Chapter 889 - 5: Dominance and Retirement
The first match coached by Ancelotti will be a World Cup Asian qualifier against Indonesia. Against Indonesia, there is already a 68-year undefeated record, and as a strong Asian team, easily handling Indonesia poses no problem.
In fact, the current national team, filled with overseas players in the provincial super league, China’s second league, and the five major leagues, has already become a top Asian team. For the match against Indonesia, the national team didn’t even summon Chen Zhong to play.
And in the World Cup qualifiers, the national team also easily defeated Indonesia with an exaggerated score of 8-0, adding a new stain to Indonesia and the national team’s historical record.
When Chen Zhong appeared on the field, when the camera swept over to him, many players cheered and screamed for Chen Zhong.
With his career at Real Madrid and winning the Ballon d’Or nine times, he has already become a legend. As long as he can help the team achieve better results on the World Cup stage, he is very likely to become the new generation of the football king.
Actually, some fans already refer to him as the football king.
However, lacking a World Cup championship makes this title slightly lacking.
But even so, calling him the World Football King might have some "flaws," but the Asian Football King is indisputable.
Ten years ago, many people thought Chen Zhong wouldn’t possibly win the world championship, but now, as there are Chinese overseas players worldwide, and as Asian football gradually becomes stronger.
Many people have also changed their views.
Especially this current national team, which is even referred to as the strongest in history, with five players playing in top teams.
The newly signed central defender Ding Wei of Real Madrid is dubbed "Little General Fan," showing much of General Fan’s demeanor back in the day.
Shi Hai, the full-back playing for Manchester City, is regarded as the "new Chinese Sun." He can play both flanks and sometimes substitute as a midfielder, with a height of 182CM, Shi Hai is also seen as the anchor of the backfield.
Goalkeeper Wang Xiaolei of Bayern Munich, when he debuted, was considered the second Wang Dalei. When he’s in good form in front of the goal, he’s unbeatable. When his form declines, he often makes some minor mistakes, but afterwards, he’s been called the "new goalkeeper," becoming Neuer’s successor.
The player Rooney of Manchester United, who has a similar Chinese translation as Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United legend, but he’s only 170 tall. He’s extremely fast and plays on the wing. Compared to the legendary Rooney, his playing style is "swift as the wind," good at dribbling past opponents through rhythm changes on the wing and very bold in trying new things.
In the match against Indonesia, he boldly made attempts on the opponent’s wing, delivering several assists, helping the team take the lead.
Lastly, there’s the center forward Hao Chen from Milan, a typical big center forward, reaching a height of 196CM, with outstanding confrontation ability. During his time at Milan, he’s an important substitute player, often put in during a stalemate or when the team can’t break through the defense to help end the deadlock, making a massive impact!
In the match against Indonesia, Hao Chen scored two goals through a corner and open play.
...
The national team has basically secured their ticket to the World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. After watching the game, Chen Zhong relaxed as the summer window was almost over, he returned to Spain, to Madrid, preparing to welcome his new season.
As he returned, he received a piece of shocking news: his former teammate Alvaro Negredo announced his retirement.
Real Madrid immediately issued an announcement, extending their blessings: "Congratulations on having a great career, you are an example in football and sports. We are very proud you were once a part of our club."
Negredo and Chen Zhong were teammates during their time in Castilla. When Real Madrid wanted to rejuvenate, both left Real Madrid.
Later, Negredo returned thanks to his outstanding performance at Almeria, and Chen Zhong also returned to Real Madrid due to his excellent play at Milan, and with Schuster leaving and Florentino’s expectations.
After announcing his retirement, Negredo accepted an interview and answered many questions.
When asked if he would stay in Seville, Negredo’s expression became a bit complicated. He said, "Yes. My family and I have always loved this city. During my previous work in Cádiz, we often came here. I am also an intern coach for Sevilla C-team and want to keep learning. We’ve put down roots here."
If possible, Negredo actually wanted to return to Real Madrid. Chen Zhong also invited him to China to be part of the national team’s coaching staff, but Negredo declined.
Reporters also asked Negredo about this issue, and after thinking he said, "The future will tell you the answer. I must first get my coaching license. Thanks to Seville for allowing me to be with them every day, getting ready. It’s something I enjoy doing."
"China is certainly a strong country, and their team is getting better and better, and this can’t be done without my old friend’s contribution, yes, it’s Chen who inspired many Chinese kids to take up football as their ambition."
The reporter asked Negredo who he wanted to become, Negredo said, "If it’s a player, I want to be Chen; he’s really great, seems like he can play any position."