Chapter 16 To Florence?

"Go... to Florence?" Zhang Jun was taken aback by Baggio's words.

"Yes, I still think so now. Leave Milan, no matter how, whether it's a loan or a transfer, leave there and come to Florence."

Zhang Jun was stunned. He thought Robbie must have thought he was in a bad mood and was trying to joke with him. "Robbie... are you working for Fiorentina now?" So he jokingly asked back.

"Zhang, do you think I'm joking? When I said that two years ago when I was still in Brescia, I wasn't joking. I've carefully considered your characteristics, and Fiorentina really needs a striker like you." Baggio said very seriously.

"But... Fiorentina is still in Serie B..."

"That's why it's more suitable for you. You don't want to live under the public eye and pressure all day long. Compared to Serie A, Serie B has much less attention and pressure. You can perform better in that kind of environment."

Baggio's words were a bit of an understatement of Zhang Jun's ability, but Zhang Jun knew that Robbie was doing it for his own good, otherwise he wouldn't have made a special phone call. And Robbie was one of the few people he respected the most, and he wouldn't have any bad thoughts about Robbie.

But... for someone who is used to playing in Serie A, asking him to play in Serie B is not something he can readily accept.

"You have conflicts with Ancelotti, and there's no way around that. Not everyone can be appreciated by the coach of their team. If the coach doesn't like you, then no matter how hard you try or how famous you are, you won't be able to develop in the team. The current environment in Milan is very unfavorable to you. If you insist on staying, you will only ruin yourself in the end."

Baggio's words touched Zhang Jun's heartstrings. He had just thought about whether staying in Milan would ruin him. "But... I also know that I'm not welcome in Milan now, but aren't there other Serie A teams to choose from? And there are foreign clubs..." Zhang Jun wasn't just talking nonsense. Recently, some clubs had contacted him, including Serie A teams in Italy, as well as some teams in Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga. Even PSV Eindhoven and Ajax in the Eredivisie had made offers for a transfer or loan.

"I know that, but I personally think Fiorentina is more suitable for you."

"...Um, Robbie, is there any personal feeling involved in this?" Zhang Jun asked.

Baggio was silent for a while, and then said to Zhang Jun, "Yes, there is. But aside from personal feelings, it's also the most suitable place for you..."

In the end, Robbie just repeatedly emphasized that it was the most suitable place for him, but he didn't give any strong reasons. "I understand, thank you, Robbie. I will seriously consider your suggestion."

"Well, that's all for now. I'll be staying in Italy this Christmas, and you can call me anytime."

"Hey, I say, Robbie, you must be working for Fiorentina, right? Haha!" Zhang Jun laughed, feeling a little better.

Baggio didn't affirm it, but he didn't deny it either. He just smiled slightly: "Goodbye, Zhang Jun. I'm looking forward to seeing you in Florence."

※※※

"Robbie, do you think he'll agree just based on your few words?" Fiorentina's chairman, Diego Della Valle, sat on the sofa, looking at Baggio, who had just hung up the phone.

"I'm not sure either." Baggio shrugged slightly. "Maybe he'll come, maybe he won't."

"So you're not confident either..."

"I said I would recommend an excellent striker for Fiorentina. Although I can no longer play for this team, I believe he will become a new idol for this city. Of course, the premise is that he's willing to come. Diego, you can send someone to contact AC Milan now, whether it's a transfer or a loan, just apply to get Zhang. You and their chairman Galliani are friends, and I don't think the club will stop you. The rest depends on Zhang's own choice. Although I'm his friend, I don't have the right to force him to come." Baggio sighed softly.

"I understand, thank you, Robbie."

"Why thank me? I owe Florence too much, and it's only right to do what I can. Hmm, speaking of which... Zhang thinks I'm working for Fiorentina, so shouldn't you give me some wages, Diego?" Baggio winked slyly at Della Valle.

"Well... speaking of hunting, I also have some experience. Do you want to hear it, Robbie?"

"Please don't change the subject, Diego."

