2017 Opening: Winter Window Opens, Old Depart, New Arrive!
January 1, 2017.
Just as Manchester City were battling it out with Southampton in the Premier League.
A tall, black goalkeeper, head held high and long legs striding, entered the club office and solemnly signed his name on the contract file—Andre Onana.
The goalkeeper, who hails from the Netherlands and Jax, officially joined Manchester City on the first day of the new year, which was also the first day of the winter transfer window, for a fee of 25 million euros.
Cameras and microphones were pointed at him, and the spotlight made his dark face appear pale. The reporters' questions came like a machine gun.
"Onana! You come from La Masia, is that why Guardiola chose you?"
"I've heard you're extremely good at ball control. Are you confident you can replace Bravo as a starter?"
"You've already played in the UEFA Europa League for Ajax this season, but at Manchester City you can only play in the league. Are you disappointed?"
"Which Manchester City player do you like the most? Can you tell me?"
Onana played football in the Netherlands for several years and speaks fluent English. He also has an outgoing personality and was very comfortable during the interview, talking non-stop without showing any fear, displaying the demeanor of a great player.
"However, as you said, I come from La Masia, I'm good at passing and possession, and my coaches have always wanted me to be a modern goalkeeper. My idol is Valdes, and I hope to achieve the same success as him at Manchester City."
Valdes won the treble with Barca, Onana was clearly full of confidence in his future, a statement that impressed the reporters present.
"Of course, a goalkeeper's essence is to guard the goal. I have a long wingspan, and it's not an easy thing for Premier League striker to get into my goal," Onana smiled slightly.
"My favorite player? It's definitely Tang. He's a phenomenal player, and I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet."
Onana paused, seemingly lost in thought, and said, "When I was at Ajax, I often connected with the forwards through precise long passes from the back. I'm confident that this kind of chemistry can also happen with Tang."
One reporter whispered to his colleague, "This kid looks stronger Bravo; he's much bigger."
Another reporter said, "Yes, look at his calm and composed expression; he doesn't have the aura of a 21-year-old player at all."
Some people said, "He's got quite the nerve. He's already talking to Tang before the game even starts. I wonder if he can even keep up with Tang's thinking?"
[Official Announcement: Icardi Returns to Inter Milan!]
"23-year-old Argentine player Mauro Icardi has joined Inter Milan on loan from Manchester United."
"He spent two unforgettable years with Nerazzurri, and in the 2014-2015 season became the youngest Golden Boot winner in Serie A's 100-year history, leading the team to win the UEFA Europa League and the Coppa Italia."
"During the six-month loan period, Mauro brought my team together, striving together for higher goals."
Welcome home, Mauro!
After much struggle, Icardi heeded Chivu's advice and chose to return to Inter Milan on loan.
He didn't go to Roma — Manchester United wanted him to go to Roma because Roma offered to cover 20% of his salary, meaning Inter Milan would essentially be using him for free for six months without incurring any costs. Sporting director Ausilio was overjoyed and boasted about it at an internal management meeting.
"Mauro gets paid by Manchester United but plays for Inter Milan Milan. What does it mean to be a freeloader? This is what it means to be a freeloader!"
Inter Milan's current manager, Pioli, beamed and complimented, "Ausilio, you truly are the best sporting director in all of Italy. Even with 1 million euros, you could have loaned Lionel Messi."
Ausilio straightened his tie and said loudly, "Old Pi, just you wait and see, the real show is yet to come. When Mauro's loan expires, I'll shamelessly hold onto him and refuse to let him go. Hey, I won't let him go. I'll make Mauro tell Manchester United himself that he's not leaving. Then we'll buy Mauro back for 20 million euros, okay?"
"Great, great, great!" Pioli was so happy he almost jumped for joy.
His previous job was coaching Biancocelesti, where he suffered a lot at the hands of Icardi, Lazio situation he both loved and hated.
What I hate is that Icardi always manages to score against Lazio, but what I love is that Pioli really likes this type of player who can stay in the penalty area and score goals.
