Tang Long

Biodata

Feature	Detail
Full Name	Tang Long 105 332
Alias	Tang 332 382
Age	18 at the beginning of his professional career; 19 during his first Manchester City season; 20 by his second season in England 1 435 579
Height	182 cm 46
Weight	77 kg after specialized training 439
Positions	Left winger, attacking midfielder, shadow striker, defensive midfielder 439 579
Clubs	Inter Milan; Manchester City; later returns to Inter Milan 244 623
Manchester City Shirt Number	9 246
Role	Core player and multi-position tactical hub, capable of controlling matches from defensive midfield, attacking midfield, or the forward line 431

Background

Tang Long, an 18-year-old Chinese player at Inter Milan's youth academy, transmigrated into his current body five months before his story begins 1. After secretly watching 1,000 professional football matches to feed his embedded Green Field Intelligence Engine system, he activated the AI intelligence skill—Passing Route Prediction 1. At that time, his initial overall rating was 55, equivalent to a Serie C substitute level 1. His youth contract was expiring, and coach Chivu was uncertain about renewing it 1. However, after being fast-tracked to the first team roster, Tang Long made his Serie A debut against Genoa, delivering two key passes and an assist that sparked excitement among Chinese fans 4 12. Manager Mancini, impressed by Tang Long's vision and game-reading ability—which earned praise even from former Inter star Sneijder—promoted him and signed him to a first-team professional contract with a base salary of 400,000 after tax annually 13 25. Tang Long was described by Mancini as a well-rounded player capable of playing multiple positions in midfield and attack 13.

Tang Long's rise continued as he became a key player for Inter Milan, known for his exceptional passing, tactical awareness, and ability to elevate teammates 90 124 125. He used his AI system's Smart AI Cloud Training to improve his skills, learning from virtual sparring partners like Pirlo and Iniesta 50 16. His performances attracted interest from top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich 121 211. Despite the transfer rumors, he remained focused on Inter's season, helping the team win the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Europa League 227 220. Eventually, financial pressures at Inter Milan and Tang Long's ambition to join a club capable of winning the UEFA Champions League led to his transfer to Manchester City for 71 million euros 225 237.

Tang Long passed Manchester City's medical examination, received a British work permit through the Genius Clause, and signed a five-year contract after completing his move 244. His arrival made him Manchester City's record signing at the time, and he was unveiled to supporters at the Etihad Stadium wearing the number 9 shirt 246. At City, he developed from an elite creator into an all-purpose central player and eventual forward, capable of combining playmaking, technical defending, pressing, dribbling, and scoring 291 393 431. His connection with Sergio Agüero became especially decisive, with Tang Long repeatedly supplying the striker for prolific scoring performances 291 360.

Under Guardiola, Tang Long became increasingly focused on the forward line without losing the passing vision and tactical flexibility that had defined his midfield game 468 574. He later challenged Cristiano Ronaldo for the European Golden Shoe and overturned the race by scoring six goals in one league match, ultimately claiming the award outright 599. A decade after leaving Italy, he returned to Inter Milan, where his accumulated experience and predictive ability allowed him to remain a decisive creator despite age and previous injury concerns 623 628.

• Initial Awakening: Tang Long activates the Green Field Intelligence Engine after watching 1,000 matches, gaining Passing Route Prediction 1.
• Youth Team to First Team: Promoted by Chivu to the first team, makes Serie A debut with an assist 4 12.
• Professional Contract: Signed by Mancini to a first-team professional contract 13.
• Skill Development: Uses AI Cloud Training to improve dribbling, passing, and tactical understanding with virtual sparring partners 50 16.
• Breakout Performances: Delivers Man of the Match displays, including against AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina 90.
• Transfer Interest: Becomes a target for multiple top clubs after a strong season 121 211.
• Silverware: Wins Coppa Italia and UEFA Europa League with Inter Milan 220 227.
• Departure: Transfers to Manchester City for 71 million euros to pursue Champions League success 237.
• Manchester City Move: Signs a five-year Manchester City contract after passing his medical and gaining a Genius Clause work permit 244.
• Premier League Adaptation: Establishes himself in midfield, defensive midfield, and attack while forming a highly productive partnership with Agüero 291 360.
• Golden Shoe Triumph: Scores six times against Sunderland to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo and secure the European Golden Shoe 599.
• Return to Inter Milan: Returns to the Giuseppe Meazza a decade later and resumes his role as an elite anticipatory playmaker 623 628.

Personality and Appearance

Tang Long is 182 cm tall and possesses a well-proportioned professional footballer's build. During Maradona's visit to Inter Milan, he is described as having neat short black hair, clearly defined abdominal and pectoral muscles, and a handsome face 60. His physical development became particularly apparent after Chivu's winter training, when even Ranocchia could no longer reliably unsettle him with a simple physical nudge from behind 37.

His demeanor is generally calm, deliberate, and self-assured. He rarely allows media pressure, hostile teammates, or competitive tension to visibly shake him. Although observers have sometimes mistaken his individualized preparation for a lack of effort, Tang Long combines video study, Cloud Training, and regular extra physical work in a highly self-directed routine 282 297 298.

• Calm and unflappable: Referred to as “Mr. Calm” during a media whirlwind, Tang Long consistently dismisses rumors and refuses to engage in controversy, stating plainly that he “just want[s] to play football” 161. He maintains this composure even when targeted by hostile press or glanced at disdainfully by teammates 332.
• Punctual and methodical: Tang Long is never late to official training, and at one point is noted for arriving precisely at the final minute rather than early 326. His preparation is nevertheless extensive: he studies match footage while travelling, trains through the AI Cloud Training Ground, and participates in extra work on days off 297 298.
• Hardworking and self-directed: Teammates and coaches increasingly recognize that Tang Long follows an unconventional but demanding training routine. He uses match video as tactical training, conducts additional work with fitness staff, and continually seeks new training modules rather than merely following the squad's standard program 282 298.
• Curious and opportunistic: When the chance arises to follow Cristiano Ronaldo into the Barcelona locker room, Tang Long’s eyes light up and he immediately follows, showing a willingness to seize unconventional opportunities out of sheer curiosity 224. He is not passive but actively seeks to see if what others claim is true.
• Competitive and resilient: Tang Long does not retreat from physical provocation or high-pressure matches. When repeatedly targeted by Burnley players, he uses his predictive ability to protect himself and turn their aggression against them 584.
• Adaptable: He accepts tactical redeployments from attacking midfield to defensive midfield, winger, shadow striker, and center-forward, prioritizing the team’s needs without abandoning his own technical identity 431 574 578.
• Quietly authoritative: As his status rises, Tang Long develops into a locker-room leader who can calm disputes and command teammates through performance rather than theatrics 346 468.

