Chapter 83 Rumors

While Zhao Gang was busy making babies, many fans and media outlets had already started looking forward to the Champions League match three days later.

This match had quite a few talking points.

Although Borussia Mönchengladbach lost to Manchester City in the first match, and the performance wasn't great, they had conceded the fewest goals against Manchester City in the Champions League. They had also conceded the fewest goals in the entire group, and they had only conceded one goal against Real Madrid.

Yann Sommer's performance was a topic of much discussion.

Especially since Borussia Mönchengladbach had been on a tear recently. After losing to Manchester City and Real Madrid in the Champions League, they had bounced back, defeating Celtic twice both home and away. They still had a chance to qualify, and they wouldn't give up on the Champions League so easily.

In the league, Borussia Mönchengladbach had also achieved a five-game winning streak, including a thrilling away victory against Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, ending Bayern's eight-game winning streak and boosting their morale.

Borussia Mönchengladbach's reputation as a road warrior and giant killer was once again confirmed.

Even the strongest team in the Bundesliga had been defeated by Borussia Mönchengladbach, so there was no reason why they couldn't beat the strongest team in the Premier League.

Manchester City's performance in the last Premier League match was somewhat disappointing. It was only thanks to Zhao Gang's late free kick that they managed to secure three points at home.

Manchester City's defense had significant vulnerabilities, and Sergio Agüero's form was erratic, wasting multiple opportunities.

In the Champions League, they often faltered at crucial moments.

Many players in the squad had participated in national team matches. With such a packed schedule, the players' condition certainly couldn't compare to the first match against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

They needed a last-minute goal to beat a newly promoted team, let alone Borussia Mönchengladbach, who had a brilliant away record.

Borussia Mönchengladbach's hot form had Manchester City's media very worried.

Bayern's defense was no weaker than Manchester City's. If Borussia Mönchengladbach could win 3-1 away from home, could Manchester City's defense hold up?

Zhao Gang and Kevin De Bruyne were indeed strong in attack, but they couldn't help much on defense.

"Zhao Gang has just entered the top leagues, and his form has been explosive. However, in recent matches, there have been signs of a decline. Since the Champions League match against Real Madrid, his stats on the field haven't been as impressive as they were at the beginning of the season.

He's only nineteen years old. If Pep Guardiola puts too much pressure on him, it could overwhelm this talented young man. If that happens, not only will he suffer, but Manchester City will also be in danger.

It's said that Agüero and Silva also suffered injuries during training and may miss this match.

Manchester City's substitutes showed their disastrous performance in the last match. Manchester City is currently experiencing a difficult schedule, and facing a well-organized and in-form giant killer, they may encounter significant problems.

After two wins against Celtic, Borussia Mönchengladbach clearly hasn't given up on the Champions League. If they go all out in this match and defeat Manchester City, and then fight hard against Real Madrid in the last match, they might actually create a miracle."

At this time, strange voices appeared in the Spanish media.

They heavily reported on Zhao Gang's achievements.

From the English Championship to the Europa League, from the Premier League to the Champions League.

The Spanish media already believed that Zhao Gang was the most likely successor to Messi and Ronaldo, becoming the ruler of the next era!

AS was the most critical, believing that Manchester City's squad had problems. The defense was weak, and the substitutes were even more useless.

The current prosperous scene was just a facade, and beneath the surface, everything was a mess.

Before long, Manchester City would collapse completely.

Zhao Gang would spend a painful and struggling season at Manchester City.

Manchester City's final record would drag down this rising star.

Manchester City was currently maintaining its winning streak entirely because of Zhao Gang's individual performance. All the players were playing around him. When Zhao Gang was rested, Manchester City played very poorly.

His teammates couldn't provide real support, only icing on the cake, not a helping hand in times of need.

AS believed that Zhao Gang shouldn't waste his talent and future. He should choose a team with greater strength and influence.

Only a top club with a more reasonable squad and a higher team value could conquer the Champions League with Zhao Gang.

Manchester City definitely couldn't go too far in the Champions League. After this difficult schedule, they would show signs of fatigue.

Almost simultaneously, the Spanish media once again revealed Florentino Pérez's pursuit of Zhao Gang.

This time, the offer was as high as 270 million euros!

Anyone who knew a little about soccer understood what AS was doing with its so-called objective but actually derogatory reports about Manchester City.

They were putting pressure on Manchester City while influencing Zhao Gang's decision.

When people saw these reports, they would think carefully, and it seemed like there was no problem. When Manchester City faced tough opponents like Real Madrid, everyone except Zhao Gang seemed lost and couldn't provide him with much help.

Could such a team really overcome all obstacles in the Champions League?

AS's tactics didn't stop there. They specifically interviewed Real Madrid's star player, the Prince of the Bernabéu, Cristiano Ronaldo.

They asked him how he viewed the rumors that Real Madrid intended to offer 270 million euros for Zhao Gang.

Ronaldo didn't shy away from anything. He believed that Zhao Gang would definitely become a world-class star. Besides his current Real Madrid teammates, the player he most wanted to play with was Zhao Gang. Their positions wouldn't clash but would complement each other very well. Whether Zhao Gang was on the right wing or in midfield, he could create a very strong chemistry with Ronaldo.

Even a star like Ronaldo, with his personality, couldn't say everything he really thought. In his heart, Zhao Gang was much more talented than Gareth Bale. If Florentino brought him in, it would be a great thing.

But he couldn't say that in front of the media.

He was a Real Madrid player, and he couldn't say anything that would undermine team unity.

Ronaldo's words drove many Chinese fans crazy. The meaning was clear: he was 100% in favor of Zhao Gang going to Real Madrid.

