The 9320 Miracle Reappears! He Watered Manchester City's First Ever Champions League Title with His Blood!

"Great, quick, quick, move! Look to your left! What are you waiting for?!"

Inter Milan's youth team coach Santon, was on the sidelines, sternly instructing his players to pass the ball.

He still maintains the slender physique he had in his youth, just like a professional athlete;

However, the few gray hairs at his temples and his slightly weathered eyes could not hide his age of 34.

Santon has been retired for three years.

He once single-handedly defended Cristiano Ronaldo in the UEFA Champions League, making him feel like he was in prison. Even the proud the Portuguese gave him a thumbs up after the match.

Fifteen years ago, as a rotation player, he won the only treble in Serie A and was once called "the next Maldini of Italy" by Inter Milan coach Mourinho.

However, after the removal of his meniscus, Cao Gao's physical condition limited his further development, and he gradually faded into obscurity.

In 2018, Santon left Inter Milan for Roma.

During his four years in Roma, he only made 53 appearances before retiring abruptly.

Subsequently, in his early thirties, Santon obtained his coaching certificate and joined Inter Milan's youth team, where he began serving as head coach this season.

"I feel like you're much more talented than me at coaching. How about we switch positions?"

Chivu stood next to Santon, his half-joking words tinged with a bitter self-deprecation.

Inter Milan's youth team has performed well this season.

They defeated strong opponents such as AC Milan and Juventus in the youth league to win the league title;

They also reached the semi-finals of the Europe UEFA Champions League for youth teams, but ultimately lost to Chelsea.

League title, UEFA Champions League semi-finals – these were the KPIs Chivu set for itself and its management at the beginning of the season. Ironically, the first team failed to achieve them, but the youth team did.

Santon smiled slightly and teased, "I won't switch with you. I know you're covered in bruises, but what can you do when you're the head coach? You have to bear these burdens yourself."

Those young-looking children were running around on the field. It was a training match between Inter Milan's youth team and a local fourth-tier club in Milan.

Inter Milan's youth team is already leading 3-0.

"Tell me, Santon, do you have any promising players in your team who could be promoted to the first team? If my transfer budget isn't enough this summer, I'll have to ask you for a few youngsters." Chivu steered the conversation to the main topic.

Santon and Chivu mentioned a few names.

"It's just the same few players. I already reported this to you last month. But you should think it over carefully. Even these top talents are only good enough to play Serie B right now. They won't get playing time in the first team. I suggest we loan them out. At least they'll get some playing time."

Looking at these energetic young men, Chivu couldn't help but sigh.

He suddenly remembered that more than ten years ago, he was also standing on the sidelines of the youth team, observing these kids, and then, without even realizing it, he discovered a world-class superstar. He couldn't help but blurt out:

"Where's the next Tang, Santon? Can you find the next Tang in the team for me?"

Santon let out a "Huh?" and couldn't help but chuckle, "You're overthinking it. Another Tang? With my current squad, I don't even know if there'll be another Santon. Don't be fooled by their youth league championship; it'll be good if two or three of them can make it to Serie A in the future."

Seeing Chivu's face darken and he look dejected, Santon patted him on the shoulder and comforted him, saying:

"Don't be too sad. We were teammates. We've seen it all over the past decade or so. We both know that a genius like Tang only comes along once every fifty to a hundred years. You were lucky to be coached in the youth team when he came along. I wasn't so lucky."

"Tang was born with the aura of a superstar. When I returned to Inter Milan for the second time, I had already been given up by Mancini. The reason I was able to have a second spring here was entirely due to Tang's guidance and motivation on the field. He encouraged me. Such a player is rare and hard to come by. He is a gift from God and cannot be cultivated by us coaches."

Inside the physiotherapy room.

Inter Milan's first-team striker, Bonazzoli, is having a heated argument with the team doctor.

So much so that before Chivu even opened the door, he could hear Bonazzoli's rough, loud voice roaring at the top of his lungs.

"Bullshit! Absolutely bullshit!"

"I told you I'm fully recovered. It was just a minor ankle fracture, not an amputation. It's been three months, and I'm not afraid. What are you afraid of? Why won't you let me play?"

