Chapter 19 Gala

The next day, evening.

Madrid, Zarzuela Palace.

King Felipe VI of Spain shook hands with each of the players.

What does football mean to this country?

It means stability, it means unity.

From the Franco era to the present, no sport has been able to vent emotions and gain pleasure more than football.

Moreover, for this country teetering on the brink of the European debt crisis, a European Cup championship is undoubtedly a shot in the arm for the Iberian people.

"Vincent, do you know? During the two nights of the semi-finals and finals, several Basque extremist groups successively announced a ceasefire!"

"You are the heroes of Spain!"

"I am proud of you."

Felipe VI looked at each face, his expression excited.

At the same time, he silently recited in his heart: Castilians, Catalans, Basques, Brazilians...

When his gaze lingered on the number 6 on the Spanish jersey, he couldn't help but sigh, "You are a gift from God to Iberia!"

The down-and-out royal family doesn't have much to offer.

The mascot king is left with only praise.

In the eyes of players who don't believe in Madridism: these praises are not as good as some gold and silver treasures.

The royal family can't afford to pay much in bonuses at all.

The Spanish Football Federation is quite generous: it gave the European Cup Golden Boot winner a bonus of 200,000 euros.

Li Kang glanced at the royal medal in his hand and realized that it was different from the ones worn by his teammates.

Isco, who was next to him, leaned in and whispered, "This is the Grand Cross!"

Li Kang nodded seriously.

No matter which club he transfers to next season, as long as he goes to the Premier League, it will be hell difficulty, and he needs to prepare more similar charging props.

How bad was the overall environment of the Premier League in the past two or three years?

Apart from Mourinho's second stint at Chelsea.

The remaining Big 5 had a 50-50 chance against each other.

When facing powerhouses such as Southampton, West Ham United, and Everton, it was difficult not to crash.

When encountering mid-to-lower-tier teams like Crystal Palace and Watford, they would almost be skinned alive.

This is also one of the reasons for the frequent injuries of the team as a whole.

Not to mention the championship myth born last season: "Leicester City".

...

Age-appropriate girls secretly sized up the heroes of Iberia, restrained by royal etiquette and dare not whisper.

The most primitive instinct of mankind: the subconscious will worship powerful opposite sexes.

This is a difficult-to-resist natural law.

Isco felt these strange gazes, frowned slightly, and couldn't help but move his chair closer to Li Kang, blocking the girls' view.

'Li's career is still very long, how can he have a romance with the down-and-out royal family.'

After dinner.

The mascot king said a lot of nonsense before announcing the end of the reception.

Princess Leonor was a little disappointed: this time there was still no chance to get close to the super genius who shone in Europe.

Including Del Bosque, and all the national team members seemed to be intentionally or unintentionally preventing any outsiders from approaching Li...

As if she were a devil.

...

"Of course, she is a devil."

"You have to marry an ordinary Castilian girl... well, I mean from an ordinary background."

"Castilian girls are very responsible, calm, peaceful and never eccentric."

"Whether it is the climate or cultural atmosphere of Castile, it will leave a mark on her life."

National team bus.

Del Bosque patted Li Kang on the shoulder and said softly.

Miniano was dumbfounded: "Boss, during the interview last night, you were still saying that all the ethnic groups of the Iberian Peninsula are united as one, without distinction between you and me..."

"Interviews are interviews."

"Li is a child raised by Castilians, and the best destination is Real Madrid."

The old man added earnestly.

The Spanish coach is a famous regional black, and the "Castilian spirit" flowing in his blood is extremely strong.

Li Kang did not refute the stubborn views of a 66-year-old man.

He looked out the window.

Madrid at night, decorated with joy and lights, became a dream.

...

The national team bus slowly drove to the Plaza de Cibeles!

Thousands of fans gathered here.

They excitedly shouted the national team's slogans.

While throwing team flags, scarves, and gloves at the bus.

Countless posters of Spanish number 6 were held high.

Li Kang's name, like a red torrent, gradually covered other sounds.

"Lee!!!"

Diego Costa jumped off the bus, grabbed the photographer's camera, and began to record the wonderful moment.

Ramos didn't hold it steady, and De Gea quickly and steadily caught the Delaunay Cup that was about to fall off the bus.

"Damn it, this moment is more thrilling than the entire European Cup!"

Everyone laughed.

Morata quickly took the trophy and placed it in Li Kang's hands.

The next moment.

The trophy was raised high again.

The entire Iberian Peninsula seemed to tremble slightly.

...

Las Rozas training base.

Guardiola is here.

In this historical period, as a meritorious veteran of Spain, his relationship with the national team coaching staff was very good.

He came to the players' single dormitory unimpeded.

Seeing Li Kang and Morata playing games, and Saul, Koke, and Isco sitting on the ground eating snacks...

The Manchester City coach covered his bald head in surprise.

As if seeing an unbelievable scene.

"Who did you learn this from?"

"Koke, look how fat you've become!"

"Li, let's talk."

...

A moment later.

Guardiola and Li Kang came to a conference room accompanied by staff.

The two tidied up the messy tables, chairs, and tactical board.

"Leverkusen has raised you really well, much stronger than you were at La Masia a few years ago."

"You can play football games."

"Being addicted to those adventure games will affect your eyesight and distract your attention on the field!"

"And snacks... I know you don't eat them, but don't be affected."

"Okay, we don't have time for small talk."

"Let's start our assumptions."

Pa!

The Manchester City coach moved the small magnetic flags.

"I need you."

"In a narrow sense, Manchester City needs a defensive-minded number 4."

Without paying attention to Li Kang's reaction.

The small magnetic flags on the tactical board were constantly moved.

"Defense!"

"Still defense!"

"Manchester City doesn't need you to mobilize any direct offensive resources, that's what De Bruyne and David Silva should do, our offensive resources are terrifyingly abundant."

"Looking back at your past performances, you are just a smarter Yaya Toure!"

"I don't need Yaya Toure."

The tactical board displayed a 4-1-4-1 formation.

Guardiola's fingers spun around on the two wings.

"Apart from defensive tasks, you are the third-in-line organizational core."

"Responsible for the operation and scheduling between the midfield and back lines."

"All teammates must have both running dynamism and tactical flexibility, and your area of activity..."

His finger rubbed on the tactical board, drawing a horizontal line.

"Manchester City doesn't have the defense line of Barcelona at its peak now."

"It's also far from Bayern."

"You even have few opportunities to participate in the forward attack like Busquets!"

"Passing the ball? That's what the defender - Stones and the goalkeeper - Bravo do..."

"No!"

"I have a new idea!"

"You wait a moment."

"No, Stones is still very young, and has many shortcomings."

Guardiola hugged his bald head with both hands, thinking hard.

Li Kang was stunned.

He hadn't agreed to go to Manchester City yet.