Chapter 249 Zhang Yang's Answer
Zhang Yang took a sip of tea and continued to listen to Albertini.
"So, will you participate in this Beijing Olympic Games? Zhang Yang."
Participate in the Beijing Olympic Games? Zhang Yang was stunned and then knew what Albertini meant. He shook his head and said, "Demi, maybe you don't know yet. I have issued a statement that unless the Chinese Football Association apologizes to me for something, I will not consider playing for the national team. Well, the Olympic Games are also a national team.
When Albertini heard Zhang Yang say this, he was overjoyed and said, "What about the World Cup?"
"World Cup?" Zhang Yang smiled bitterly, "The Chinese team did not qualify in the group stage of the Asian World Cup in South Africa, and has not been able to participate in the World Cup in South Africa for a long time. Besides, it is still what I said just now. It is impossible for me to play on behalf of the Chinese team for the time being."
Albertini nodded, "I see. However, Zhang, with all due respect, it is definitely a lifelong regret for a player if he can't participate in the World Cup. It can be said that you are a very talented and powerful player. At first, seeing you play reminds me of Basten, but later I realized that the characteristics of you and Basten are not very Same, but I believe that your future will be as great as Basten. You are definitely a player that all coaches will need and appreciate. I think your height in world football may even be as high as Basten in the future, but I mean the club's achievements, and I think you should understand what I mean as a professional player. It is not enough to get honors in the club. It is also necessary to have the honor of the national team to achieve hegemony. Stefano and Mr. Puskas have won the Champions League five times and scored countless goals in their lives, but their status in football is comparable to Beckenbauer and Cruyff because of their lack of national team honor. In addition to the glory of the Milan team, Basten helped the Netherlands win the European Cup in 1988, which was also the brightest jewelry of his career. Of course, we all know that Basten lacks a World Cup champion, otherwise, he can be called the king of the ball. I said this, I think you also understand what I mean. In addition to his excellent performance in the club, a great player needs to perform on a stage like the World Cup to be truly great.
Zhang Yang pondered for a moment. Although he didn't know Albertini's real intention, he seemed to feel a little meaning. He nodded and said, "Demy, thank you for your concern. It makes me flattered that you compared with Basten. However, I think you also know that it's not that I don't want to I don't want to get the honor of the national team, but there is a reason. Well, things are complicated, but what I want to say is that I won't kowtow and use my dignity to pray for a place for a national team.
When Zhang Yang communicated with Albertini, Mendes did not speak, but drank coffee and listened. Mendes had guessed Albertini's intention at this time, but he was not going to say anything. At the same time, Mendes was also very satisfied with Zhang Yang's verbal response, and Zhang Yang's response was very appropriate. Those media who always point out to Zhang Yang should really listen to Zhang Yang's words. Zhang Yang's treatment and words are quite mature.
"The Chinese Football Association asked you to be a lobbyist, right?" Zhang Yang suddenly asked.
Mendes was drinking coffee when he was choked by Zhang Yang's words. Albertini was also stunned. He didn't expect Zhang Yang to misunderstand him like this.
"No, no, no, of course not." Albertini shook his hand, and then he meditated and said, "Well, Zhang, I also know your situation. You are now at an impasse with the Chinese national team. Although I don't know much about the situation of the Chinese Football Association, I have heard about it. They will not bow to a player. This is normal, fact The Italian Football Association will not apologize to a player, which I believe you have also realized.
Zhang Yang nodded and didn't say anything, but motioned Albertini to continue.
"In the current situation, the impasse between you and the Chinese national team has not been solved for the time being. Well, what's more, the Chinese team is destined to miss the World Cup in South Africa, so no matter what, you are destined to miss the World Cup in two years. If I remember correctly, two years later, you are 24 years old. This is the beginning of a real golden career of a striker. At that time, you will miss the most important feast in world football. It's really a pity. After the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the next World Cup will be 2014 four years after. First Not to mention whether you will play on behalf of the Chinese team at that time, even if you represent the Chinese team, I believe that you are clear about one thing. With the current strength of the Chinese team, it is very difficult to get tickets for the 2014 World Cup. Of course, if you join us, the Chinese team's hope of getting tickets to the 2014 World Cup will increase a lot. However, there is a situation that is very likely to happen, that is, the Chinese team did not get the tickets for the 2014 World Cup, so you will miss this World Cup again. At that time, you are 28 years old. This is the peak of a shooter. If you miss the World Cup again this time, I think, this is really It's a pity that it's not only you, but also the loss of football.
