Chapter 17 Inevitable Departure

At the end of April, Volendam, under Zhang Jun's steady performance after the winter break, saw their overall ranking gradually rise, although the results were mixed.

After ending the match against RKC Waalwijk on April 25th, Volendam achieved a valuable three-game winning streak in the relegation battle. Their ranking also rose from sixteenth to fourteenth, securing a good position with four rounds left in the league.

The "red alert" that had been ringing since last September finally disappeared, and Volendam was temporarily out of major danger.

As the situation slightly improved, Hoorns began to hatch his little schemes. Zhang Jun had already scored fifteen goals in the Eredivisie, with another seven assists. Despite Volendam's low ranking, Zhang Jun was second on the league's top scorer list with these numbers. This naturally attracted the attention of clubs in other European leagues.

A young striker with such amazing abilities, a player with endless potential. Don't be surprised, this isn't about two different people, it's about Zhang Jun.

It is believed that this sentence would also be the mantra of those scouts observing Zhang Jun.

Many clubs had already expressed interest in introducing Zhang Jun to Hoorns, hoping Volendam would put a price on him.

Hoorns was a businessman, so he knew better than anyone how popular Zhang Jun was now, and many clubs had offered prices for Zhang Jun that made him swallow his saliva non-stop.

Although Adrianse had told him that Zhang Jun was now Volendam's invaluable treasure, and absolutely could not be easily let go for the sake of the team.

But Hoorns agreed on the surface, and as soon as he saw the string of zeros after the price on the transfer application, he threw the coach's words into outer space.

15,000,000 Euros!

What was the concept? Selling the entire Volendam team wouldn't be worth it, and this was just Chelsea's offer for Zhang Jun alone.

Zhang Jun was indeed Volendam's invaluable treasure now, but who could guarantee he would always be? He had suffered such a serious injury, and there would definitely be constant injuries in the future. By that time, they wouldn't be able to sell him even if they wanted to! He hadn't spent a penny to introduce Zhang Jun in the first place, and now he could earn fifteen million euros quietly, only a fool wouldn't do it!

As for Adrianse, that old stubborn guy, he also had ways to convince him.

Moreover, Zhang Jun openly opposed him because of Bayes' transfer! He had been displeased with him for a long time!

※※※

Three consecutive victories, four goals, one assist, and the team ranked fourteenth. Zhang Jun himself won the Eredivisie Player of the Month for April. Forgetting the cold reception in the national team in March, April was an exceptionally wonderful month for him. But just as he was fully enjoying this happiness, Hua Fang brought news that was, for him, both good and bad.

"Many clubs have contacted me, hoping to introduce you in this summer's transfer market." Hua Fang spread a thick stack of information in front of Zhang Jun.

Zhang Jun had just come out of the shower, wearing a bathrobe, and was still drying his hair with a towel. After hearing what Hua Fang said, he stopped all his movements: "Transfer?"

"Yes. Don't you think you've stayed in a small place like Volendam for too long? Three seasons, from '02 to '05."

"But... I'm fine in Volendam now. I'm the number one star in the team, and my salary is the highest in the team..."

"This highest is far from the real highest!" Hua Fang smiled lightly, "Similarly, your so-called star is still far from those real superstars. Water flows to low places, and people go to high places. You always have to leave here and go to a higher level place, so that you can improve. I know you have deep feelings for Volendam, but the Netherlands is, after all, a small place, and you can't possibly spend your entire professional career here, right?"

Zhang Jun knew that Sister Hua was right, he couldn't stay in Volendam for the rest of his life. But after all, he had lived here for three years, and had deep feelings for the fans, teammates, and coaches here. These feelings couldn't be let go so easily.

Knowing that all feasts must come to an end does not mean you can face the end of the song with equanimity.

"Sister Hua, did they all contact you recently?"

"No, some clubs have been paying attention to you for a long time. But your relegation was very important some time ago, so I didn't tell you all the time, for fear of distracting you. But the club must also know about it."

