Mention Winston Bogarde, the Dutch fitness coach, and many forgetful fans probably would not remember him. But in European professional football, his name had once been thunderously famous.
This Dutchman had accompanied Yang Yang throughout his career. He had also served as the personal coach of top stars such as Ibrahimovic, Sneijder, Robben, and Kaka, and had even repeatedly worked as an expert consultant for Liverpool and Real Madrid, making outstanding contributions to both clubs' achievements.
But in recent years, the Dutch coach had rarely appeared in European Football. He spent most of his time in China.
He had painstakingly built up his own fitness clubs, establishing himself in the capital and putting down roots in first-tier cities. By now, his clubs had spread throughout China's stronger second-tier cities, making him one of the leading high-end fitness chains in the country. He was renowned for his professionalism, and he himself was a highly respected authority in China's fitness industry.
As he gradually faded from European Football, he quickly lost his appeal in the European media as well. Thus, when he appeared at Madrid's Capital Airport, nobody recognized him. After he hailed a taxi, the driver even mistook him for a die-hard fan heading to Valdebebas on a pilgrimage.
The moment the Dutchman saw Yang Yang, he completely broke down.
"I never thought I'd become this irrelevant!" Winston Bogarde nearly burst into tears.
To avoid being recognized, he had even rather self-importantly put on a pair of huge sunglasses and a hat. He had spent the entire journey feeling nervous, only to discover that nobody knew him at all. How could he accept that?
"Don't be upset. The media and fans have always been this forgetful." Yang Yang smiled and comforted him.
It really was a heavy blow.
However, Winston Bogarde