With the support of Real Madrid and Ronaldo, as long as Zhao Gang played consistently well, he would become a world-renowned star in less than a year.

Not only in China, but fans all over the world would know him. Under Ronaldo's influence, Zhao Gang would rise rapidly.

Not only the Spanish media, but also the English media began to report extensively on Ronaldo's interview. After all, it was a hot topic!

Perrin couldn't hold back any longer when he saw these reports.

He had originally planned to wait a while, until Manchester City's schedule eased up, before having a good chat with Zhao Gang.

But now that the media was discussing it so enthusiastically and Manchester City wasn't reacting much, he had to help Zhao Gang correct his mindset so that he wouldn't be affected.

He was only 19 years old!

Although he himself had said that he wouldn't transfer away from Manchester City, it was Real Madrid, it was Ronaldo, destined to make a player a top star both on and off the field.

Once Zhao Gang was affected, his mindset changed, and his performance on the field suffered, it would have a huge impact on his future.

Perrin called, but Zhao Gang didn't answer. He rushed to Zhao Gang's house, wanting to see what was going on.

The doorbell rang repeatedly, and the door opened. Perrin drove straight in.

He was wondering why this guy was at home and not answering the phone.

When Aoli opened the door in somewhat disheveled pajamas, Perrin understood.

This kid was doing this during the day?

It was good to be young.

Looking at it that way, it seemed like Zhao Gang wasn't affected.

"Sorry, did I interrupt something?" Perrin scratched his head.

"No, we were almost done. We've been at it since morning."

"Ah, very... very good." Perrin walked in, and Zhao Gang got up from the bedroom and walked out.

Perrin raised his wrist and looked at the time, somewhat incredulous. "I heard you lasted four or five hours??"

Aoli had already run behind Zhao Gang, standing on tiptoes, hugging Zhao Gang, resting her chin on Zhao Gang's shoulder. Zhao Gang turned his head, and the two smiled at each other.

Okay, really making your man look good.

Aoli kissed Zhao Gang and went to the kitchen to prepare tea for the two of them.

Aoli, who used to love coffee, had now become fond of tea under Zhao Gang's influence.

The two sat down, and Perrin spoke directly.

"Did you see the reports about Ronaldo and Real Madrid? Don't you have any thoughts?"

"Real Madrid, the most successful soccer club in the world, unparalleled commercial and even political influence, the aura of a world-class superstar, unmatched popularity. It's tempting for almost every player. Yes, joining Real Madrid, I'm very likely to fulfill my dreams in a short period of time: the Champions League, the Ballon d'Or, becoming a superstar." Zhao Gang nodded. "And Florentino Pérez's extremely sincere offer. Any player should feel honored, and I am indeed very honored."

"And then?" Perrin knew as soon as he heard this that it was hopeless. It was a redundant question.

Zhao Gang spread his hands. "I think that instead of joining Real Madrid and borrowing their energy, it's better to be at Manchester City, and together with Manchester City, become the most successful soccer club of this century."

"Very good." Perrin nodded helplessly. He was stubborn and wouldn't listen to reason. He understood everything, saw everything clearly, but he just wouldn't do it!

He looked humble and modest on the surface, but he was actually full of pride and persistence.

"I understand that you haven't been affected. That's enough. There's another thing. I didn't think it was very likely before, but now I think the opportunity is getting bigger and bigger.

Especially after Ronaldo said those words, it wasn't just support for you joining Real Madrid. There was another meaning, which is that if he's not comfortable at Real Madrid in the future, his favorite choice should be Manchester City. He really hopes to be your teammate."

Zhao Gang raised his head slightly. Perrin dared to say such a thing, which meant that he had discussed many things with Jorge Mendes.

Perrin had said before that Ronaldo might leave Real Madrid. Was Mendes already starting to look for a new club for Ronaldo?

"These things aren't certain. Anything can happen. I'm telling you this to know your attitude.

Once this really happens, and Ronaldo expresses a little desire for Manchester City, Manchester City will definitely start a purchase plan for the sake of its own influence.

This would be a good result for Manchester City, for you, and for Ronaldo.

And with your current performance, the Manchester City management will definitely seek your opinion.

A star like Ronaldo, no matter which club he goes to, will definitely be the only core player. With his personality, once the media asks some strange questions, he will definitely state publicly that Manchester City is his team and he is the only boss.

In the next few seasons, he will steadily suppress you. Whether it's team status, media recognition, or award selection.

Only after three to five years, when his condition declines seriously, will you truly grow up.

If you're willing..." Perrin stopped. He knew Zhao Gang. Zhao Gang never pursued team status or wanted to be a boss.

And at his current age, he really didn't have the qualifications to compare with Ronaldo.

If Ronaldo came to Manchester City, he would be the unique core of the team from the beginning, whether it was on the field or in the locker room. A few years later, when Ronaldo got old, Zhao Gang would have grown up, and everything would be seamlessly connected.

As long as Zhao Gang agreed to Ronaldo's status, it would be a natural transition.

Manchester City and Zhao Gang would grow rapidly because of Ronaldo's influence.

"I have always respected Ronaldo, and I have never thought about being a team boss, let alone fighting for the right to speak."

When Perrin heard Zhao Gang's words, he immediately knew it was hopeless.

If he agreed, he would have nodded directly and wouldn't have said anything else.

"He can be a teammate, a friend, or an older brother, but he can never be my boss. Whether it's Ronaldo or Messi, neither of them can."

Understood. You may not be the boss, but no one can be your boss.

Then there was nothing to talk about. Ronaldo's personality was that he always wanted to be the best and the strongest. If he couldn't be the boss, he would rather retire.