The club? As soon as Zhang Jun mentioned the club, he thought of the fat man Hoorns, and just thinking of that fat man made him feel uncomfortable. He was the one who sold Bayes off in the first place, and now it must be his turn.

Maybe Volendam really wasn't a place suitable for his further development. He had a coach who cared about him, a group of teammates who were easy to get along with, and many fans who supported him, but he didn't have an ambitious chairman. With Hoorns' little promise, he was happy to settle for the status quo.

"Okay, Sister Hua. I agree to the transfer, but I have to think carefully about which one to transfer to."

"No problem. Now let's talk about the ones that are most sincere. Chelsea and Manchester United of the English Premier League, Club Atletico de Madrid of La Liga, Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco of Ligue 1, and Bayer 04 Leverkusen of the Bundesliga." Hua Fang reported them one by one, "Among them, Chelsea offered the highest price and were the most sincere."

Jose Mourinho of Chelsea and Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United both valued Zhang Jun's amazing talent, but Manchester United didn't have as much money as Chelsea. Abramovich was willing to spend fifteen million euros to sign the players he liked, while Manchester United was much stingier, they were only willing to offer four million euros.

"Premier League team?" Zhang Jun was slightly surprised. "With my situation, I can't get a work permit from the English Football Association!" Zhang Jun had not yet played a few international A-level matches on behalf of the Chinese team.

"They said they have considered this, so although they will buy you out, they will still loan you to other league's partner clubs for a year. There will be World Cup qualifiers during this year, and your work permit qualification will be resolved."

"I see..." Zhang Jun suddenly thought of a very good suggestion for him: "If it's a loan, I hope it's a return loan to Volendam. Anyway, there's not much problem with Volendam staying in the Super League next season, and a familiar environment will make it easier for me to perform."

"This... I still need to communicate with them, I can't say whether it will work now. Well, what about the other clubs?" Hua Fang wrote down Zhang Jun's request with a pen, and then asked.

"The others? I like Real Madrid, so I definitely won't go to Atletico Madrid. I don't think Ligue 1 and Bundesliga are very suitable for my style either. And no team in Serie A is interested in me, so I have to..."

"Uh, speaking of Serie A, it's not that no team is interested in you, but I don't think it's very possible, so I didn't tell you."

"Which team is it?" Zhang Jun was a little surprised, he liked Serie A the most in the league.

"AC Milan." Hua Fang said softly.

Zhang Jun seemed to have been struck by lightning, and sat blankly on the sofa without saying a word.

Sister Hua's words touched the deepest scar in his heart. It had been two years, and he had almost forgotten the past and the name, but now it made him remember everything.

Milan Lab, left ankle, hidden danger, return, AC Milan... These were the keywords of that summer.

"Haha! Why did they think of me?" Zhang Jun suddenly laughed.

"As far as I know, they originally planned to keep Hernan Jorge Crespo, and Chelsea also agreed, so Chelsea looked for you in order to fill the void left by Crespo. But Crespo and AC Milan seem to have some differences due to personal treatment, and have not yet reached an agreement with AC Milan. Jon Dahl Tomasson will definitely leave this summer, Marco Borriello is not up to the task, and Filippo Inzaghi is frequently injured. If they don't introduce a forward this summer, they will have no rice to cook next season. But since they are still in negotiations with Crespo, they are only interested in you, and have not reached the point of actual contact." Hua Fang explained.

"So that's how it is..." Zhang Jun touched his chin, only interested? Then forget it. "Well, I don't like Manchester United, and Manchester United has my junior brother Wu Shangshan, and I don't want to steal his job. So, Chelsea is my choice." He said seriously, this was his reply to Hua Fang.

※※※

"What did you say?!" Adrianse almost shouted "fatty" from behind, but despite this, he still seemed a little angry.

"Don't be excited, don't be excited. Sit down and talk." Hoorns pointed to the sofa, signaling the excited coach to sit down and listen to him.