AI System: Max-Level Prediction

Match Prediction

The Green Field Intelligence Engine System's core function is to provide Tang Long with real-time, big-data-driven prediction during live matches. Initially awakened after he fed the system 1,000 full professional match recordings, the Basic-level ability, Passing Route Prediction, analyzes the passing lanes and positioning of top-tier players to design optimal passing routes, allowing Tang Long to make pre-emptive judgments on the pitch 1. As the system upgraded, its data analysis coverage expanded: rather than only transmitting information during key passing phases, the AI began feeding Tang Long constant brainwave data whenever the ball was in play and players were moving 56. This enabled him to perceive the game with what teammates described as a "sixth sense"—a form of absolute dominance in reading and anticipating situations 46. The system constructs real-time models of the entire pitch, calculating the changing spatial divisions created by the constant motion of 22 players, and can predict opponent actions up to three seconds in advance 136 355. Crucially, however, the AI's predictions are based on the massive historical and live data Tang Long feeds it, and are not infallible—big data is not omnipotent, and football involves living, breathing players whose form, the roar of the crowd, and other intangibles can render a statistically optimal suggestion suboptimal in reality 355. Tang Long has on several occasions deliberately ignored the AI's guidance and followed his own instincts, with successful results 196 355.

The system remains potent even in Tang Long's later career. Upon returning to Inter Milan a decade later, he uses his anticipation of teammates’ movements and the opposition’s reactions to create a goal for Frattesi, demonstrating that his predictive game sense has become deeply integrated with his own football intelligence 623.

• Applications: Provides split-second passing route optimization during fluid play; allows pre-emptive defensive positioning by predicting opponent movements three seconds ahead; reduces cognitive load by feeding processed big-data analysis directly via brainwaves, enabling faster decision-making 1 56 355.
• Limitations: Predictions are only as good as the data fed into the system—insufficient or low-quality input degrades accuracy 355; the AI cannot account for intangible factors like player emotion, fan atmosphere, or instinctual creativity, meaning the "optimal" prediction may not be the best real-world choice 355 196; at the intermediate level, the system cannot provide pre-match tactical advice since no real-time data from the upcoming opponent is available yet 123.

Player Behavior Analysis

Beyond general game flow, the Green Field Intelligence Engine excels at modeling and analyzing individual players—both teammates and opponents—by constructing detailed behavioral profiles. Tang Long can build personal models for specific players, feeding the AI video footage, physical data, and even biographical information to make the models "flesh and blood," elevating his predictions from cold statistics to a nuanced understanding of a player's tendencies, temperament, and decision-making patterns 323. This ability functions in real-time during matches: against Liverpool, Tang Long spent 40 minutes constantly observing Steven Gerrard's movements and defensive habits, feeding these samples into the AI model as the match progressed 170. The system analyzed Gerrard's running mechanics and detected a "slight sluggishness" in his left foot, uncovering a hidden ankle injury that was invisible to the naked eye and even concealed by medical tape 170. This kind of granular analysis extends to teammate management as well. During a match against Sampdoria, the AI generated real-time "puzzle piece" combinations of left-flank and right-flank player groupings, assigning each combination attack and defense ratings 126. It also detected when the young Nigerian winger Obi's positioning drifted completely away from the team's defensive system, issuing a warning via a color-coded heat map alert 126. The system helps Tang Long understand not just where a player will move, but why—their psychological state, tactical discipline, and hidden vulnerabilities.

After reaching an advanced stage, the system can conduct more direct physical analysis. Tang Long uses it to scan Sterling’s body and generate a detailed report on the winger’s strengths, physical limitations, and the effects of those limitations on his performance 317. At Manchester City, Tang Long supplements video and biographical research with teammates’ medical records, injury histories, physical examinations, and tracking reports, enabling the AI to create more complete player models 325.

• Applications: Allows targeted exploitation of opponent weaknesses, such as attacking a specific injury or pressing a player known to lose composure 170 126; enables personalized coaching of teammates by identifying specific gaps in their tactical awareness (e.g., correcting Obi's positioning) 126; supports long-term teammate development by feeding biographical, medical, and psychological data to create richer, more accurate models 323 325.
• Limitations: The accuracy of any individual player model depends entirely on the quantity and quality of input data—biographical information must be deliberately fed and may still miss intangible human elements like morale or personal conflicts 323; behavioral patterns can change mid-match (a player who is usually composed may react differently under extreme pressure), and the AI may not capture such shifts instantly.

Stamina and Condition Prediction

As Tang Long continuously fed match data into the Green Field Intelligence Engine, the system became capable of forecasting an opponent's physical condition in real-time, identifying impending stamina bottlenecks before they became visibly apparent. During a match against Sassuolo, the AI detected that opposing center-back Paolo Cannavaro had reached a critical stamina threshold where a cliff-like decline was "highly probable" 120. This prediction was derived from constant monitoring of the real-time heat map projected into Tang Long's brain: while Cannavaro's body continued tracking the ball, the system flagged that his head-tracking movements—a subtle indicator of focus—had become less agile after the 70th minute, even though the decline was invisible to everyone else on the pitch 120. The same analysis was applied to Gerrard, where the AI detected not just a stamina dip but a specific biomechanical irregularity in his left foot during movement, inferring a lingering injury that affected his performance 170. This ability allows Tang Long to time his attacking surges for moments when opponents are physically or mentally compromised, turning a slight statistical dip into a decisive tactical advantage.

Tang Long expands this function at Manchester City by studying laboratory tracking reports and medical records alongside football footage. These materials allow him to assess teammates’ conditioning, injury history, recovery status, and physiological traits before and during matches 325.