※※※

Zhang Jun wrote the names of the teams that were currently interested in him on pieces of paper, and then stared at the dozen or so pieces of paper in a daze. Yang Pan had gone with the team to play an away game, and Hua-jie was handling his lawsuit in China. There was no one around him who he could discuss things with.

Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Monaco, Marseille, Valencia, Villarreal, Werder Bremen, Bayer Leverkusen, Bologna, Brescia, Parma, Fiorentina... What should he do? Looking at these familiar names, Zhang Jun gradually frowned.

Suddenly, he swept all the pieces of paper to the ground.

What am I doing? Has the situation reached the point where I have to leave? As long as I get through Christmas, I will definitely be able to regain my starting position after resting. I will score goals and prove my ability to everyone. I will fulfill the promise I made when I came here—to win the championship for Milan.

What is this now? Running away, a shameful escape! Throwing my hands up and quitting! How can I do this? If I run away, how can I be worthy of my father, and Kaka and Yang Pan? They have suffered so much for me in the past month, how can I just leave?

Zhang Jun buried his head on the table, his hands clenched tightly into fists. He found so many reasons, but wasn't it just that he didn't want to leave his friends, his only friends in Italy. For Zhang Jun, who cherished his friends as much as his life, what could he do without his friends?

Zhang Jun overlooked his years in the Netherlands. Wasn't he still able to create great success without Yang Pan by his side? Zhang Jun's personality made him habitually underestimate himself, always thinking that others were better than him. In fact, his own abilities far exceeded his imagination. If he went all out, he would even scare himself.

But what Robbie said also made sense. As I am now, with my bad relationship with the coach and my teammates, how can I talk about proving myself again? Moreover, my existence seems to have broken the internal balance of Milan, and it has also affected Yang Pan and Kaka. They must be the most uncomfortable being caught in the middle, right?

If I stubbornly stay in Milan, I will only harm Yang Pan and Kaka, and I will only continue to sadden those who support and care about me.

Thinking of this, Zhang Jun raised his head and looked at the pieces of paper that he had swept all over the ground.

Maybe, leaving is a choice that benefits both sides.

※※※

Yang Pan sat in the locker room, listening to the coach's tactical arrangements, but in reality, he didn't hear a word.

"What are you thinking about, Yang Pan?" Kaka reminded him softly. "If you don't remember these well, you won't know what to do when you get on the field."

"Zhang Jun..."

"Huh? I'm Kaka."

"No, I'm worried about Zhang Jun. Ancelotti doesn't even bring him to the away games now, and he's becoming more and more silent. When I talk to him, I'm always afraid of accidentally offending him. I don't know what he's thinking, what he's going to do." Yang Pan said to Kaka softly, with his head lowered.

Kaka also knew about Zhang Jun's current situation, but what could they do? Although he was a representative of the younger generation in world football, the best foreign player and best player in Serie A in the 2003-2004 season, and a new idol of the Brazilian national team. With so many titles, it didn't help him provide any help to Zhang Jun.

I believe Yang Pan is also very distressed right now.

※※※

"Yang Pan and Kaka have been very distressed recently!" Li Yan stood in the stands of the Stadio Via del Mare in Lecce, looking around at the already full stadium.

"Are you referring to this game? Lecce is indeed very strong, but I think Milan should..." Galliani hadn't understood what Li Yan meant. Lecce had always been known as the "Little Pepper". Under the leadership of Zeman, they raised the banner of offensive football even higher, causing great trouble for any visiting team.

"No, I'm talking about Zhang Jun's problem. As good friends, they will also be affected. Don't look at them acting as usual on the field, they are actually worried about Zhang Jun in their hearts." Li Yan remembered when he first met Yang Pan and Zhang Jun in Volendam, the smiles of the two Chinese teenagers were as clear as yesterday, but now Yang Pan was much more mature than he was at that time.

Is only you who hasn't grown up? Zhang Jun...

※※※

Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Monaco, Marseille, Valencia, Villarreal, Werder Bremen, Bayer Leverkusen, Bologna, Brescia, Parma, Fiorentina...

Zhang Jun once again wrote the names of the teams on a piece of paper, and then sat at the table, staring at the names of these teams in a daze.