"I'm not crazy, and I know what he means to the team, so that's why I agreed to the application with the highest offer... Don't be excited, you have to understand me, coach. Volendam is a small club, and has always done small business. The total budget for one year is not even as good as the value of a Chelsea star. This is also our operating policy, so buying low and selling high is a way to maintain the healthy development of the team. And Zhang's high salary has already caused dissatisfaction among many players, which is a dangerous signal. If we sell him, we can not only save a large amount of salary and bonus expenses, but also use fifteen million euros to do more things. Isn't Reis always complaining about the outdated training facilities of the youth team? I think Veronica also needs to be repaired. In addition, don't you think we also have more transfer budget, and you can buy more players you want?" Hoorns squinted at Adrianse opposite him, he was confident that this prepared speech would be very convincing.

But after listening, Adrianse sighed in his heart, so be it!

This was the fate of Volendam, and also the fate of the entire Dutch league. Faced with the temptation of money and fame from big clubs, how could just one Volendam and Zhang Jun resist? The hard-earned stars will eventually be snatched away by teams from the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1. The unprecedented success of Van Basten and others in AC Milan further stimulated the situation of Dutch players going abroad.

And discover a genius, cultivate him into a star, and finally find a suitable club to sell him to. The income is used for team construction, then discover a genius, cultivate him into a star, find a club to sell him to... This cycle is the way for Dutch football clubs to survive.

If Hoorns insisted on selling Zhang Jun, then there was nothing he, as the head coach, could say.

"Okay! But I have to talk to Zhang, they don't know his opinion."

Seeing that the coach agreed, Hoorns was overjoyed: "Go, go! The treatment given by Chelsea is the highest, Zhang is happy that he can't make it in time, how can he refuse? Mourinho has a very good ATM!"

※※※

Adrianse found Zhang Jun, he knew that few players could refuse Chelsea's call.

Sure enough, Zhang Jun said that if the club had no objections, he had no objections either.

Zhang Jun's firmness was somewhat unexpected to the old coach, he thought that Zhang Jun should have shown a little reluctance. Perhaps after he personally cultivated him into a star, Zhang Jun was no longer the Zhang Jun who had just arrived and knew nothing.

People always have to grow and change.

Depressed, he found Reis and asked him to accompany him for a drink.

"Reis, are you free tonight? I haven't had a drink in a long time, but tonight, please accompany me for a few drinks."

※※※

After three rounds of wine, the two became increasingly drunk, and they gradually became more talkative.

"Actually, you can't blame the fatty, let alone Zhang Jun. You have to know that after the Bosman ruling (Note 1), there is only one way for Dutch teams, especially small teams, to survive. It's the same wherever you go. Isn't Ajax like this? And Zhang Jun? It's already very difficult for you to keep him playing for Volendam, such a small team, for three seasons. Who doesn't want to go to a better place? Especially a team like Chelsea. Do you still want him to stay in this small club until he retires? He's the best talent I've ever seen. Burying him in Volendam is too unfair to him. Do you think so, old friend? So, the selfish ones are actually not Zhang Jun, but us!" Reis put his arm around Adrianse's shoulder and advised him.

"You...you're right, I...I know too! But after all, he was cultivated by us, so...so reluctant!"

"Precisely because he was cultivated by us, we should wish him good luck! He is our student wherever he goes. Is there a teacher who doesn't want his students to be better?"

"Yes, yes! Why didn't I think of that? We should wish him good luck!" Adrianse raised his glass. "Come! For Zhang Jun's future, wish him good luck, cheers!"

"Cheers! Wish him good luck!"

※※※

The two drunk old men supported each other out of the bar, and after staggering for a while, they sat down on the side of the road. "I'm old, I'm useless! Back then, I could drink a dozen vodkas and still walk like the wind!"

"Ha! Reis, you're bragging again!" Adrianse laughed.

"Believe it or not!" Reis glared at Adrianse, and then sighed in an incomparably nostalgic tone. "Back then..."