"Ausilio, if you can bring Dom back to Inter Milan next season, I'll personally pay for a statue of you in front of the Meazza!"
Pioli's words made everyone at the table laugh.
Ausilio laughed so hard his tie was askew, and he slumped in his chair.
"Alright, if you can turn things around and win the Serie A title this season, I'll agree to bring Tang over next season."
Call--
Bang!
Icardi's flight landed smoothly at Milan Malpensa Airport.
As the cabin door slowly opened, a scent reminiscent of Southern Europe instantly filled the cabin, and the blinding sunlight streamed in without any obstruction, so bright that it was almost impossible to open one's eyes.
Icardi, with his sports bag slung over his shoulder, walked down the gangway step by step.
The sunlight shone on him, warm and comforting, a stark contrast to the perpetually gloomy and overcast skies of Britain, shrouded in a layer of leaden clouds.
However, Icardi's mood was far from sunny and pleasant.
He walked heavily along the connecting bridge to the airport terminal, his head bowed.
The flight attendant, with a professional and sweet smile, said gently, "Sir, have a pleasant journey and welcome to Milan."
Icardi, lost in his worries, merely nodded mechanically, unmoved by the flight attendant's warm farewell. His mind was a jumbled mess, a jumble of thoughts that disturbed his peace of mind.
He returned under immense pressure.
He couldn't help but wonder: Will the fans hold a grudge against me for that inexplicable boycott two years ago?
Those once familiar teammates have almost all gone their separate ways. Who's in charge in the locker room now?
Will my teammates accept me, someone who's returned on loan?
I'm really not resigned to this; I still want to go back to the Premier League.
But if I don't perform well for Inter Milan in the next six months, where will I end up next season?
Of all these troubles, the one that worries Icardi the most is his partner.
He sighed helplessly to himself, "With Tang gone, who in Inter Milan's midfield can deliver threatening passes to me now?"
Just then, a deafening cheer surged forth like a tidal wave, instantly pulling Icardi back from his chaotic and worried thoughts.
"Mauro!"
"Mauro!"
Welcome home, Mauro!
The sounds rose and fell, wave after wave, the cheers of thousands of Inter Milan fans who had come to greet them at the airport.
Inter Milan had an extremely poor start to the season. It was only after Pioli took over that the team began to rebound and achieved their first two-game winning streak of the season. However, they are still ranked 7th in the standings, 6 points away from the UEFA Champions League qualification zone.
Fans have certainly not forgotten Icardi's inexplicable strike two years ago, but what is even more unforgettable in their hearts is Icardi's valiant performance on the field that season.
He scored a staggering 40 goals in the league, breaking Higuain's record for most Serie A in a single Serie A season and becoming the youngest Golden Boot winner in Serie A history!
In the eyes of fans, Icardi is the kind of player who can change the course of a game simply by stepping onto the pitch.
As long as he's there, there's a constant stream of goals;
As long as Inter Milan scores a goal, they still have hope of being saved!
The erupting cheers brought a sigh of relief to Icardi, who thought to himself, "The fans still love me. Ah, I was so young back then. That bitch Wanda ruined my career. I must divorce her and get back to my former glory!"
Icardi readily obliged fans' requests for photos and autographs;
Thousands of fans crowded the exit, so much so that security guards had to urge Icardi to leave quickly.
"Mauro, here you go!"
In the chaos, a poster was shoved into Icardi's hand.
Looking at the poster, Icardi's eyes reddened, and memories of the dead flooded back.
He immediately recognized the scene as a moment from the 2014-2015 season, when Inter Milan played Juventus away, and Tang Long assisted him in scoring the winning goal, during which he and Tang Long embraced excitedly.
Icardi clutched the small poster tightly in his hand, as if holding onto his most glorious past.
I walked quickly out of the airport.
Looking up at the bright, scorching sun overhead, his chest heaved violently. Then, with all his might, he leaped up, threw a heavy punch at the sky, and roared:
"Milan! I Mauro Icardi, am back!"