Zhang Yang was a little dizzy by Albertini's words.
"Demi, I still don't know what you really want." Zhang Yang scratched his head doubtfully and said.
Albertini heard that Zhang Yang raised such a direct question, and he also knew that it was time to uncover the cards.
"Zhang, two years later in the World Cup in South Africa, you are twenty-four years old. Six years later, in the World Cup, you are twenty-eight years old. In these two World Cup years, for you, you are a player's energy and experience gradually mature and accumulated, until the most prosperous time, and then in the world in 2018 At the time of the Cup, you were thirty-two years old. At that time, the state of the players has generally begun to gradually decline, so there is no doubt that the World Cup in South Africa and the 2014 World Cup are undoubtedly the most suitable stage for you! Zhang Yang, you should not waste this time. This is also your opportunity, and it is also the most suitable stage and opportunity for football! I know that you have a deadlock with the Chinese national team, and at present, this kind of hard ice is difficult to break, so this is almost equivalent to blocking your way to represent the Chinese football team in the World Cup. If a player like you misses the World Cup, it will be a regret for football. So, here, I propose a possibility. Maybe things can be solved."
Saying this, Albertini paused, and Zhang Yang also looked up at Albertini.
Albertini took a sip of tea, moistened his throat, and then said the ultimate purpose of the trip, "Zhang Yang, I think you can consider the Italian team. You have played in Serie A for a season. There are many similarities in the tactics of a league and a national team. I believe you also know something about the Italian national team. In addition, your teammates, such as Pirlo, Gattuso, Ambrosini, Gilardino and Bonera, are also Italian. National footballer. You and they are also very familiar and have a tacit understanding. The strength of the Italian team is not comparable to that of the Chinese team. If you participate in the Italian team, it is very likely to win the World Cup. And this is also a good way to solve the impasse between you and the Chinese team. After all, it's a pity that players like you can't participate in the World Cup. This is not the words of Albertini, vice president of the Italian Football Association, but the words of a former player Albertini. I really think so, Zhang."
Albertini didn't lie. He really thinks so. It would be a pity if there were no players at the level of Zhang Yang in the World Cup.
In Albertini's view, if Zhang Yang can play for the Italian team, then the hope of the Italian team winning the World Cup and the European Cup will increase greatly. Moreover, for Zhang Yang, he can also show his talent on the stage of the world's highest level. This is a matter of combination. Zhang Yang should not have The reason is to refuse, no player can refuse the World Cup **, and no player can refuse the call of the world champion team Italy. Albertini is more confident about this.
After listening to Albertini's words, Zhang Yang no longer looked calm.
Albertini looked at the young man and saw the changing expression on Zhang Yang's face. The young man finally picked up the tea and took a big sip, which showed the fierceness of the inner struggle.
"Zhang, I also know that this matter is very important. You don't need to answer me immediately. You can think about it before answering me."
"No, Demy." Zhang Yang looked up, looked seriously at Albertini, vice chairman of the Italian Football Association, and said slowly, "I think I can make a decision now."
Albertini looked at Zhang Yang in surprise. Obviously, he didn't expect Zhang Yang to reply so quickly. Moreover, Albertini vaguely felt that the answer given by Zhang Yang might not be what he wanted. Although he felt that this idea was too incredible, there were still people in the world who would reject the Italian team. The call, but Albertini will obviously feel this way.
Zhang Yang said, "Demi, I must admit that I am very moved by your suggestion. I am really moved. No player can refuse the World Cup **, and the call of the Italian team is also very attractive! In addition, I do have a rigid relationship with the Chinese Football Association, and it is difficult to get the opportunity to play for the Chinese team. Even if I can enter the Chinese national team, it is a strange environment. As you said, I may not know more about the Chinese team as well as the Italian team. After all, in Milan, Several of my teammates are Italian internationals. In addition, the Chinese team is far less powerful than the Italian team. No matter which World Cup, the Italian team is the favorite to win the championship, and the Chinese team is even difficult to qualify in the group stage of the World Cup Asian qualifiers. No matter where you look at it, for me personally, It is advisable to join the Chinese team. It is a bad situation, and joining the Italian team is undoubtedly the best, which can make my career more perfect. I can even win the World Cup and even win the Hercules Cup more than once. However, after thinking about it, wearing the blue shirt of Italy, this is really It's not the football I want, not just Italy, or other teams inviting me, and it's hard for me to have a sense of identity. Although my country's football is terrible, even devastated, and I am almost unlikely to represent the Chinese team, I still can't imagine myself playing in the jerseys of other countries. In that case, I will not be at ease and lack too much motivation to play football. Demy, thank you for your kindness. I I can feel your sincerity, but I have to tell you regretfully. I can't join the Italian team.