"Reis, we're really old." Adrianse suddenly stopped laughing, he was touched by Reis' sigh. "Take Zhang Jun as an example. I found that I have nothing to teach him at all. The effect of Van Basten's two pointers is better than my three years of coaching! And Qiu, he led the Chinese Olympic team into history, and now he has become the assistant coach of the national team! You...you look at last year's Champions League again, the two teams that made it to the final, Mourinho of FC Porto and Didier Deschamps of Monaco are only in their early forties. Carlo Ancelotti of AC Milan is also forty-five. Mourinho's Chelsea is now a favorite to win the championship, and has pushed Ferguson and Wenger so miserably... So, this is no longer the world of us old guys! Zhang Jun's transfer gave me an inspiration: maybe it's time for me to leave too."

"Hey, are you drunk?"

"No, I'm not drunk, at least I'm very sober now. Hoorns actually said that he wanted me to cultivate Beukering into a second Zhang..."

"Then he's drunk..." Reis shook his head.

"Yes, you know too. He can't possibly become Zhang's replacement - maybe it's a bit unfair to Jonny to say that - in fact, in Volendam, no one can replace Zhang at all! My contract will expire next June, and I don't plan to renew it then, I plan to retire." Adrianse said seriously.

Reis looked at his partner, and then said seriously, "If you retire, I will retire too. Anyway, my contract also expires next June."

"Then we'll go fishing in the countryside together, haha!"

"Then it's settled. To be honest, I'm also reluctant to see Zhang leave. But before I retire, I'm satisfied to be able to bring out such a player. Van Basten wasn't cultivated by me, but Zhang is!" Reis shouted excitedly in the clear night sky.

※※※

After the news that Zhang Jun was leaving Volendam this summer was revealed by the media, it caused a big wave in this small town. The scene that the fans were most unwilling to see finally became a reality. Their God, the King of Veronica, was leaving.

The fans began to gather in front of the club to demonstrate and protest, protesting against Hoorns for being greedy for money, and protesting against the club for selling Zhang Jun.

During this period, the media was also really excited, and many reporters gathered there every day to take photos and interview.

"This is the third day of the fans' protests! We are now reporting from the scene for you! Volendam fans have always been known for their tolerance and peace, but this time they are really angry, because the club is going to sell the team's number one star, their idol Zhang Jun! According to our investigation, 95% of the people believe that this is Hoorns' conspiracy, because everyone knows that he and Zhang Jun are at odds."

"Ha! How big can a small town be? Doesn't everyone know what kind of person he is, Hoorns?" Uncle Wang looked at the TV and laughed gloatingly.

A young man wearing a baseball cap was eating noodles at the table next to him.

"But, Zhang Jun, you should go wherever you want to go, don't worry too much. Volendam is too small, it's really not suitable for you to continue to develop, go to a bigger place! As for Hoorns, let him suffer a little. I believe that most of the fans who go to protest still hope that you have greater development. This protest is for everyone to vent their anger."

"I know, Uncle Wang. But..." Zhang Jun put down his chopsticks and looked at the bowl of plain noodles in front of him, "But after all, it's been three years, and I still can't bear to leave you. Fans, teammates, coaches, everyone is very good to me. In Volendam, I don't feel like a foreigner. I can even come to your house to eat dumplings during the Spring Festival. Even if I'm injured and can't play, there are still so many people who support me. Even if I'm not in good shape, they haven't booed me. You call me 'God', call me 'King', but I haven't brought anything to you, and I'm just leaving like this..."

"Silly boy, have you forgotten that Dutch Cup, that 'Scorpion', those wonderful moments? We will never forget them. That fat pig Hoorns won't, but we will build a museum for you in our hearts, and collect all your things in Volendam there." Uncle Wang winked at Zhang Jun, then pointed to his heart, and then pointed to the excited fans on TV.

Zhang Jun looked at Uncle Wang's smiling face, and his eyes became moist. He pulled down the brim of his hat, covering most of his face. "Thank you, Uncle Wang."

※※※

"Zhang Jun, have you finally decided to leave?"

