How could anyone feel at ease with a partner like this?
Zidane felt he had completely misjudged this man!
As Zidane turned away in anger, Su Hang sighed.
"See? See? Look at the streets of Madrid—aren't you finding yourself more and more attached to them now?"
Zidane gave a cold snort but said nothing.
Su Hang continued, "They say when someone starts reminiscing about the past, it means they're getting old.
And when someone starts growing sentimental about the things around them, it means they're about to leave."
Zidane jerked in surprise, whipping his head around to glare at Su Hang. "What did you just say?"
Su Hang said, "I said I'm afraid there isn't enough time. I'm afraid I matured too late. I'm afraid I'll miss the last chance to work with you, to win some meaningful championships together.
To leave behind something truly special in the world of football!"
Zidane's gaze wavered. "What nonsense are you spouting!"
But Su Hang pressed on:
"You still have two years left on your Real Madrid contract, but you retired from the French national team last year.
This season with Real Madrid, you've played as though you were winding down your career. It wasn't until these last few matches of the second half, when Figo reignited your spirit, that you finally gave everything again.
"I'm not questioning your professionalism. I understand why. When you've seen it all, it's hard to find passion in the same routine over and over.
"The injuries quietly wearing down your body.
"The growing distance from family.
"The friends and loved ones you want to hold on to.
"The other meaningful things in life beyond football.
"At thirty-three, Zidane the player is nearing the end of his career. But at thirty-three, Zidane the man is just beginning a brand-new life.
"You've found new pursuits, and they're no longer within football.
I can see that.
"France's chances in the next World Cup qualifiers look grim. At this rate, they might not even reach the tournament.
They've already reached out to you, haven't they?
"That's the only reason you haven't chosen to retire immediately.
"And of course... if there's one more reason, it's the Champions League.
You won one in your first season at Real Madrid, but if possible, you'd like to win another before leaving.
"You came with the wind at your back, and you'll depart riding the waves—that's you, Zidane.
That's also the legacy you owe this Galácticos. A squad of historic proportions shouldn't be without its brightest jewel!
"And I... feel exactly the same way!"
Zidane was deeply moved.
He didn't know what to say.
This Su... he had seen through it all!
That Zidane wanted to retire.
That Zidane faced a difficult choice.
That Zidane carried quiet regrets.
And even the looming downfall of the Galácticos.
From Real Madrid's financial strain to Florentino's political setbacks in Spain, it was clear this Galácticos era would not last much longer.
And a player as proud as Zidane would never allow any stage of his career to become a joke.
Even though the decline in honors since Ronaldo's arrival looked more like Ronaldo's burden, Zidane had been part of it, and he would never place the blame entirely on him.
"So you're planning to lead Real Madrid next season in your own way?" Zidane's words struck like a thunderclap across European football.
If this ever got out, the consequences would be enormous.
A mere Su Hang daring to 'lead' Real Madrid next season?
Even the club's management couldn't guarantee that!
But the supposedly "naïve," "young" Su Hang nodded firmly.
"We have the best players in the world, and these superstars have been together for years.
This summer, Luxemburgo will bring in plenty of young talent, which will greatly strengthen our bench.
With proper rotation, tactical adjustments, and the right motivation and guidance, we can win everything next season!"
Zidane was stunned.
Win everything!
So... Su Hang's ambitions reached far beyond just the Champions League.
He wanted it all!
The Copa del Rey.
The league title.
The Champions League.
This was the rarest of chances.
And if any club in Europe could achieve it, it had to be Real Madrid.
This was the Galácticos!
To make it happen, Su Hang needed to rise quickly.
He needed the full backing of the squad.
He needed firm promises from the board.
He needed Luxemburgo's cooperation, even if passive.
Anyone who tried to resist Su Hang's path would be crushed by his resolve.
If Luxemburgo cooperated, all the better. If not... Simon could return at any time as interim coach!
No wonder Su Hang had gone to such lengths to keep Simon around.
So farsighted.
So cunning, it was almost terrifying!
And on the pitch, Su Hang always played like a man possessed.
Could this really be just a nineteen-year-old?
Wasn't he a once-in-a-generation prodigy?
If he had been born in ancient times, people would have seen him as destined for the throne—a born emperor.
"How should I respond to the French national team, then?" Zidane now weighed Su Hang's words carefully.
He was no longer angry.
In fact, he understood Su Hang—and supported him.
"You need to go back," Su Hang said. "But you'll need the right opportunity... first do this, then this, and finally that..."
The more Zidane listened, the brighter his eyes became, nodding again and again.
Finally, Zidane left Su Hang's Rolls-Royce Phantom with a smile.
What's the point of crying in a BMW?
Smiling in a Rolls-Royce—that's the true victory!
As Zidane stepped out, Su Hang called after him.
"That 'Winning Percentage Combinations' report—yes, I commissioned it. But it wasn't fake. I spent three nights calculating those numbers myself!"
Zidane froze in surprise.
Damn... Su Hang had really done it!
He shook his head.
Convinced.
Completely convinced.
"Zizou!" Su Hang shouted as Zidane left, "If we team up... we could really blow teams away!"
"I mean it!"
Zidane didn't turn back, but he raised a fist and gave a thumbs-up.
Brilliant!
...
Su Hang's Personal Team Announces Recovery Progress: Not fully healed, but in extreme situations, he could participate in matches through special measures!
Clara's Column: Su Hang's team has prepared injections—he may force himself into the final league match!
Zidane: "It's hard to say what will happen in the last round. But if Su Hang makes a comeback, it would be a huge boost for the team!"
Raúl: "We're always looking forward to Su Hang's return, but we're also very worried about his health. We hope the fans stay rational and don't put too much pressure on him."
...
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