Madrid, Espino training base.

"Diego, I'm sorry, we tried our best."

"Atletico will definitely bring you home next summer transfer window."

"You have to go back to Chelsea and play for another season, I understand how you feel."

Simeone patted Diego Costa's shoulder hard, his tone full of reluctance and regret.

The latter looked bewildered.

He had made up his mind to return to La Liga, brought his whole family to Madrid, and prepared to dedicate the peak of his career to Atletico Madrid.

To witness the Calderón stadium where he rose to fame disappear into the long river of history.

The Wanda Metropolitano stadium was the stage for him to face Messi and Ronaldo again.

And now you're telling me to go back to Chelsea?

Is there such a good thing?

Diego Costa rubbed his face, put on a sad expression, and hugged Simeone tightly.

"Boss, I will definitely be back."

July 30th.

The transfer negotiations between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea ended.

The reason was simple: the International Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected their appeal, and the transfer ban against Atletico Madrid would continue until January 2018.

Diego Costa, who was originally going to be purged by Conte's team, was unexpectedly kept at Stamford Bridge by Tuchel.

The new Chelsea coach said in an interview: "Morata and Batshuayi are still young and a little green in many details. Chelsea needs a mature center forward."

And so.

Diego Costa packed his luggage and returned to London with his family.

Public opinion also gradually changed: from a shameless tumor, a scheming person full of foul language, a dirty and ugly mole, and a scumbag with no sportsmanship... to a true Blue Army striker, a heavy metal assassin, an indomitable beast, and Emperor dC.

On the other side.

Emirates Stadium.

Fireworks were brilliant, and salutes sounded in unison.

The joining ceremony was extremely grand.

Arsenal welcomed their old friend: Ëzil.

Islington fans were not very enthusiastic about this transfer: selling this guy for 75 million last summer and buying him back for 90 million this summer, well, the club has money now anyway.

Enrique was full of confidence.

Facing the camera, his tone was full of pride: "The Community Shield is the beginning of a wonderful season, and Arsenal will continue the strong momentum of last season."

On August 2nd, Chelsea lost the subsequent match of the ICC International Champions Cup.

The whole team returned to Cobham training base in London.

Without immediately starting training, Tuchel gave the players a three-day holiday.

"Lee, are you going home?"

"I'm not going back to France either, I don't even have your phone number yet."

Kanté smiled and took out an old phone that had been used for who knows how many years.

It wasn't entirely because of simplicity.

It might be a kind of alternative, ineffective "self-psychological protection."

This憨憨 (hān hān - simple, foolish) was being "bled" by a large group of relatives, friends, and agents.

Fans often joked: Kanté must join Juventus, the Mafia (crossed out) Agnelli family will solve all his troubles cleanly.

Is this the destiny of most black stars?

The hurdles swayed gently in the breeze.

"Lee!"

Li Kang suddenly heard a familiar voice and turned his head to see: Čech!

Čech, without his tank hat and in a suit.

The latter is now the technical director of Chelsea Football Club.

Morata scratched his head: Two months ago, they were still "Triple Crown" teammates, and now he's a club official?

Courtois looked embarrassed and walked away silently: The relationship between the two generations of Blue Army goalkeepers is very complicated. It was supposed to be a fair competition for the job, but this guy forcibly shaped his image into a villain.

Čech was still so enthusiastic, chatting about the club's summer transfer process, and telling Li Kang that he could contact him at any time if he encountered any problems.

"Can you take off your suit and put on your jersey to play?"

Everyone laughed.

Time flies.

August 6th.

The Community Shield is coming.

Wembley Stadium, a huge balloon printed with the FA logo rises into the air.

Ninety thousand British fans arrived at the scene.

This great building never lacks vitality: In 2007, the FA launched a "ten-year ticket" for the rebuilt Wembley Stadium. This is the last year, and experts predict that the attendance rate will plummet in 2018.

"ESPN! ESPN! Good evening, viewers and friends!"

"Now broadcasting live for you is the 2017 English Community Shield!"

"Arsenal vs. Chelsea."

"The Triple Crown winner against the Premier League runner-up."

"A clash of titans."

"A head-on collision."

"Can the Gunners in the post-Wenger era continue to dominate the Premier League?"

"Can Tuchel, who advocates the three-center-back system, set off a tactical frenzy like Conte?"

"Let's wait and see!"

Players' tunnel.

Li Kang and Xhaka gave each other a simple hug.

He looked around the Arsenal lineup and saw many unfamiliar faces.

The world of football is like this, unpredictable.

Morata put his arm around Koscielny and said seriously, "If I score, I won't celebrate."

Koscielny quickly pushed him away: "You can score first, kid."

Morata smiled and patted his forehead.

The referee team led the players from both sides out of the tunnel.

The vast momentum that erupted from the stands in all directions made the entire Wembley Stadium shake slightly.

Half red, half blue.

Li Kang suddenly heard a system prompt in his ear.

[Ding, task triggered: Guns and Fire.]

[Task description: Don't underestimate this rebuilding Arsenal. When facing your old club, you should give it your all and respect your opponent.]

[Task reward: Arsenal Legend · Platinum Treasure Chest.]

Tuchel and Enrique stood in their respective coaching areas, both with solemn expressions on their faces.

Both were newly appointed.

Both had reasons why they couldn't lose.

A gust of wind blew through Enrique's curly hair.

And Tuchel?

He was bald.

"Now introducing the starting lineups for both sides!"

"Arsenal's formation is 3-5-2!"

"Goalkeeper: Ospina!"

"Defenders: Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal."

"Midfielders: Iwobi, Ramsey, Ëzil, Xhaka, Kolašinac."

"Forwards: Aubameyang, Lacazette."

ESPN live broadcast room.

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[Without Professor's Gunners, it always feels like something is missing.]

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[This lineup is not bad, the front line is even stronger than last season: Bundesliga Golden Boot + Ligue 1 Golden Boot.]

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[Ëzil is back too, the deadly pass.]