"Yes, I've decided. Sister Hua is right, people always have to go to higher places." Zhang Jun looked at the lush trees outside the window. Through those trees, he could see the training ground of the Volendam club. Looking further into the distance, there was a spire building, which was the only church in the town of Volendam. He often saw many people wearing wedding dresses taking photos there. Many people came here to take photos because of its reputation. Volendam is a famous wedding photography destination in the Netherlands. Sometimes when he saw these people's happy smiling faces, he would always think of himself and Sophie. He had secretly made a wish outside the church that when he and Sophie got married in the future, they must come here to take a wedding photo.

"Well... Volendam is really a very beautiful place, you must be a little reluctant, right?"

"Of course, Sophie. You will have feelings for a place if you stay there for a long time, not to mention that this is also the starting point for me to enter the professional football world? I am very familiar with everything here, and everyone is very good to me."

Sister Hua said that the advertisement next to Veronica was also going to change hands. Because Nike's contract with the stadium had expired, no one knew what would be replaced here in the future.

"Then you have to work hard in these last four rounds! To repay these fans."

"Yes, I know. I won't leave any regrets."

He still had to help the team completely avoid relegation, and also score more goals for the fans. There were still many tasks to be done, now was not the time to be sentimental about parting.

"Then, I will also cheer for you in China. Zhang Jun, whether you go to England or somewhere else, I will be with you."

"Thank you, Sophie. Take care of yourself at school. I think I can go back to see you this summer. Now... I'm a little tired..."

"Okay then, I won't chat with you, you should rest early. Goodbye!" Sophie gave Zhang Jun a kiss goodbye, and then hung up the phone.

"Goodbye, Sophie..." Zhang Jun also hung up the phone, and then sat quietly on the sofa.

The setting sun gradually sank into the sea, and the shadow's power in the room became greater and greater. Zhang Jun didn't turn on the light, and the orange sunlight was gradually receding from around him.

His days in Volendam were also like the fading sunlight, getting less and less.

※※※

ps: Note 1: The Bosman ruling, also known as the Bosman Act. It is an act that has had a major impact on the development of European football and even the entire world football. Bosman himself was also named a figure of the 20th century football for successfully appealing.

Jean-Marc Bosman was originally just an ordinary player in the Belgian A-League Liege team. In 1990, Bosman's contract with Liege team expired. Bosman was unwilling to continue staying in Liege team, and planned to transfer to Dunkirk team in France to play. However, Dunkirk club wanted to get Bosman, but couldn't come up with the required transfer fee. As a result, Bosman fell through on both sides, neither going to France to play football, nor extending his contract with Liege team. For the sake of livelihood, Bosman had to condescend to play for a Belgian D-League club, and his income and reputation were greatly reduced. For this reason, Bosman accused Liege club, Belgian Football Association and UEFA to the European Court in 1990.

However, Bosman was after all a small player in the professional team, and he accused the powerful UEFA. For a time, Bosman became the object of criticism and ridicule from the media and football people. He had no friends, and no one dared to sympathize with him. In 1993, Bosman entered the most difficult period. At that time, no club was willing to let this rebellious player play for the team. Bosman lost his income, but the bills kept coming, and he became a veritable pauper. Facing strong public opinion and economic pressure, his wife also divorced him, and the house belonged to his wife. The professional football player became "homeless". For this reason, Bosman had to move to his parents' house to take temporary shelter.

However, on December 15, 1995, the European Court made a ruling that shocked European football and had a far-reaching impact on the world football movement. At that time, the ruling was made by 15 judges of the European Court. This ruling applies to every country in the European Union, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Finland, Portugal, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark and Greece. The main content of the European Court's ruling is two points. First, the provisions on "foreign athlete restrictions" are abolished when athletes with European Union citizenship play football anywhere in the European Union. Secondly, football players with European Union citizenship have the right to go to another country in the EU without paying any transfer fees after their contract with the club expires. Finally, Bosman asked the European Court to rule that Liege club should compensate him for the economic loss of 426,000 pounds.