If leaving is the best way, then where should I choose to go?

Ajax, PSV Eindhoven... Hmm, I do have a lot of old friends in the Netherlands, and I can often go to Mr. Van Basten to discuss my skills. However, I have already come out of the Netherlands, if I go back again, and in such a disheveled manner, I will definitely be laughed at.

Therefore, no matter how generous their offers are, I will not go back to the Netherlands.

Zhang Jun reached out and crossed out the names of Ajax and PSV Eindhoven.

※※※

"The game has just started for less than five minutes, and AC Milan, playing away, has been hit hard by Lecce! The young Bojinov scored a beautiful goal! Lecce leads 1-0 at home!"

The only nineteen-year-old Bojinov ran wildly in the Stadio Via del Mare with his arms outstretched. This was his eighth league goal of the season, currently second on the league's top scorer list. Before the game, there were rumors that AC Milan had set their sights on Lecce's star striker, intending to get him at all costs in the winter break.

"It seems the rumors are true." Galliani said, looking at the excited Bulgarian striker. "Look how active he is."

"Well... Milan has made up their mind to abandon Zhang Jun." Li Yan pondered.

※※※

Marseille, Monaco... Ligue 1? Zhang Jun crossed them out directly without thinking.

I don't like Ligue 1.

Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen. If I go to the Bundesliga, Anke will be very happy, because there will be someone to be his opponent. But... I'm not going there to satisfy that "masochist". The Bundesliga is not suitable for my playing style, and there won't be any development there. Zhang Jun also crossed out the Bundesliga teams.

Valencia and Villarreal belong to La Liga. La Liga is very suitable for his style of play. Valencia is also a team capable of participating in the Champions League, while Villarreal is a bit weaker. So should I choose La Liga?

Zhang Jun tapped the pen lightly on the table. He couldn't make up his mind now.

※※※

Kaka took a long shot directly, but unfortunately it went over the crossbar. The game was nearly thirty minutes in, and AC Milan was still one goal behind Lecce away from home.

"Lecce is playing very actively, their offense is actually making AC Milan breathless! Zeman is indeed a madman, he actually lined up a 4-3-3 attacking formation with three forwards and three midfielders in this game! But so far, his crazy actions have been successful."

Zeman walked back and forth on the sidelines, not because he was nervous, but because he was happy, excited, and a little smug. As his opponent, Ancelotti sat quietly in the coach's seat, watching the changes on the field, without saying a word.

※※※

Zhang Jun sat quietly in the chair with his arms crossed, continuing to stare at the pieces of paper on the table in a daze.

Now only La Liga and Serie A are left.

La Liga is more suitable for me. I can easily score goals and win victories there in the face of ordinary defense. Maybe I can even attract the attention of Real Madrid and become a member of the *Galácticos*. Real Madrid has already started implementing *youthification*, so it's not impossible to think about it like that...

And Serie A? The defenders are tight and the actions are rough. The overall defense is even more at its peak here. It's simply not a suitable breeding ground for forwards. Many excellent strikers have left here sadly due to injuries. In just a few months, Zhang Jun had already learned the strength of the Italian defenders. As a center forward, he was fouled an average of six times per game. After a game, his beautiful jersey was ruined.

When he thought of how he actually thought that the defense in Serie A was nothing special in his first Serie A game, he would blush now.

Van Basten came, but was injured and retired. Ronaldo came, but was brutally defended by the opponent's defenders and couldn't play for two years. Henry came, and couldn't even find the goal in the face of *catenaccio*.

What about myself? Should I learn from Ronaldo and escape to La Liga to be a king?

The Italian defenders are indeed powerful, but must I escape? Why can't I learn from Shevchenko, Vieri, and Adriano, and shatter the solid defense? Like an iron cavalry, stepping the chain defense that Italians are proud of under my feet, and become a striker who conquers the most difficult league in the world, scoring more than thirty goals in a season like Henry did in the Premier League, and then taking away the league Golden Boot and declaring to the world that I am a world-class striker!

Thinking of this, Zhang Jun couldn't help but feel his blood boil. He had already begun to envision the scene of him conquering Italian goalkeeper Buffon in his mind.