• Applications: Identifies the precise moment to increase attacking pressure against a defender whose stamina is about to collapse, enabling goals in the late stages of matches 120; detects hidden injuries that opponents are trying to conceal, allowing targeted dribbling or pressing at the injured area 170; provides real-time feedback on the physical state of teammates as well, helping Tang Long adjust his distribution to avoid overworking exhausted players.
• Limitations: The prediction is probabilistic, not guaranteed—a player might push through a stamina bottleneck through sheer willpower, rendering the forecast inaccurate 120 355; the system can only detect patterns it has been trained on; a completely novel injury or a player's uncharacteristic physical response might not trigger an alert.

Tactical Spatial Analysis

After reading Johan Cruyff's autobiography, Tang Long synthesized a core philosophy—"when attacking, make the pitch space larger; when defending, make the pitch space smaller"—and this realization unlocked the [Chess Insight] reward within the AI Cloud Training Ground 136. This ability transforms the pitch into a conceptual Go board with 130,321 intersection points and 104,976 squares, fundamentally changing how the AI presents spatial information to Tang Long. Previously, the AI System's prompts were text-based descriptions that required further analysis and judgment, but with Chess Insight, the movement of every player and the ball is visualized as chess pieces on a dynamic board, making spatial relationships instantly intuitive 138. The system calculates how teams deliberately manipulate space—for example, launching a fierce attack on one side of the pitch to create gaps elsewhere, or how defenders bunch during corners while fast full-barks stay back to guard against counterattacks 136. This spatial awareness integrates directly with the puzzle-piece analysis of player combinations: the AI provides data tables showing the attack and defense ratings of specific flank combinations, such as the right-side triangle of D'Ambrosio, Medel, and Obi, allowing Tang Long to orchestrate tactics that play to each group's strengths while covering their weaknesses 126.

This spatial anticipation becomes a defining part of Tang Long's play at Manchester City. Yaya Touré recognizes that Tang Long often moves several phases ahead of the current play, likening his control of space to Sergio Busquets’ 294. The ability allows Tang Long to form passing triangles, intercept passing lanes, trigger immediate pressing, and provide an effective link between ball-playing defenders and the midfield 294.

• Applications: Provides an intuitive, chess-board visualization of space that enables instant recognition of shifting defensive and attacking zones, replacing slower text-based prompts 136 138; allows Tang Long to create and exploit mismatches by understanding how player movement dynamically divides the pitch 126 136; supports complex tactical orchestration by analyzing how different player "puzzle pieces" interact spatially across the flanks 126.
• Limitations: The system's spatial analysis is only as current as its real-time data feed—if a formation changes unexpectedly (e.g., a red card or a radical tactical shift), the model may require several minutes of new data to recalibrate 126; the framework is abstract and conceptual, and while it aids Tang Long's decision-making, it cannot physically execute movements for him—he must still have the technical ability to deliver the pass or make the run the spatial analysis identifies 46.

Team Synergy System

After winning his first professional trophy with Inter Milan, Tang Long triggered a hidden Synergy Bonus reward that fundamentally altered how he could use his AI predictions within a team context 202. Previously, the AI System's predictions and warnings were accessible only to Tang Long himself—he could act on them, but his teammates had no direct insight into the data-driven decisions he was making. The Synergy Bonus changed this by granting him the ability to notify his teammates of the AI System's predictions during live matches, effectively allowing him to share his preternatural game-reading with the entire squad 202. Tang Long immediately began planning to test this feature in high-stakes matches like the Derby della Madonnina, recognizing that synchronized team actions based on millisecond-level prediction could give Inter Milan a decisive edge against evenly matched opponents 202. This capability transforms Tang Long from a solo operator into a tactical hub—he can direct teammates into optimal positions, warn them about incoming threats they cannot yet see, and coordinate pressing triggers or defensive shifts based on the AI's forecasts.

His later partnerships demonstrate the practical outcome of this team-focused evolution. Tang Long creates especially effective combinations with Icardi, Bonazzoli, Agüero, Ranocchia, and Mkhitaryan by adapting his movement and distribution to their particular traits 134 291 360 559 574.

• Applications: Enables real-time, on-field tactical coaching where Tang Long can instruct teammates on positioning and movement based on AI analysis 202; fosters team-level synchronization where the entire squad can react to predicted opponent actions simultaneously rather than relying on Tang Long alone to exploit the advantage; particularly valuable in derby matches and high-pressure knockout games where split-second coordination can decide the outcome.
• Limitations: The notification feature requires teammates to trust Tang Long's judgment and be willing to follow his instructions under match pressure, which takes time to develop 202; the system only transmits the prediction—it does not ensure that teammates have the technical ability or tactical understanding to execute the advised action correctly, as seen when Obi drifted out of position despite warnings 126; the Synergy Bonus effect may have a limited range or duration, requiring Tang Long to carefully choose the most critical moments to activate it.

Specialized Skill Training

The AI Cloud Training Ground gradually expands from general sparring and physical modules into highly focused individual training. Tang Long unlocks multiple individual modules while improving his one-on-one forward dribbling, allowing him to address weaknesses with greater precision 283. Later, he gains [Specialized Training Sessions], a limited supply of high-efficiency training time that can be devoted to a chosen skill 435.

Tang Long initially spends this time on volley training, raising his volley proficiency from 78% to 81% and his shooting accuracy from 85 to 86 435. He later directs specialized work toward shooting accuracy, shot power, heading, and speed. This produces major gains, although he discovers that once an attribute exceeds 90, further improvement requires disproportionately greater effort 439.

The system also supports the development of rare dribbling techniques. After completing three flick-over tests, Tang Long unlocks the Continuous Flick-Over Dribble, increasing his dribbling rating to 92 and raising his ball control to 90% of Maradona's peak level 490.

• Applications: Allows Tang Long to rapidly target individual deficiencies such as volleys, finishing, heading, acceleration, and one-on-one dribbling 435 439; unlocks specialized techniques including the Continuous Flick-Over Dribble 490; supplements real-world training without adding physical fatigue 13.
• Limitations: Specialized training time is finite and must be allocated carefully 435; improvement slows substantially once an attribute passes the 90-point threshold 439; virtual progress still requires Tang Long to adapt the learned technique to real-match pressure and physical conditions.

