this agent.

Zhang Jun remembered that the reason he decided to sign an agency contract with Sister Hua at the beginning was because Sister Hua's smile gave people a very reassuring feeling. Now when he saw this smile again, he really felt at ease.

"With Sister Hua here, I can really save a lot of worry. Thank you for so many years."

"Hehe, I naturally have to do things for you when I take your money. Look at you, your tone is like an old man. Sophie will be unhappy when she hears that."

Zhang Jun and Sophie both blushed.

Feng Qing sighed on the side: This is a real character, she turned the atmosphere around in just a few words. Compared to her... Alas! I won't say anything.

Seeing that the atmosphere was suitable for conversation, Hua Fang then cut to the chase: "Zhang Jun, I heard that you don't want to retire now?"

Zhang Jun nodded. His emotions were not as agitated as just now. Sophie must have helped a lot in the middle.

"Why? Your body probably won't be the same as before, right?"

"Of course I know, Sister Hua. How can I not know my own body? It's just that I haven't enjoyed it enough..."

"Is it also considered enjoyment to be constantly injured, constantly sitting on the bench, and watching others play?" Hua Fang said these words with a smile, and the effect was much better than Feng Qing saying it with a frown.

Zhang Jun turned his head to look at Sophie, and then murmured, "Even if I'm constantly injured, and spend most of my time sitting on the bench and in the stands, as long as there is still time to play football healthy, even if it's very short, I think it's an enjoyment." Seeing the two people looking at each other affectionately, even a fool could guess that Sophie gave Zhang Jun great courage and reasons to persevere at this moment.

"You're really greedy..." Hua Fang sighed.

Zhang Jun could only smile shyly.

"Although I really want to persuade you like Mr. Feng, I know I can't persuade you either. In the end, I will definitely be the one who is persuaded."

Zhang Jun continued to smile embarrassedly.

"But I hope you won't regret today's choice in the future."

Zhang Jun shook his head: "I have never regretted the decisions I have made myself."

"That's good, there's nothing to talk about about this matter. We respect Zhang Jun's personal wishes." Hua Fang turned to Feng Qing and said, these words were for him to hear. "Moreover, the longer Zhang Jun plays, the more I earn!"

Everyone laughed, and Zhang Jun's mood improved a lot for a while.

After everyone finished laughing, Hua Fang said with a serious face: "But there is one thing I hope you will seriously consider and agree to me."

Zhang Jun looked at Hua Fang's serious expression and knew that it must be a very important matter. "Tell me."

"If you want to prolong your career, then I hope you will withdraw from the national team from now on."

These words were like a bolt from the blue, hitting Zhang Jun. He froze there and didn't recover for a long time.

"Is...is there no other way?" Sophie knew Zhang Jun's attachment to the national team. He also had his best friends there. They had won the highest honor in the world together, and they had originally looked forward to continuing to fight. He was only twenty-nine years old, but he had to retire from the national team. It was too cruel...

Hua Fang looked at Sophie, and then looked at Feng Qing.

Feng Qing knew that it was his turn to come forward at this time. He coughed and then said, "That's right. Although I can guarantee that Zhang Jun can return to the field, if the games are too dense, it will put a lot of burden on his ankle. This burden is something that Zhang Jun's current injured leg cannot bear, and it may... collapse at any time." Feng Qing's face was serious and he was definitely not joking.

"Co...llapse?" Sophie asked.

"That is to say, it can't be cured no matter how you treat it. Even if Zhang Jun is unwilling, he may have to accept the decision to retire completely at that time. And if it's serious, it may cause him to be disabled in the lower body and he can only spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair..." Feng Qing's voice became lower and lower. This kind of thing was not something to be loudly publicized.

Hua Fang helped Feng Qing add: "Zhang Jun, if I remember correctly, your two injuries are related to Asian teams. The first injury directly led to your current appearance. I hope you will seriously consider it. This is not the time to talk about national glory. You have done enough for the country. I hope you will consider it for yourself. Remember, it is not shameful to be selfish sometimes."

After speaking, without waiting for Zhang Jun to answer, she pulled Feng Qing out of the ward. It was better to let Zhang Jun and Sophie be alone at this time. A man like Zhang Jun who was dull and reserved could only completely open his heart in front of Sophie. This kind of thing to persuade the stubborn Zhang Jun should indeed be left to Sophie to do.

Zhang Jun was very stubborn, and there was almost no one in this world who could persuade him. Sophie was not stubborn at all. On the contrary, she was very gentle and understanding. She could sacrifice herself for others. It was just that these two completely opposing personalities could live together very harmoniously, and Sophie could always restrain Zhang Jun, just like a natural enemy.

※※※

The ward became only Zhang Jun and Sophie again. Except for the low hum of the air conditioner, everything returned to silence.

"Are they all gone?" Zhang Jun asked.

Sophie nodded.

"It's just the two of us again." Zhang Jun turned to look at Sophie.

Sophie wanted to open her mouth, but Zhang Jun shook his head to interrupt her. "I know what you want to say, but I have thought it over clearly. You have to gain something to lose something. If I want to prolong my career, I must give up the national team. But if I must play for the country, I can't give up the club... Sophie, do you know how many times I have played for the national team in total?"