I really, really want to hear the cheers of the fans in the stadium again, those cheers that belong to me. Zhang Jun leaned back in his chair, tilted his head back, looked at the ceiling, and showed a self-deprecating smile. Now these cheers were given to Inzaghi, to Borriello.

Are you willing to accept this, Zhang Jun? Just watch others be glamorous, while you are forgotten.

Deep inside, a voice asked himself.

No... of course I'm not willing.

So you want to score goals?

Yes, I want to score goals so badly.

But do you think those goals that can be scored by shooting casually are interesting?

Not at all!

You don't want to be pointed at and scolded as a cowardly runaway, do you?

No, of course not!

Good, then stay in Italy, prove to AC Milan, prove to those who ridicule you, that you are the best! Prove it with goals!

Zhang Jun suddenly stood up from the chair.

※※※

Ancelotti suddenly stood up from the coach's seat and cheered with his arms raised. Because Inzaghi scored a goal.

"Amazing! Amazing! A brace! In the middle of the second half, AC Milan successfully reversed the score! And their greatest contributor is Filippo Inzaghi! Filippo Inzaghi!"

Inzaghi spread his arms, roaring and running wildly. That world-class striker is back again.

"Scandals can make Inzaghi fight harder and harder on the field, while Zhang Jun can't even find his form. This is the difference between a thirty-two-year-old man and a twenty-four-year-old boy!" Li Yan sighed helplessly in the stands, looking at the excited Milan players.

※※※

Zhang Jun didn't understand why he suddenly stood up. He looked down at the paper on the table, there were only a few teams left on it. He wanted to pick up the paper, but found that his fists were clenched tightly.

Why did I clench my fists for no reason? Am I going to fight someone? Zhang Jun looked at his fists in confusion.

What was I doing just now? Oh right, considering whether to go to Spain or stay in Italy. This choice was difficult to make, and he seemed to have fallen asleep while thinking about it.

Fell asleep?

... Then stay in Italy, prove to AC Milan, prove to those who ridicule you, that you are the best! Prove it with goals!

This sentence suddenly rang in his mind.

Zhang Jun didn't know where this sentence came from, but it was very, very clear, so clear that he couldn't doubt its existence.

It wants me to stay in Italy?

Zhang Jun looked down at the paper again. Hua-jie said that in Italy, only these few clubs were interested in him: Bologna, which had the experience of a Chinese player—Yang Pan—playing successfully there. Parma, which was facing difficulties and wanted to strengthen its strength to stay in the league. Brescia, who he had brushed shoulders with two years ago, and later regretted it.

Now there was another one recommended by Robbie, Fiorentina.

After a few months of understanding, he was indeed much more familiar with Serie A, while La Liga... was almost a blank slate. His Italian level was already barely able to communicate with people, and he had gotten used to the dietary habits and weather here, and even the entire lifestyle. If he chose to go to Spain, it would mean that everything would have to start all over again. But he was already twenty-four years old, and he looked down at his left foot again, his career... this foot wouldn't give him any more time. Rather than spend another season adapting to a completely new environment, it would be easier to stay in Italy.

Thinking this way, Zhang Jun decided to stay in Italy. But whether it was a loan or a permanent transfer, he needed to choose a club.

So which one should I choose?

Because Bologna had the successful experience of Yang Pan there, they were very interested in Chinese players. They were currently in the middle of the standings, and it should be a good choice. Brescia... Brescia two years ago was completely different from Brescia now, not just because they were missing a Robbie. Zhang Jun couldn't muster any interest in it anymore. Parma was once one of the *Seven Sisters* of Serie A, how glorious it was, but due to the debt and bankruptcy of its parent company, it became a "Parma Supermarket" overnight, and all the popular players in the team were sold off one by one. Now the morale of the whole team was low, and they were deeply mired in the relegation zone. Zhang Jun had no feeling for Parma. If he had to choose, they wouldn't be his first choice.

Finally, Fiorentina.