Power Progression

Story Arc/Chapter Range	Achievement/AI Upgrade	Description
Ch. 1 – 12 (Youth Team & System Awakening)	Green Field Intelligence Engine – Basic Level; Skill: Passing Route Prediction	After watching 1,000 professional matches, the system activates. Tang Long acquires the ability to predict optimal passing routes via AI big-data analysis. Initial overall rating is 55 (Serie C substitute level).
Ch. 13 – 29 (First-Team Breakthrough)	System Upgrade to Intermediate; Unlock [Smart AI Cloud Training Mode]	Signing a first-team professional contract triggers the system upgrade. Cloud training allows Tang Long to train in his brain – efficient, stamina-free skill growth. He begins to improve passing and physical attributes.
Ch. 30 – 34 (Winter Break Special Training)	Hidden Reward: Chivu as Sparring Partner; Physical Breakthrough	Chivu becomes a cloud-training sparring partner, helping Tang Long break through the passing bottleneck (attribute rises). Winter break physical training boosts stamina to 71, strength to 75, jumping to 70. Passing reaches 75.
Ch. 50 – 55 (Dribbling Improvement)	Dribbling Training with Pirlo; Dribbling Stat Increase	After realizing his dribbling weakness, Tang Long enters the dribbling AI module. Under Pirlo's guidance, he completes 15,356 touches in a five-hour drill, raising dribbling from 59 to 62.
Ch. 56 – 70 (AI Phase Upgrade)	Green Field Intelligence Engine (Intermediate) – Brainwave Coverage Increase	The AI system’s data analysis coverage expands. Tang Long now receives continuous brainwave information during play (not only at key passing moments), improving his overall awareness and control of the game.
Ch. 71 – 89 (Maradona’s Influence)	Maradona’s Mystery Football; Ball Control Insight	Advised by Pirlo to “soften” the ball like Maradona, Tang Long receives a mysterious football that transports him to an AI training ground. This leads to qualitative improvement in ball control and football understanding (exact stat gains not specified).
Ch. 90 – 102 (Threshold Breakthrough & Agent Offers)	Ceiling Raised from 70 to 80; Overall Attribute Improvement	Chivu’s continuous training, combined with hidden side quests (e.g., Bonazzoli’s gratitude), pushes Tang Long’s overall ceiling from 70 to 80. Stamina 80, Strength 79, Short Passing 79. He also meets Ronaldo (agent offer).
Ch. 103 – 135 (Contract Renewal & Skill Balance)	New Contract (€2M after tax); Learning Low-trajectory Curve Shot	Tang Long signs a new Inter contract. He attempts to learn De Bruyne’s low-trajectory curve shot but struggles, temporarily losing his natural style. Eventually learns the importance of balancing new skills with his own style.
Ch. 136 – 200 (Tactical Evolution: Chess Insight)	Awakening [Chess Insight] Reward; Space Division Mastery	Inspired by Cruyff’s philosophy, Tang Long awakens Chess Insight in the AI Cloud Training Ground. The pitch becomes a Go board (130,321 intersection points), enabling him to predict player movement and space changes intuitively. Improves his positioning and final-third decisions.
Ch. 201 – 283 (Championship & Synergy Bonus)	Hidden Reward: Synergy Bonus; First Professional Trophy	After winning the Coppa Italia, Tang Long receives the Synergy Bonus – he can now notify teammates of AI predictions during matches. His AI Cloud Training continues; his overall level rises from Serie B substitute to Serie A starter.
Ch. 283 – 309 (Premier League Adaptation)	Individual Training Modules; Forward Dribbling Development	Tang Long begins targeted one-on-one forward dribbling work as Manchester City experiment with his roles across midfield and attack. His technical range expands beyond the pass-first identity that defined his Inter Milan breakthrough.
Ch. 310 – 354 (Speed Upgrade & Badge)	Speed Training with Henry, Kaka, Martins, Caniggia; [Speedster of the Pitch] Badge	Tang Long enters the Speed Training Ground with four legendary speedsters. He learns starting speed and acceleration techniques, raising both acceleration and absolute speed to 86. Earns the badge granting advantage against slower opponents.
Ch. 355 – 435 (Elite Specialization)	[Specialized Training Sessions] Unlocked; Overall Rating 86	After unlocking two new achievements, Tang Long uses one-hour specialized training for volleys (99 hours remaining). Volley proficiency rises from 78% to 81%; shooting accuracy increases from 85 to 86. Full attributes: Shooting Accuracy 86, Shot Power 83, Dribbling 87, Short Passing 91, Speed 86, Stamina 85, Strength 85, Defense 77, overall 86.
Ch. 436 – 450 (Specialized Training Breakthrough)	Elite Finishing, Heading, and Speed Growth; Overall Rating 89	Tang Long spends his limited specialized training time on shooting, power, heading, and speed. His shooting accuracy rises to 91, shot power to 88, heading to 85, speed to 90, and jumping to 85. Weight loss improves his jumping but reduces strength to 84.
Ch. 451 – 490 (Forward Evolution)	Continuous Flick-Over Dribble; Maradona Ball Control at 90%	As Tang Long becomes increasingly dangerous as a forward, he completes three flick-over tests and unlocks Continuous Flick-Over Dribble at 60% proficiency. His dribbling reaches 92 and his ball control rises from 86% to 90% of Maradona’s peak level 490.
Ch. 579 – 599 (World-Class Forward)	Overall Rating 91; European Golden Shoe	Tang Long reaches an overall rating of 91, with Shooting Accuracy 93, Shot Power 91, Heading 88, Dribbling 93, Long Passing 91, Short Passing 93, Speed 93, Stamina 88, and Jumping 89 579. He then scores six goals against Sunderland to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo and win the European Golden Shoe 599.
Ch. 623 – 628 (Veteran Return)	Prediction Integrated with Experience	A decade after leaving Inter Milan, Tang Long returns with his predictive ability and accumulated football intelligence fully integrated. He continues to dictate matches through anticipation and precise combinations, including an assist for Frattesi at the Giuseppe Meazza 623 628.