Sophie thought for a while, and then shook her head. How could she remember the past so clearly?

"February 9, 2005, the first day of the Lunar New Year, I was selected for the national team for the first time. That game was the World Cup qualifier, against North Korea. I didn't play, and the Chinese team won a narrow victory over North Korea 1:0. March 27, 2006, in the friendly match between Bernabeu and Spain, was my first goal for the national team."

Sophie nodded: "It was a very beautiful volley."

"It was raining heavily that day, and the field was very slippery. And I remember that the Spanish media was very disdainful of our Chinese team before the game. In the end, we lost that game."

"Hehe, Zhang Jun, do you still remember your celebration after scoring?"

"I remember, of course I remember. I ran to the sidelines and shouted at the press seats... I was like a child." Zhang Jun smiled.

The two happily recalled the bits and pieces of the national team.

"...2005 to 2011, six years, it's really not long. Let me think... There should be a total of forty-six games, scoring fifty goals. It's still far from the 100-goal club and the 100-game club. Since that's the case, I won't be greedy for anything. It's a very short national team career."

Sophie smiled and continued: "But it's very brilliant."

Zhang Jun looked at Sophie, froze for a while, and then smiled: "Yes, the World Cup champion, the World Cup Golden Boot and Golden Ball winner. Just these few honors are enough. I am indeed a bit greedy. Moreover, I am old and my body is not good. If I continue to stay in the national team, I can't give new people a chance. Call Sister Hua and tell her that I agree to her suggestion."

※※※

Although there were many people outside the hospital, it was not noisy, because Zhang Jun had not come out, and his agent, wife, and team doctor had remained silent. Even if these people made trouble, they would not get any news. Instead, they hid in quiet places, using their relationships to see if they could find some new news.

Li Yan also wanted to do this, but he couldn't get through to Zhang Jun's mobile phone at all. It was turned off. Li Yan knew that if Zhang Jun encountered a lot of trouble, he would definitely turn off his phone. This time it was definitely a big trouble. Although the hospital had not publicly disclosed Zhang Jun's condition, he had learned about it from other channels: a very serious injury that might directly end all future seasons—retirement.

He was still waiting here, just hoping to wait for Zhang Jun to make the matter public. It was not a good thing to keep escaping, Zhang Jun.

Just thinking, the phone in his pocket rang.

When he saw that it was Zhang Jun calling, Li Yan was overjoyed. He quickly found a secluded place to answer the phone.

"Hey, Li Yan. I have an exclusive big news for you, do you want it?" Zhang Jun on the other end of the phone said with a smile.

"What?"

"Well, I have decided to retire from the national team, and I will hold a press conference in a few days."

Li Yan was stunned for a moment, and then he understood what was going on. "Hey, Zhang Jun. Why are you doing this? Just retire directly. You can maintain your good image in the hearts of others by retiring bravely. You must know that in China, many people regard you as a god..."

"Li Yan, I am not a god, I am just an ordinary person..." Zhang Jun hung up the phone after saying this.

Li Yan stared blankly at the phone in his hand.

※※※

Zhang Jun did not lie. Two days later, he and his agent Hua Fang held a small press conference in the hospital lobby. Although it was small, there were very, very many reporters who came. The lobby was already crowded, and there were many unwilling reporters outside who hoped to be able to squeeze in.

Except for Li Yan, no one knew what Zhang Jun was holding this press conference for in advance. Most of them guessed that he might be announcing his condition. They waited with hope, but what they waited for was a decision that surprised all the Chinese reporters and many foreign reporters.

"Although I am very reluctant to make this decision, I still have to do it. In view of my physical condition, which is no longer suitable for dense events, I have decided to retire from the Chinese national team. From now on, I will concentrate on the games of the Fiorentina club. To the Chinese fans who like me, I can only say sorry, it is not that I am unwilling to serve the country, but my body does not allow me to do so. But even though I have withdrawn from the national team, my heart will always be with the national team. Thank you for your support and trust over the past six years. I have spent a wonderful time in the national team. We have won the highest honor in the world together. I have nothing to regret..."

Zhang Jun's voice was a little choked. The press conference site, which was still very noisy just now, was silent.

After easing his emotions, Zhang Jun continued: "Although I don't want to say goodbye so early, everyone has also seen my legs. I will go to Paris for surgery in a few days. As for whether I can return to the field, I can only do my best. Last but not least, good luck to everyone, goodbye."

After he said these words, he walked out of the press conference slowly with a limp, leaving only Hua Fang to help him solve other problems behind.

What Hua Fang said later was not very meaningful. The most sensational news today should be Zhang Jun's announcement of his withdrawal from the national team. He was only twenty-nine years old, the golden age of a professional player, but he had to retire from the national team early. Everyone felt sorry for him.

Li Yan had been watching Zhang Jun's slightly staggering back disappear outside the door in the front row. He had been thinking about such a question repeatedly in his heart: The greatest striker in Chinese football history announced his retirement from the national team. What should we say? Is it that Zhang Jun's national team era has ended, or that the Chinese team's Zhang Jun era has ended?

From then on, he would never see the No. 1