Zhang Jun's gaze lingered on this name for a long time. In terms of legends, it had more than the above three clubs. This name seemed to be destined to be associated with "legend." Roberto Baggio, Batistuta, Rui Costa, Toldo... all came out of this relegated team. Especially the first two, their experiences had been talked about by fans and the media when Zhang Jun was still in school. He had envied them more than once at that time, hoping that one day he could have a life-size bronze statue erected outside the stadium by fans.

What an honor that would be!

Zhang Jun recalled his feelings when he went to that city for tourism last Christmas.

On the streets of Florence at nine o'clock in the morning, there were still few pedestrians, and the sunlight shone down diagonally. In the clear blue sky, there were occasionally gray pigeons flying by.

This city seems to be very compatible with my personality. And there are beautiful works of art everywhere. Su Fei would definitely like it too.

As for the team, it was recommended by Robbie, and it was a place where he had fought. Although today's Fiorentina is no longer the Fiorentina he was in, Zhang Jun believes in Robbie. He does have a sense of kinship with the team that is struggling in Serie B. He always feels that their current situation is somewhat similar, birds of a feather.

Zhang Jun suddenly laughed self-deprecatingly. He didn't even know what the club's intentions were, but he was being sentimental here, it was really funny. Moreover, with his current terrible situation, it would be good enough if a team was willing to take him in. Why would he be picky, not wanting to go here and not wanting to go there?

Although he would think like this, when Zhang Jun saw the four words "Fiorentina" again, he still decided to be presumptuous and self-indulgent.

Zhang, I personally think that Fiorentina is more suitable for you. Just because of this suggestion from his teacher and friend, Zhang Jun decided not to hesitate any longer. At the crossroads of his life, he had hesitated for too long. Sitting by the side of the road, watching the red light turn green again and again, and then turn back to red again.

If he hesitated any longer, he would never be able to get through this crossroads in his life.

Having made up his mind, Zhang Jun took out his phone and dialed Hua-jie's number in China.

"Hello, Hua-jie? Are you busy now? Yes, it's like this, I have something I want to tell you."

"No problem, tell me."

"Regarding my future... I don't plan to continue staying in Milan."

Hua Fang was obviously taken aback: "Not staying in Milan? What do you mean..."

"Whether it's a loan or a transfer. I plan to leave Milan. I've thought about it for a long time and have already decided." Zhang Jun's resolute tone made Hua Fang give up the idea of dwelling on this issue.

"Okay, since it's something you've already decided... where do you plan to go?" Hua Fang asked helplessly. She had put so much effort into getting Zhang Jun into AC Milan, and even offended Chelsea, leaving people with an impression of going back on her word. Now, just because of a little setback, he was going to leave here again. How many stars have faded into obscurity in frequent transfers, do you know that, Zhang Jun?

"I'm calling to talk about this. Hua-jie, I want you to help me contact Fiorentina, okay?"

"Fiorentina? That Serie B team? Why?" Hua Fang was taken aback, even more surprised than before.

"Uh... I personally think that it's more suitable for me there, more suitable than Milan."

Hua Fang on the other end was silent for a while: "Are you sure? About going to Fiorentina."

"Yes, I'm sure. I've thought about it for a long time, and I won't regret it this time."

"Well then, I'll contact them for you right away. It would be easy if they had applied to Milan."

"Thank you, Hua-jie."

"Don't thank me, I just hope you don't regret the path you choose."

"I won't, Hua-jie. Because I have no turning back..." Zhang Jun said to the phone, looking at the paper he had scribbled all over.

※※※

This was the second time Ancelotti had stood up from the coach's seat with his arms raised, because Inzaghi had scored another goal.

"Amazing! Amazing! A brace! In the middle of the second half, AC Milan successfully reversed the score! And their greatest contributor is Filippo Inzaghi! Filippo Inzaghi!"

Inzaghi spread his arms, roaring and running wildly. That world-class striker was back again.

"Scandals can make Inzaghi fight harder and harder on the field, while Zhang Jun can't even find his form. This is the difference between a thirty-two-year-old man and a twenty-four-year-old boy!" Li Yan sighed helplessly in the stands, looking at the excited Milan players.