The Dressing Room Was Awash with Undercurrents: Who Welcomed Him Warmly, and Who Turned a Cold Shoulder?

Following Tang Long announcement, UK media outlets published numerous reports, generating considerable buzz!

The Guardian and the Daily Telegraph represent the two major left-right stances in UK politics, and both are known for their high-quality content on football.

The two major newspapers published sharply contrasting statements regarding Tang Long's signing.

The left-wing newspaper the Guardian pointed out that Tang Long's arrival at Manchester City has greatly enhanced the Blue Moon' control in midfield, and that Manchester City will be Chelsea's biggest obstacle in their quest to defend Premier League title in the new season.

"Starting about ten years ago, the Premier League actively introduced foreign capital and brought many star players from foreign leagues to the Premier League."

"They have greatly enriched the cultural diversity of England football, allowing players of all skin colors and races to shine on the Premier League stage, which is something fans love to see!"

"Only through greater openness and diversity, and the injection of more fresh, foreign talent, can the Premier League stand out among the Top Five Leagues. This is true for Don this year, and it was also true for Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Drogba in the past."

"At the same time, more intense internal competition will also keep England players from slacking off, which will ensure the long-term development of the England national team's strength."

"Tang's arrival demonstrates that the Premier League is far more attractive than Serie A. We also hope that he can bring a 'catfish effect' – strong domestic teams in the Premier League seem to prefer outstanding foreign players. So, what right do England players have to rely on their past achievements?"

"We need the sense of crisis that Tang brings, especially the sense of crisis that he brings to England's young players!"

Compared to the Guardian's open left-wing perspective.

The right-wing newspaper, the Daily Telegraph, held the completely opposite view.

They are concerned about the encroachment of foreign capital on the Premier League, believing that the Premier League has become a game for foreign capitalists.

"Looking across the Britain Isles, the owners of Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal are United States, Chelsea is Russian, and Manchester City is United Arab Emirates. These top clubs have all been infiltrated by powerful foreign capital. This is not what we UK originally intended when we invented football."

"Football is a grassroots sport that belongs to the working class. It's not like golf or equestrianism; it's a sport for everyone."

"Fans who frequently attend matches live will notice that Premier League tickets are becoming increasingly expensive, with tickets for an Arsenal game sometimes costing as much as Pound Sterling 80! That's enough to cover a week's food expenses for a family of three in a less developed part of the UK."

"These foreign capitalists are not only plundering the wallets of grassroots fans, but also squeezing the growth space for our England homegrown players!"

"It's hard to imagine that talented young players like Barkley and Townsend can't play for top Premier League because their positions are taken by foreigners like Tang Long, Coutinho, and Icardi."

"England players who can play in the Premier League are all top performers, and they can find work anytime. But for ordinary citizens like us, if jobs such as shop assistants, bus drivers, and cleaners are one day replaced by foreign workers, it will be a heavy blow to our local employment rate!"

"The entire editorial team of the Daily Telegraph urges you, for the sake of your work and your children's future, to cast your sacred vote of 'Yes' in the upcoming Brexit referendum!"

Tang Long casually tossed the Daily Telegraph onto the table in the hotel suite and smiled dismissively.

He just arrived in Manchester and is still looking at houses, staying in a hotel for the time being.

Tang Long found Tang's words amusing, especially the conservative, right-wing rhetoric in the Daily Telegraph.

He said to Ronaldo, who was doing sit-ups on the floor:

"It seems that some UK are still hostile to my arrival, feeling that I've taken away their local players' jobs."

Ronaldo had already done sixty sit-ups in a row, his cheeks puffed out and his face flushed.

"61, 62,... Hey, ignore their nonsense. So what if I stole it? Back when I started out, I came from Brazil to the Netherlands, then Spain, and finally Italy. I took jobs from all the Europe. What could they do? These Europe cut down my homeland's rainforest a hundred years ago, and a hundred years later, I'm making money off them and taking jobs from their own people. Hehe, as long as I play well, won't they be chasing after me calling me an alien? 63, 64..."

Tang Long looked at Ronaldo, a pile of flesh on the ground, his close-fitting carpet already soaked with sweat.

In his mind, the words his mentor Chivu, had repeatedly told him kept echoing:

"In the world of football, no one cares about your skin color, nationality, or background. The only way to gain the respect of thousands is through outstanding skills!"

Tang Long repeated these words to Ronaldo.

Ronaldo struggled to sit up from the ground, panting heavily.

"Chivu is right. Besides, even though Manchester City wants you so much, once you officially report to the team, there's a lot of drama going on in the locker room. Who knows, someone might stab you in the back!"

"Because I took someone else's place, right?" Tang Long said.

"Is that even a question? Your position overlaps with Milner's. He was a regular starter in the second half of last season. Also, David Silva can play on the wing, but he can also play in the center, you know."

"However, in my opinion, you're no weaker than either of them," Ronaldo said, his hands on the ground. "At least Milner, that England, can't beat you."

"As far as I know, Milner doesn't want to leave Manchester City. He wants to compete with you for a starting position. After all, he's only 29 years old. It's only natural, and I can understand it!"