As Chivu pushed open the door, he heard a loud crash. A glass of water shattered at his feet. Chivu was startled and took a step back, glaring at Bonazzoli.

"Ah, boss, I... I didn't mean to, are you alright!"

Bonazzoli rolled out of bed and looked at Chivu with an apologetic expression.

But as he suddenly jumped, Bonazzoli felt a dull pain in his ankle, causing him to frown instantly.

Chivu quickly gestured for him to sit down.

"Don't push yourself. Look at yourself. I've spoken with the chief team doctor, Rubion. You can't return without his permission. Just wait a bit longer."

Now 28 years old, Bonazzoli is much more muscular than he was in his early twenties.

His muscles and frame are fully developed, and combined with his height of 185 cm, he has the typical frame of a center and looks very imposing.

But the biggest change is in his face.

After his cheeks grew wider, he lost his youthful innocence, and his oval face became a square face. Coupled with the light beard he deliberately grew, he looked very fierce, and his face looked much older than his actual age.

"The season will be over soon, and our next opponent is Juventus!"

Bonazzoli felt Chivu's sharp gaze, the same as it had been ten years ago in the youth team, perhaps even sharper.

"Alright, boss, I promise you, I'll focus on recovering."

Bonazzoli paused, then changed the subject, tentatively asking, "By the way, I heard Uncle Bei just returned from Madrid. How did it go? Did Dom agree to return to Inter Milan? I really can't wait to work with him again. Time flies; the last time we partnered was back in 2018. Seven years have passed in the blink of an eye."

Chivu remained noncommittal, simply saying softly, "Don't worry about the transfer; just focus on recovering from your injury."

Three of the six tasks for the day have been completed.

Chivu began his fourth task, speaking privately with captain Ranocchia to learn about the recent situation in the locker room.

This is a very important matter, because as a head coach, once you lose control of the locker room, you also lose your say in the team.

Although Chivu is a true Inter Milan legend, he has never won a championship in his coaching career. Compared with Lippi, Mancini, Mourinho and others who have coached Inter Milan for nearly 30 years, he is still a complete novice.

When Ranocchia walked into the players' office, he had just finished extra training after his regular workout in the gym.

He is 37 years old and about to enter the age of forty.

Compared to his younger days, this handsome Italy man has cut off his flowing long hair and now sports the short haircut common among middle-aged men his age.

Although he still has a handsome appearance, the years have left visible marks on his face.

"To be honest, boss, the atmosphere in the locker room isn't good right now. The players lack confidence in beating Juventus. Since Tang left Inter Milan ten years ago, our record against Juventus has been terrible, especially in the last two seasons. Including the Coppa Italia, we've lost four in a row."

"The players are eagerly awaiting the return of our main striker, Bonazzoli. He is our key weapon in attack, having scored 18 goals, making him our top scorer." Ranocchia glanced at Chivu, and seeing that Chivu didn't answer him, he knew that Bonazzoli was unlikely to return, and his heart tightened.

"However, I assure you, as long as I'm with Inter Milan, I will do everything in my power to motivate them, especially for this weekend's league match..."

Ranocchia paused, then gritted his teeth and said, "Juventus want to win the title at our home ground? They'll have to crush me! As Inter Milan's captain and the oldest player, I will fight for this blue and black jersey until the very last moment!"

The Italy center-back returned to Inter Milan five years ago.

From 2015 to 2020, he played for Manchester City for five years, winning four Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League titles.

Despite repeated attempts by Manchester City manager Guardiola to retain him, Ranocchia, longing for his home club, submitted a transfer request to Inter Milan.

"I still want my two children to receive an Italy education. I'm sorry, Pep, my roots aren't in Britain."

That year, Manchester City was undergoing unprecedented scrutiny under the Europe Financial Fair Play regulations.

CEO Berrada believes that the 32-year-old Ranocchia has reached the final moment to cash out, and if it waits another year or two, it will no longer fetch a good price.

In the summer of 2020, Ranocchia returned to Inter Milan for a transfer fee of 15 million euros.

This figure is €20 million less than when he joined Inter Milan from Manchester City in 2015.

"Okay, in this team, I trust your word the most." Chivu punched Ranocchia in the chest with his fist.