"Why? I really don't understand!" Albertini almost stood up. Although he had a hunch, when he heard that Zhang Yang refused directly, Albertini still felt incredible. In his opinion, this was it. This is simply impossible to happen. If this multiple-choice question were anyone who made a choice, he would not hesitate to choose to play for the Italian team. There is no doubt about it! On the one hand, the strength of the Chinese team cannot be compared with that of the Italian team. In addition, the players themselves also have inexorable contradictions with the Football Association. On the other hand, the invitation of the world champion team Italy is very sincere. If they participate in the Italian team, they are very likely to win the World Cup and hold the Hercules Cup. In addition, they may also take To become the champion of the European Cup, become a legend in football, win both fame and fortune, and even become a great figure like the king Pele or the king Maradona. Just imagine this beautiful scene, you can know that this is something that no player will refuse. In addition, in the Italian team, there is no foreign ball. In the example of joining, Camoranesi is an example. The Argentine joined the Italian team. What did he get and won the 2006 World Cup in Germany? When Camoranesi holds the Hercules Cup in Germany, people will only praise him, praise him, cheer for him, and thank him for the Italian team. Make a contribution, but there will be no other words.
It can even be said that when he heard that Zhang Yang refused directly, Albertini felt that Zhang Yang was a little ignorant or stupid in addition to disbelief.
Zhang Yang's mood has calmed down a little at this time. In fact, when he said no in his own mouth just now, he was also very sorry and uncomfortable. He almost nodded and agreed, but in the end he chose to refuse.
Zhang Yang smiled and said, "Demi. I think you should have heard my story. At the beginning, for me, becoming a professional player was my biggest dream. At that time, it was not realistic for me to continue my football dream. Fortunately, I did not accept my fate, but chose to fight and work hard. I went to France to find myself there. Football dream, although the process is tortuous, I am very happy that a team is finally willing to accept me. Thanks to Father Fernandez and Marseille, where I got the opportunity. Fortunately, I seized this rare opportunity, which made my football dream continue, where I became a What a real professional player! Demy, you may not be able to imagine how happy I was when I played in a Marseille jersey for the first time, touched the ball for the first time, and scored for the first time. I really felt that I was the happiest person on the planet! Really, at that time, I thought the sky was so blue and the white clouds were so beautiful, and when the fans shouted my name, it was like a dream. At that time, I said to myself, this is what I want. I will cherish this opportunity, work hard, and keep working hard, because I want to be like this all the time. Go down and be happy like this. Being able to play football and score goals is the happiest thing!"
Zhang Yang was a little excited. His eyes were a little red. He secretly wiped them and smiled shyly. Then he said, "At the beginning, I was also very sad and sad that I couldn't get the call of the national team. I think any player dreams of being able to serve his motherland. Playing football in the cheers and cheers of the fans of the motherland, and seeing that my football talent can bring happiness and joy to the fans of the motherland is undoubtedly the great happiness of a player. At that time, I was a little sad, but soon, my friends in China told me to see me in Marseille and the club. Their performance is getting better and better. They are very happy, very happy and very excited. Because of the jet lag, the live broadcast of the European League is midnight in China. However, my friends and my family told me that although it is midnight, every weekend, every game day, as long as there is a live broadcast of the game, there are so many fans on the radio. Waiting in front of the machine, waiting to watch my game, cheering for my excellent performance, cheering for my goal, and even when I miss the opportunity, they are more sadder than myself. When I scored, their cheers were louder than ever! At that time, I thought, why did they support me so much, why? Is it just my excellent performance? No, no, no, no! There are many players who perform well! They cheered for me and were proud of me. I was happy and they were happy. I was sad and they were also sad! Because I have a common identity with them. We are all Chinese, I am their compatriots, and they are my compatriots! This can't be changed at any time! I am happy to have such fellow fans, and I also love my motherland. Although I also know that I play football on behalf of other national teams, this does not mean that I betray my motherland. Even some domestic fans will understand and support me, but I can't get through this! When playing in the jerseys of other national teams, I can't imagine how my compatriots should cheer for me and applaud me. Even if someone applauds, even if someone blesses me, I will think it's a great irony! I long for honor! Extreme desire, but honor is not the only one. I don't want to lose the most primitive feeling of happiness brought by football! To be honest, I also kind of want to join other national teams. I'm moved by your suggestion, and I'm very moved, but I can't convince myself of the persistence in my heart! I can't get through my own level! As for the national team, maybe the day when my relationship with the Chinese Football Association will be eased, maybe one day I may participate in the national team to play a few games. Maybe I will work hard for the qualification of the World Cup in the cheers of the fans of my motherland. Maybe, it will not succeed, but I think this process will It's very sweet."