Club Dynamics and Factions

• Argentine Faction (The "BBQ Gang"): This was the most powerful faction at Inter Milan during Tang Long's tenure, a legacy of the Moratti era's tradition of collecting Argentine players. Its members included Icardi, Palacio, Osvaldo, Campagnaro, and Carrizo 15. The faction occupied many starting positions and held significant sway in the locker room; Icardi, as the team's top scorer and future Golden Boot winner, was a key figure 16. Tang Long recognized that to gain the faction's support, he needed to satisfy Icardi's need for goals. Using his AI system to study Icardi's runs and tailor passes, he repeatedly provided assists, helping Icardi score and solidify his claim to the Capocannoniere title 258. This strategy paid off: after a clash with Guarin, Icardi stood up for Tang Long during training, showing leadership and support for the younger player 27. Their relationship deepened as Tang Long's tactical awareness and passing created numerous chances, with Icardi initially questioning whether Tang's passes were intentional or accidental before fully trusting him 16 25.

• Italian Local Faction: Led by captain Ranocchia, this faction included D'Ambrosio and Andreolli. It held the most important symbolic position – the captaincy – and was rooted in local Italian football culture, where Italian referees preferred to communicate with native players 15 16. Ranocchia, as the leader of the defense and the man who often dealt with match officials, was deeply concerned about his reputation in Italy. Tang Long understood this need and, after earning Man of the Match honors, repeatedly praised Ranocchia's defensive stability in post-match interviews, calling him "the cornerstone of Inter Milan" and the prerequisite for the team's success 258. This gesture won Ranocchia's trust and support. When Tang Long was brutally tackled by Genoa defenders, only Ranocchia took the initiative to check on him, showing genuine concern 16. Later, during the South American faction's aggression, Ranocchia also offered Tang Long a scarf as a sign of protection 27. Tang Long's relationship with the Italian Faction was thus built on mutual respect and the fulfillment of Ranocchia's need for public recognition.

• South American Faction (led by Guarin): This faction was the most hostile to Tang Long upon his arrival. Led by the Colombian midfielder Guarin, it included other non-Argentine South Americans. Guarin was a known troublemaker who had clashed with former manager Mazzarri and resented Tang Long's promotion. He deliberately used aggressive tackles on Tang Long during training, drawing side-eyes from other players 15. The faction's influence was significant, but its methods were confrontational. In one training session, Guarin instigated Medel to deliver a brutal tackle on Tang Long, sparking a conflict between Icardi (Argentine) and Guarin, which resulted in both being dismissed from training by Mancini 27. However, Tang Long's consistent excellence on the pitch gradually changed Guarin's attitude. After Tang Long produced several "Divine Kick" assists and a last-minute winner against Roma, Guarin became thoroughly convinced. In professional football, performance trumps clique loyalty, and Guarin began to see Tang Long as someone who could help him 162. Despite this eventual respect, the initial hostility defined the South American faction's relationship with Tang Long, and it never became a reliable ally.

• Ex-Yugoslavia (Balkan) Faction: This was the weakest faction at Inter Milan, consisting of Handanovic, Kovacic, Kuzmanovic, and Krhin 15. Its influence was minimal; only Handanovic was a core player, with Kovacic as a rotation option and Krhin on the fringes. Tang Long, after analyzing the situation with Berni, immediately ruled out this faction as an option because it lacked the power to offer meaningful protection or advancement 16. He had no direct conflict or alliance with any of its members. His relationship was purely professional, and they did not factor into his strategic calculations for navigating locker room politics. The faction's weakness meant it was irrelevant to Tang Long's survival and growth at the club.

Tang Long's overarching strategy, advised by the third-choice goalkeeper Berni, was to identify what each powerful faction needed and then provide it. For the Argentine faction, he provided goals for Icardi; for the Italian faction, he provided public praise for Ranocchia's defensive reputation. This approach, combined with his on-field performances, allowed him to secure support from the two strongest factions and ultimately resolve his locker room crisis 258. The South American faction's hostility was overcome through sheer skill, while the Ex-Yugoslavian faction was simply ignored due to its weakness.

Manchester City Factions

Manchester City also contains factional divisions, which Tang Long and Ranocchia identify soon after their arrivals. Aware of their experience at Inter Milan, the pair seek Kolarov’s help to understand the new locker-room landscape before allowing internal politics to affect their performances 258.

• Spanish-Speaking Faction: Led by Agüero, this group is strategically important to Tang Long because Agüero occupies a status comparable to Icardi's former position at Inter Milan. Tang Long recognizes that earning Agüero's trust is essential to establishing himself at City, but approaches the relationship as one of mutual collaboration rather than dependence 259.
• French-Speaking Faction: Led by Yaya Touré, this faction carries substantial weight due to Touré's seniority and status as a long-term starter 282. Touré initially sees Tang Long as a potential rival for midfield influence, but comes to admire his spatial anticipation, positional intelligence, and ability to control play 294.
• Leadership Committee: Tang Long's rising influence is formalized when Manchester City appoint him fourth captain and adds him to the team committee 346. The role grants him a place in discussions over training content and makes him one of the club's recognized locker-room leaders 347. He later rises to third captain, behind Kompany and Agüero 442.
• Tang Long's Position: Unlike his first months at Inter Milan, Tang Long enters Manchester City as the club's record signing and does not need to attach himself to a single established star. Instead, he gains influence through performances, tactical utility, and his ability to make both forwards and midfielders more effective 246 259 360.

Relationships

Berni

Berni acts as Tang Long’s primary mentor and confidant during his early days at Inter Milan. Their relationship begins when Tang Long is promoted to the first team; Berni immediately takes him under his wing, explaining the complex locker-room politics and the four major factions within the squad 15 16. Despite being a third-choice goalkeeper, Berni commands respect through his experience, wisdom, and irreverent humour. He teaches Tang Long to observe and learn from veterans like Pirlo and even suggests that Guarin, despite their hostility, has skills worth studying 49. Off the pitch, the two explore Napoli together, where Berni reveals his vulnerable, nostalgic side as a lifelong fan of Maradona – a stark contrast to his usual boisterous bravado 53. Berni’s genuine excitement at meeting Maradona in the locker room, acting like a “shy little girl,” further endears him to Tang Long, showing that even the most cynical teammate can be starstruck by legend 60.