"However, locker room management is never easy. When you were at Inter Milan, when you were promoted from the youth team to the first team, didn't Guarin also resent you a lot? It's the same in Italy, and it's the same in England. People are all the same. The pie is only so big. If you take his share, what will he get? Hahaha!"

"Oh dear, I was so engrossed in talking to you that I haven't even finished my 100 sit-ups yet! I really can't get any fatter. The suit I had custom-made in Milan six months ago no longer fits me. Tang, come help me hold my legs down, I need to complete my daily workout!"

Tang Long pressed down on Ronaldo's legs, helping him do sit-ups.

Seeing Ronaldo panting after doing dozens of sit-ups, Tang Long couldn't help but laugh. You alien, you're not even as good as me, an Earthling.

When Ronaldo finally managed to count to 99 with great difficulty, he let out a mournful howl like a wolf and sprinted towards the finish line of 100.

Tang Long's eyes suddenly lit up, and he jumped to his feet. "I know what to do!"

Just as Ronaldo was halfway up, using his feet to brace against Tang Long's buttocks, his legs suddenly lost all support above them. His body went limp, and with a thud, the back of his head slammed onto the floor, nearly causing him to faint from the pain.

"Damn it, are you trying to murder me?!" Ronaldo collapsed to the ground, utterly devastated.

"I know how to deal with Milner now," Tang Long said with a faint smile.

All of Tang Long's records for joining Manchester City are now complete.

The club faxed his file to the Premier League's official website to register him for the new season's Premier League spot.

Beligistan promised him that the club would expedite the process, aiming to complete all the formalities within a day, so that he could rejoin the team for training as soon as possible and participate in summer training.

"The new Premier League season starts in a week. Because of transfer negotiations, you missed most of the summer training, so theoretically there should be some integration issues with the team. But don't worry, Manchester City has the most professional coaching staff, and your English is good, better than Ranocchia's. I believe you will adapt to the Premier League quickly."

Chief Operating Officer Beligistan was incredibly resourceful; he indeed kept his word.

A day later, Tang Long arrived at Manchester City's training ground.

Manchester City have just finished their morning training session, and the players are relaxing and chatting in the locker room.

Ranocchia arrived more than ten days earlier. Although he was also a new signing, he interacted more with his Manchester City teammates and became familiar with everyone's names.

So he led Tang Long to shake hands and exchange pleasantries with his Manchester City teammates one by one.

"This is our captain Kompany."

"Toure! Come and meet my brother Don!"

"Kolarov, left-back, previously played for Lazio in Serie A."

Aside from his former teammate Ranocchia, Tang Long had never met any of the Manchester City players before; he had only seen their matches on television.

However, what you see on TV is different from reality.

For example, Manchester City's star striker, Agüero, who scored 26 league goals last season and was the Premier League Golden Boot winner, is much stronger at 27 years old than he looks on TV!

His physique was comparable to that of his former teammate, Medel, who was of similar height and was known as the Chile Bulldog.

However, Tang Long noticed a detail: although Agüero a large chest and thick thighs, his ankles were very thin.

This is the hallmark of a forward, a player whose agility and coordination are essential.

"Welcome to Manchester! Mr. Berigestan told me long ago that with you here, I'm sure I'll win the Premier League Golden Boot again! Haha, you're one of the best midfielders officially voted by Serie A, so give me lots of assists, lad!"

Agüero gave Tang Long a big bear hug.

This Argentina striker is 172cm tall, a full half head shorter than Tang Long, who is 182cm tall.

But his arms were as thick as iron bars, and Tang Long's ribs ached from the warm embrace.

"Don't worry, you won't score fewer goals than your compatriot Icardi," Tang Long joked.

"Oh, now that you mention it, I remember," Agüero's eyes lit up, and he rubbed his hands together exaggeratedly. "Icardi is your teammate! Now that he's gone to the other side, I can't lose to him! It's all thanks to your pass, Tung! Did I pronounce it correctly? Hahaha~"

Agüero's voice was already rough, and now, seeing his new teammates, he was so excited that he was practically shouting.

Completely ignoring the subtle look in the eyes of England international Milner and the slight furrow in the brow of Spain international David Silva beside him.

Milner and Tang Long gave each other a lukewarm hug, their hands barely touching, a light and casual exchange of nods without a word.

David Silva was quite polite, exchanging a few pleasantries and talking about Serie A.

Tang Long searched for someone in the crowd.

I looked for a long time but couldn't see it; only a pert buttock gave away its presence.

Sterling was bending over, burying his head in the cabinet to get something, when he heard Tang Long calling his name.

Hey! Nice to meet you, bro!

"Nice to meet you, too!"

The two greeted each other.

This season, Sterling transferred from Liverpool to Manchester City for Pound Sterling 44 million plus Pound Sterling 5 million in additional clauses.

If it weren't for Tang Long's arrival, Sterling would have rewritten Manchester City's transfer history.

Tang Long looked at Sterling's smiling baby face, then glanced at Milner's icy expression.

He had already devised a plan.

Manchester City's Chief Operating Officer, Berigestan, seeing that the time was right, said to the players:

"I'd like to inform everyone that this afternoon we will be holding a meet-and-greet for our new signing, Tang, at the Etihad Stadium. Reporters and fans will be there, and all players are requested to attend. Absence is not permitted!"