The next day, on the training ground of the Manchester United U23 Youth Team, Manchester United youth players were warming up in twos and threes under the guidance of the coaching staff. Today was the day of the match against Villarreal B Team.
Lin Feng skillfully found a substitute jersey from the team's equipment box and put it on. Even though the Head Coach hadn't announced the starting lineup, he knew very well that he wouldn't be a starter today. Generally speaking, the announcement of the starting lineup is the most anticipated moment for every player, but this moment had lost all meaning for Lin Feng three years ago.
After the regular warm-up session, the team's Head Coach, Butt, announced the starting lineup for the match. As Lin Feng had expected, he was still a substitute. Even at the end of his Manchester Unitedcareer, he still hadn't gotten a single starting opportunity.
Grabbing a sports drink, Lin Feng sat dejectedly on the bench, watching the brilliant performance of the starting players on the football field. He was like a spectator, watching the football lives of successful players.
In this match, Villarreal B Team displayed an excellent passing and control system. Their small-range passing and control in Manchester United's backfield gave Manchester United's defense a headache. With the excellent ball control skills of the Spanish players, the Manchester United U23 Youth Team ended the first half with a score of 0:1.
"Our performance is far from enough. Did you not wake up this morning? Oh, God, who can tell me what's wrong with my defense? Even a 70-year-old lady crossing the street in the morning could get past you!" The team's Head Coach, Butt, angrily yelled at the players. Evidently, he was very dissatisfied with the team's performance.
Amidst his shouting, Butt's gaze drifted towards the Asian face sitting in the corner. Ever since he announced the team's decision to terminate Lin Feng's contract last time, Butt had felt a bit guilty towards this player who had always been the most diligent. Seeing that he was about to leave the team, and this match was a friendly game for practice, Butt decided to give Lin Feng a chance, even if it was his farewell match in the Manchester United U23 Youth Team.
"Lin, go warm up. You'll replace Tuanzebe in the second half." Butt shouted at Lin Feng, then turned his head back to continue his "firepower output" on his players.
Lin Feng walked out of the locker room. He took off his substitute vest and repeatedly checked his boots on the sidelines. This moment was undoubtedly very exciting for him. As a bench player, every appearance was incredibly precious.
"Achievement completed, reward 1 growth point." The system's voice rang in Lin Feng's mind, and points of white light once again converged into a progress bar, clearly showing 1/100.
Subsequently, he felt a powerful force surge into his body. His muscles became firmer and stronger, and his physical reaction speed greatly improved. More importantly, countless pieces of information about football tactics and defensive skills emerged in his mind. This information seemed like years of accumulated experience and wisdom, giving him a deeper understanding of football.
With the referee's whistle, the second half of the match between the Manchester United U23 Youth Team and Villarreal B Team began. Lin Feng, in the role of a center-back, appeared in the left center-back position.
And directly opposite Lin Feng was Villarreal B Team's main striker, Carlitos Lopez, who had scored the only goal of the match in the first half.
Less than five minutes into the game, Lopez received a pass from his teammate. His movements were as fast as lightning, easily breaking through the midfield. Lin Feng followed closely, his eyes always locked on his opponent, not missing any potential weakness. His steps were steady, his eyes firm, like a leopard on a hunt, closely watching every move of its prey.
Suddenly, Lopez faked a move, attempting to get past Lin Feng. But Lin Feng had anticipated it. He accurately judged Lopez's intention and intercepted the ball a step ahead. He kicked it hard, passing the ball to his teammate.
The players watching from the bench gasped in admiration, and Lopez also showed a surprised expression. He realized that this seemingly ordinary player possessed extraordinary defensive skills and predictive ability.
Meanwhile, Rivaldo, the Head Coach of Villarreal B Team, narrowed his eyes. The Segunda División was about to start, but the team's main center-back, Lasso, had been urgently called up by the first team. It was well known that the B Team's role was to serve as a reserve team for the first team.
But the performance of this Asian center-back had piqued Rivaldo's interest. Rivaldo was impressed by Lin Feng's excellent predictive ability; his characteristics complemented the team's rising star, Torres.
After the match, Rivaldo eagerly sought out the team's Head Coach, Butt. He expressed his desire to loan Lin Feng to the Manchester United Head Coach.
"You mean Lin Feng? He's already on the club's release list. He'll be a free agent next month!" Hearing that Lin Feng finally had a new destination, Butt said happily. He was genuinely pleased for Lin Feng to be able to continue playing football, even if it was for a B Team.
"That's great! Thank you. I'll treat you to a meal next time I visit. I'm leaving now!" Rivaldo's face lit up with joy upon hearing that Lin Feng was about to become a free agent, and he immediately got up and left.
After the match, Lin Feng returned to the players' dormitory, quickly packed his luggage, and then took a hot shower. When he emerged from the bathroom, water droplets still clung to his hair.
Looking at the almost empty dormitory, Lin Feng felt a mix of emotions. Three years ago, when he first moved in, his heart was full of ambition. At that time, he believed that as long as he trained hard, he too could walk onto the Old Trafford pitch like those other players.
But now, it was time to say goodbye. Thinking of this, Lin Feng couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. Besides his unremarkable football career, he also wondered what would become of his mother. She was his only support now.
Just as Lin Feng was feeling melancholic, there was a sudden knock on the dormitory door. Opening it, Rivaldo, wearing a jersey with the Villarreal Clubcrest, appeared at Lin Feng's dormitory door.
"Hello, Lin Feng. Can we chat for a bit?" Rivaldo asked with a smile.
Lin Feng invited Rivaldo in, and the two sat on the sofa.
"I heard you're about to leave Manchester United. I really admire your performance on the field, so I wanted to invite you to join Villarreal Club," Rivaldosaid directly.
"Lin Feng, I understand your persistence and love for staying at Manchester United, but I believe that sometimes, for a better future, we need to be brave and make choices," Rivaldo looked at him with a firm gaze.
Lin Feng remained silent for a moment, weighing various factors in his mind. He knew this decision would change his career, but he also deeply understood the rarity of the opportunity.
Just then, the voice in his mind reappeared: "New achievement 'New Beginning' — Join Villarreal Cluband gain recognition from teammates and coaches, earn one growth point."
"Mr. Rivaldo, I am very grateful for your trust and invitation. Villarreal Club is a competitive team, and I understand the opportunities and challenges you speak of." He took a deep breath, "I've decided to accept your invitation and join Villarreal Club."
Rivaldo smiled with satisfaction upon hearing this. "I'm very happy to hear your decision, Lin Feng. I believe that at Villarreal Club, you will demonstrate even greater strength and potential."
Lin Feng stared at the crest on Rivaldo's chest. A blazing fire was burning in his heart, a fire that seemed to consume all of his past failures. A new beginning was waving to him not far away!