• “Haha, Tang! You made it to the first team so quickly; I feel like I underestimated you before. You'll definitely become a big star in the future!” 15
• Berni explains the four major Inter factions (Argentine, Italian, Balkan, South American) and advises Tang Long to understand what each group needs before choosing an alliance 16.
• In Napoli, Berni takes off his sunglasses and says, “This is Maradona! He runs on the pitch, and he also runs through the lives of every ordinary person in Napoli.” 53
• During Maradona’s visit, Berni clenches his fists against his chest like a fanatical idol-worshipper, “my God, I've met their God in Napoli!” 60
• Berni challenges Tang Long after his last-minute goal, teasing, “Was your finishing move a fluke? Come on, shoot again!” 78

Chivu

Chivu is Tang Long’s most important football mentor. He first identifies Tang Long’s potential in the youth setup, recommends him for first-team consideration, and later continues to support him after becoming a first-team assistant coach 13 28. His guidance combines technical instruction, tactical advice, dietary management, physical conditioning, and personal concern.

Chivu becomes a hidden Cloud Training sparring partner capable of breaking Tang Long’s passing bottleneck, even though he was primarily a defender during his own playing career 30. During the winter break, he supervises Tang Long one-on-one, brings him to his own home when the club cafeteria closes, cooks his meals, and oversees a program that rapidly transforms Tang Long’s passing and physical capacity 34. His mentorship endures after Tang Long leaves Inter Milan: Chivu spends ten hours compiling footage of Agüero’s movement patterns to help Tang Long adapt to the Premier League 243.

• Chivu advises Tang Long to work hard and remain neutral in Inter Milan’s locker-room politics after his first-team promotion 13.
• He becomes Tang Long’s Cloud Training sparring partner and helps him overcome his stalled passing development 30.
• During winter training, he personally supervises Tang Long’s daily program and prepares his food 34.
• Chivu’s training improves Tang Long to the point that Ranocchia can no longer easily push him off the ball in practice 37.
• Even after Tang Long joins Manchester City, Chivu remains involved in his development by editing Agüero footage for him 243.
• Chivu later serves alongside Guardiola and continues to recognize Tang Long’s tactical ingenuity in major matches 591.

Icardi

Tang Long’s relationship with Icardi evolves from cautious observation to a genuine friendship built on football analysis and mutual ambition. Initially, Icardi is suspicious of Tang Long’s passing, asking bluntly, “Did you do that on purpose, or was it an accident?” 16. Over time, Tang Long wins Icardi’s trust by studying his movement and providing tactical insights. In a late-night dorm session, Tang Long shows Icardi a video of his own career highlights, pointing out errors in positioning and offering corrections – an act that deeply reassures the anxious striker 78. Icardi, in turn, becomes a reliable ally on the pitch, and the two develop strong on-pitch chemistry 81. Later, when Icardi struggles at Manchester United, he remembers Tang Long’s analytical mind and reaches out to Chivu for advice, indirectly acknowledging Tang Long’s influence 452.

A decade later, the pair reunite at Inter Milan. Their restored partnership, dubbed the “Sugar-coated Cannonball” combination, remains one of Serie A’s most prolific attacking pairings: Tang Long records eight league goals and thirteen assists in the first half of the season while Icardi scores seventeen league goals 628.

• Icardi asks Tang Long, “Did you do that on purpose, or was it an accident?” after a crucial pass 16.
• Tang Long teases Icardi about dropping the ball to Palacio: “Isn't it the same whoever you pass to? It went in anyway.” 19
• Icardi arrives early at training, anxious about his starting role, and visits Tang Long’s dorm to analyse footage; Tang Long reassures him about his importance to the team 78.
• Icardi’s internal conflict: he hopes both Inter Milan and Manchester City win, revealing his divided loyalties after leaving Inter 403.
• The two later reunite at Inter Milan and restore their highly productive attacking combination 628.

Ranocchia

Ranocchia serves as Tang Long’s protective senior, close friend, and long-term tactical partner. From Tang Long’s earliest first-team experience, Ranocchia treats the teenage midfielder like a younger brother, encourages him before his Serie A appearance, and emphasizes the importance of thinking ahead before receiving the ball 7. He is among the first senior players to show Tang Long genuine concern after violent opposition challenges 16.

Their bond continues beyond Inter Milan. Ranocchia meets Tang Long at Manchester Airport late at night after his transfer, helps him navigate Manchester City’s factional politics, and brings him into his family home for Tang Long’s nineteenth birthday 242 258 283. Their tactical relationship deepens as Ranocchia studies Tang Long’s footballing principles and adapts elements of his play into his own game 559.

• Ranocchia reassures Tang Long before his Serie A debut and explains the higher speed of Serie A 7.
• He publicly supports Tang Long and becomes a key link between Tang Long and Inter Milan’s Italian faction 16 258.
• Ranocchia collects Tang Long from Manchester Airport after his Inter Milan farewell 242.
• He joins Tang Long in investigating Manchester City’s locker-room factions with Kolarov 258.
• Ranocchia remembers Tang Long’s nineteenth birthday and invites him to dinner with his family 283.
• After moving into defensive midfield, Ranocchia studies Tang Long as his “best midfield teacher” and uses Tang-inspired tactics to assist him 559.

Maradona

Maradona holds Tang Long in high regard after witnessing his exceptional vision during the Coppa Italia match against Napoli. The legend is stunned by a no-look backheel pass and immediately begins investigating Tang Long’s background, remarking that “his vision of the game crushed every other player on the field” 55. Maradona personally visits the Inter Milan locker room to shake hands with every player and offers Tang Long a signed match ball from the 1989 UEFA Cup final as a gift, calling him “my friend from the East” 60. This encounter cements Tang Long’s reputation as a player worthy of a legend’s respect.

Maradona’s footballing influence continues through the AI Cloud Training Ground. Tang Long’s pursuit of Maradona-like ball control eventually culminates in his ball control reaching 90% of Maradona’s peak level after he unlocks the Continuous Flick-Over Dribble 490.