Chivu said, "By the way, have you really made a decision?"

Ranocchia nodded without hesitation. "Yes, Mr. Chivu, I've made up my mind. I've neglected my family too much for football, it's time to return to my family. Besides, I'm 37 years old, I'm getting old, and my physical condition can no longer meet my own requirements, so it's time to retire."

Ranocchia had short hair and a faint scar on his forehead.

If it weren't for prior knowledge, no one would notice the scar, let alone know the story behind it.

At this moment, in the Inter Milan coach's office, Chivu and Ranocchia sat facing each other. He looked at the scar, because he knew its location clearly, and he knew clearly that it was paid for with blood.

June 2017, Cardiff Millennium Stadium.

UEFA Champions League final.

The first half ended in a 1-1 draw.

In the second half, Real Madrid launched a swift and fierce counterattack.

In the 65th minute, after passing the ball through Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, and Marcelo, Bale made a high-speed run down the wing and fired a low shot from outside the penalty area, which was saved by then- Manchester City goalkeeper Bravo.

Just as everyone was celebrating, Cristiano Ronaldo suddenly appeared outside the penalty area, met the ball with a powerful volley, and the ball hit the back of the net!

2 to 1!

Real Madrid have taken the lead!

The cheers at Cardiff Millennium Stadium lingered for a long time. Real Madrid fans, dressed in white, all stood up, raised their hands high, and worshipped their football king, Cristiano Ronaldo!

"Ronaldo!!!!"

Cristiano Ronaldo sat on an advertising board on the edge of the stands, arms crossed, smiling.

After that, Zidane tightened the defense, and Real Madrid retreated to a more defensive posture.

With their unparalleled Europe UEFA Champions League experience, these players have perfected the art of counter-attacking.

If they hold firm in their defense, it will be extremely difficult for Manchester City to break through through passing.

Guardiola made constant substitutions, with the physically exhausted Agüero being replaced by Bonazzoli, and Sane and Mkhitaryan also coming on.

Despite Tang Long's continuous breakthroughs and good chances on the left flank, a highly motivated Navas made a series of brilliant saves, and Tang Long also had some bad luck, hitting the post twice. Until the end of stoppage time, Manchester City still couldn't equalize.

Just as Real Madrid fans were starting to pop champagne.

The third minute of stoppage time.

Tang Long cut inside from the left and shot, but the ball hit Ramos's back and went out of bounds.

Manchester City are awarded a corner kick.

Set-piece master Kolarov takes the shot.

Kolarov, panting heavily, only managed to catch his breath at the last moment before taking a run-up and striking the ball!

Just as Ramos jumped to contest the header, a figure suddenly darted ahead of him and appeared in front of him.

It's Tang Long!

Although he didn't jump as high as Ramos, he had already anticipated the landing point, which was a huge advantage for him in getting to the ball. Tang Long instantly changed the ball's trajectory with a back glance and a light touch on his forehead!

This sudden change threw Real Madrid's penalty area into chaos, with crowds thronging the area and shouts erupting everywhere!

"Mine!!!"

At the far post, Ranocchia, standing at 195cm, shouted until his voice almost cracked. He took off, executed a high-flying dive, overpowered Varane, and headed the ball into the goal with wide eyes!

Lanokhi, having exerted too much force, realized the goalpost was right in front of him, but he still recklessly rammed into it!

With a clang, the entire goal shook, and even the broadcast footage from the goal's perspective was shaky!

Goal!

Manchester City have scored!

"In the 93rd minute, they miraculously equalized the score!"

"An assist from Tang Long at the near post, followed by Ranocchia's header at the far post, smashing the ball into the goal!"

"This is going to drag into overtime!"

"Haha, everyone at Real Madrid is covering their heads. The duck that was almost in their hands has flown away. They'll have to wait a bit longer!"

"Etc..."

"9320!"

"The official time for the goal is 93 minutes and 20 seconds!"

"A miracle, an unparalleled miracle!"

"In the final round of the 2012 Premier League, Manchester City defeated Queens Park Rangers at this crucial moment, staging a dramatic comeback to win their first-ever Premier League title!"

Five years later, 9320 reappeared in the UEFA Champions League final!

Manchester City were pulled back from the brink of elimination!