Speaking of this, Zhang Yang seemed to be lost in thought. Suddenly, he raised his head and said mockingly, "It can be said that I am also very contradictory. Maybe I will regret my decision today in the future, but at least, now, I won't regret it."
Albertini was a little in a daze. He listened quietly and could even say that he was moved by the publicity.
At this time, Albertini looked at the Chinese young man in front of him, as if he was traveling through time and space, and a person came to his mind.
George. Via, Albertini's teammate when he was with AC Milan!
In the history of world football, George Wea is the only one who has not been able to win the World Cup, which is one of the biggest regrets in the history of world football.
On October 1, 1966, Via was born in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. He grew up in a slum when he was a child, but developed a noble character of modesty and kindness since childhood. After many years of travel to Liberia, Cameroon and France, Via joined AC Milan in the summer of 1995 and formed the most famous trio "Golden Trident" with Savicevic and Baggio after the "Dutch Three Musketeers"! At that time, Wea was at the peak of his personal career, winning the African Footballer of the Year, the European Footballer of the Year and the World Footballer of the Year. In the history of football for more than a century, there are not many successful players like Via. Via's excellent performance also made AC Milan fans completely free from the pain of losing Van Basten.
However, George. Via's lifelong regret is that he has not participated in the World Cup. The weakness of the Liberian national team and the political disputes between football association officials have led to Liberia always been a second-rate team in Africa. As a child of Liberia, Via's biggest dream is to represent the motherland in a World Cup and show the charm of the motherland on the world's largest football stage. He personally funded the Liberian national team for a long time and even paid for the Liberian team's participation in all the away games of the 1998 World Cup qualifiers. What a selfless spirit. How many stars can be like him? Only those who are purely crazy about football will do this. However, the strength of the Liberian team was too weak, and Wea's wish finally failed. Poor Via has devoted his efforts and painstaking efforts to the team again and again. Even the team's food, accommodation, travel expenses and bonuses are often spent by him, but Liberia still can't afford Adou. Via has a lot of skills but can't do it for the country. He can only watch his team fall into the qualifiers again and again. .
In fact, if Via chooses to represent the French national team after getting the French passport, no one will blame him. After all, he did not play for Liberia at that time, and France can be said to be his second hometown. He joined the Liberian national team without hesitation, fought with them, and shed tears on the battlefield...
Albertini admires his former teammate, but he also feels sorry for Vier! Because if Via joined the French team at that time, he would be the absolute main force of the French team, and he would also win the World Cup and the European Cup with the French team, and Via would be even greater.
Yes, Albertini admires Via, but it is still a pity. If possible, he still hopes that Via can have a World Cup trip. At least, it will not be such a pity on the day of retirement. What a pity that such a great player has not participated in the World Cup.
How similar the experience is to Zhang Yang at this time and Via at that time, no matter how similar it is. Doesn't Via want to participate in the World Cup? Of course not, otherwise Via would not have personally taken out the money to support his motherland's team to participate in the World Cup qualifiers.
So, thinking of Vier's story, Albertini felt that he could understand it. Moreover, compared with the original Via, Zhang Yang is in a worse situation now. At least Via can participate in the Liberia national team, become the captain and core of the team, and lead the team to work hard towards the dream of the World Cup. However, Zhang Yang is now excluded from the national team and can't see him. There is an opportunity to represent China in the competition.
Albertini is indeed sorry for Zhang Yang, but he really feels that such a player must appear on the stage of the World Cup. In public and private, he hopes to persuade Zhang Yang to join the Italian national team and represent Italy. Albertini also tried to make a final effort and said, "Your I think I can understand that I once had a teammate who made the same decision as you. Well, that's right, it's Via, George. Via! Until he retired, he was not able to play in the World Cup. I have to say that it was a pity for fans all over the world! In addition, I think you know about Camoranesi. He is an Argentine, but he played on behalf of Italy and won the Hercules Cup in Germany two years ago. Italian fans were grateful to him and cheered for him, and even his motherland Argentina cheered for him. It is not unacceptable to play on behalf of other national teams. In world football, such things are very common, and you don't need to have too much psychological burden!"
PS: First update, ask for red tickets.