• Maradona tells Icardi half-jokingly, “Mauro, it's a pity you were too young when I was the Argentina coach… I think very highly of you!” – a teasing that also indirectly praises Tang Long’s appearance 60.
• Maradona signs a ball and gives it to Tang Long, saying, “I'll give you a soccer ball, my friend from the East!” 60.
• Inter Milan vice-chairman Zanetti is troubled because the ball is a rare relic from the UEFA Cup final 60.
• Tang Long’s later Continuous Flick-Over Dribble unlock brings his ball control to 90% of peak Maradona’s level 490.

Ronaldo

Ronaldo first takes notice of Tang Long during a training session at Inter Milan, where Tang Long delivers a stunning no-look nutmeg pass that leaves the Brazilian legend stunned 82. Ronaldo, scouting young talents for his sports agency, immediately asks about Tang Long and later targets him – along with Icardi and Bonazzoli – as potential clients 89. Ronaldo’s presence energises the entire squad, but Tang Long’s skill stands out, making him a prime candidate for the business side of football.

Ronaldo ultimately becomes Tang Long’s agent and a strongly invested mentor. He follows Tang Long’s development closely, praises his Pendulum Dribble as comparable to his own, and publicly calls him his successor after Manchester City’s victory at Anfield 280. Ronaldo later urges Tang Long to defeat Cristiano Ronaldo for the European Golden Shoe, framing the achievement as something his chosen successor must accomplish 568.

• After the training scrimmage, Ronaldo is amazed by Tang Long’s pass: “This pass stunned Ronaldo! It couldn't have been a fluke, right?” 82
• Ronaldo reveals his true purpose to Chivu: “Icardi, Tang Long, and Bonazzoli were Ronaldo's targets” for his player agency business 89.
• Ronaldo attends Tang Long’s matches and monitors his progress as his agent 124.
• He compares Tang Long’s Pendulum Dribble to his own and calls him his successor 280.
• Ronaldo pressures Tang Long to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo and win the European Golden Shoe 568.

Bonazzoli

Bonazzoli is Tang Long’s first true friend at Inter Milan, bonding over their youth and shared interests. Bonazzoli is welcoming from the start, and when Tang Long helps him score goals through pinpoint assists, Bonazzoli feels immense gratitude and admiration 83. He considers Tang Long a rival in the best sense, pushing himself to train harder when he sees Tang Long’s shooting improving 83. Their friendship extends off the pitch – Bonazzoli moves out of the base dormitory and finds an apartment for his mother, yet his thoughts often turn to Tang Long’s progress and support 83.

Their on-pitch understanding becomes especially visible against Torino, where Tang Long provides two assists for Bonazzoli’s hat-trick in a 4–0 victory 134. Bonazzoli later joins Manchester City, though his recruitment is based principally on Guardiola and Raymond’s evaluation of his own ability rather than Tang Long unilaterally arranging the transfer 442.

• Bonazzoli’s thoughts about Tang reveal their closeness: “He was grateful for Tang's help in his career and admires his talent.” 83
• During training, Bonazzoli compares his own talent to Tang’s and decides to work harder, feeling challenged by Tang’s rapid improvement 83.
• Tang Long assists two of Bonazzoli’s three goals in his Torino hat-trick 134.
• Bonazzoli believes Tang Long helped him reach Manchester City, though Guardiola and Raymond’s assessment of his ability is the primary reason for his recruitment 442.

Guarin

Guarin leads the South American faction and is openly hostile to Tang Long’s arrival, viewing him as an intruder who threatens the established order. Tang Long responds with professional maturity, understanding the source of Guarin’s resentment and not escalating the conflict 15. Berni cautions Tang Long that Guarin’s clique is powerful but also advises him to watch Guarin’s play because “this guy doesn't get along with you, he still has things worth learning” 49. The tension softens later as team unity grows, especially after Icardi and Guarin reconcile 131.

Guarin eventually accepts Tang Long’s superiority and actively seeks his assistance in improving his own attacking output. His dramatic act of polishing Tang Long’s boots symbolizes the complete reversal of their early relationship 163 164. By Tang Long’s Manchester City period, Guarin is close enough to invite Tang Long and Ranocchia to London 297.

• In the locker room, Guarin’s towel-whipping is described as “so ferocious… that those around him dodged” – a symbol of his aggressive attitude toward new players 15.
• Berni tells Tang Long: “Tang, actually, you should also watch Guarin. Even though this guy doesn't get along with you, he still has things worth learning.” 49
• Guarin later runs aggressively to receive Tang Long’s guidance and chances, recognizing that effort earns Tang Long’s support 163.
• His change in attitude is complete after Tang Long conquers the South American faction through ability rather than factional allegiance 164.
• Guarin later invites Tang Long and Ranocchia to London 297.

Agüero

Agüero becomes Tang Long’s most important attacking partner at Manchester City. Tang Long quickly recognizes that winning the Argentine striker’s trust is strategically important both on the pitch and within the Spanish-speaking faction 259. The relationship becomes mutually beneficial: Agüero’s movement gives Tang Long an ideal target for predictive passing, while Tang Long’s creativity repeatedly supplies Agüero with high-quality chances.

Tang Long records an assist with his first touch in his UEFA Champions League debut, setting up Agüero for Manchester City’s fastest Champions League goal 291. He later provides four assists for Agüero in a single half, helping the striker score four goals after returning from injury 360.

• Tang Long considers Agüero Manchester City’s closest equivalent to Icardi in status and tactical importance 259.
• Tang Long assists Agüero with his first touch in the UEFA Champions League 291.
• Their connection is widely regarded as Manchester City’s most natural striker-playmaker combination 291.
• Tang Long provides four assists as Agüero scores four goals in one half after his return from injury 360.

Gracie

Gracie is Manchester City’s team doctor and initially meets Tang Long during his entrance medical examination. She is highly professional, thorough, and attentive to details other medical staff might overlook, including dental health, diet, and bowel condition 243. Tang Long later relies on her medical reports as supplementary data for understanding his teammates’ physical profiles 325.

Their relationship gradually becomes more personal and openly flirtatious. Gracie displays jealousy over Tang Long’s interactions with female reporters, while teammates begin to suspect that their relationship is unusual 280 569. By the FA Cup final period, their mutual attraction becomes explicit during a treatment-room encounter 602. Years later, they remain close, with Gracie still displaying the same jealous and affectionate temperament 614.

• Gracie performs Tang Long’s comprehensive Manchester City physical examination 243.
• She provides medical files that Tang Long uses to deepen his player-model research 325.
• Gracie shows jealousy over Tang Long’s interaction with a female reporter after the Liverpool match 280.
• Agüero openly suggests that Tang Long and Gracie have an unusual relationship 569.
• Their mutual attraction becomes explicit in the treatment room before the FA Cup final 602.
• Their relationship endures into Tang Long’s later career 614.

Guardiola

Guardiola recognizes Tang Long as a player capable of succeeding as a top-tier striker without sacrificing his exceptional midfield intelligence. He repeatedly experiments with Tang Long’s tactical role, using him as a forward, shadow striker, winger, attacking midfielder, and defensive midfielder according to the match situation 408 431 574.

Guardiola values Tang Long as Manchester City’s most reliable game-breaker. When matches become deadlocked, he treats Tang Long as the player the entire club can trust to change the outcome 505. Their relationship is marked by concise tactical communication, as Guardiola recognizes that Tang Long can understand complex strategic metaphors and instructions immediately 599.

• Guardiola considers Tang Long to possess everything required of a top-level striker 408.
• He uses Tang Long’s versatility to stabilize the defense, create from midfield, or chase goals from the forward line 431.
• Guardiola deploys Tang Long in midfield against Atlético Madrid, where he assists Mkhitaryan with a long, decisive pass 574.
• He identifies Tang Long as Manchester City’s primary trump card when deadlocks need to be broken 505.
• Guardiola trusts Tang Long’s tactical understanding and discusses major objectives with him directly 599.

Diletta

Diletta is a journalist who becomes an important contact in Tang Long’s professional and personal life. She helps Tang Long collect biographies and interview material on Manchester City teammates for his player-model research, while her appearances alongside Tang Long and Gracie fuel public speculation about his private life 325. She also plays a central role in managing his advertising and sponsorship opportunities after he gains control of 90% of his image rights 481.

• Diletta assists Tang Long in gathering background material on Manchester City players 325.
• She is invited, alongside Guarin, to spend time with Tang Long and Ranocchia in London 297.
• Diletta manages Tang Long’s commercial partnerships on Ronaldo’s behalf after he secures most of his image rights 481.
• She helps facilitate Tang Long’s agreement with Li-Ning as his exclusive football boot sponsor 481.

Important Items

• Maradona's 1989 UEFA Cup Final Match Ball: A soccer ball from the 1989 UEFA Cup final, given to Tang Long by Diego Maradona during a visit to the Inter Milan locker room. Maradona had originally promised to donate the ball to the Napoli Hall of Fame, but he reneged on that commitment, claiming he owned three identical balls from the final and could simply give another one to the museum. The gift is significant not only for its provenance and the esteem in which Maradona held Tang Long, but also because Tang Long later sensed an inexplicable strangeness about the object, hinting at an unresolved mystery connected to the ball 60.

• "Divine Kick" Folding Fan: A folding fan sent to Tang Long by Go master Nie Weiping in recognition of his extraordinary football intelligence and “Divine Kick” play. The fan later emits a golden glow while hanging in Tang Long’s room, suggesting that it possesses an unusual connection to the AI Cloud Training Ground 129 135.

• Bony's Stone Bracelet: A bracelet made from pebbles and thread, gifted to Tang Long by Bony after Tang Long’s role in his four-goal performance. Bony regards it as a good-luck treasure blessed by a shaman from his home village in Ivory Coast 309. The bracelet subsequently moves on Tang Long’s desk and disappears, coinciding with the opening of the Speed Training Ground 309 310.

• Li-Ning SG Boots: A pair of size 42 Li-Ning soft-ground boots obtained during Manchester City’s rain-soaked away match at the Giuseppe Meazza. Tang Long finds the boots perfectly fitted and later agrees to become Li-Ning’s exclusive personal football boot ambassador 481.

Trivia

• Tang Long's Panenka penalty against Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in the Coppa Italia final went viral, spawning countless GIFs and memes, and was later used in a CCTV-5 advertisement for Fengyehong clothing with the slogan "Wear Fengyehong, and your son-in-law will be Tang Long!" 201
• After a match against Liverpool, a photograph of Tang Long with a prominent nosebleed became iconic, with the Manchester Evening News suggesting it could be nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography 280
• At just 18 years old, Tang Long was being courted by Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus, in addition to Manchester City, according to his agent Ronaldo's first-hand information 161
• Tang Long designed his own goal celebrations; he considered using a meditation pose (later popularized by Erling Haaland) and an arms-crossed-on-chest pose (later popularized by Kylian Mbappé), demonstrating both to Diletta in her dining room 298
• When accepting the 2015 Golden Boy Award, he teased the Juventus-supporting Tuttosport editor-in-chief Regini during his speech, causing the audience to laugh and applaud 349
• La Gazzetta dello Sport leaked Tang Long's scouting reports, causing a stir among Inter Milan fans and leading club owner Thohir to instruct his sporting director to fabricate transfer rumors to drive up his price 161
• To better understand his Manchester City teammates, Tang Long collected their biographies and interview materials with the help of journalist Diletta, sparking speculation about his personal life when she and team doctor Gracie were seen leaving his house 325
• Zheng Zhi, the Asian Footballer of the Year, remarked that Tang Long "has a camera on the back of his head" after witnessing his no-look pass against Fiorentina 95
• David Beckham, evaluating Tang Long's 50-meter volley and surprise free-kick on Sky Sport's Football Weekly Express, gave him his highest praise for "courage and determination" 130
• After Inter Milan secured a place in the Coppa Italia final, an elderly fan threw a DIY Coppa Italia model onto the pitch; Tang Long picked it up and kissed it, a moment captured on camera that became a memorable image 107
• Titan Sports ran a front-page article titled "Football and Go: How Tang Long's Divine Move Cracked the Endgame," comparing his pitch perception to the endgame theory of Go master Nie Weiping 109
• The Sun frequently placed Tang Long on its front page with sensationalist stories, making him a recurring target of tabloid journalism, which he viewed as validating his status as "top-tier traffic in the Premier League" 325 327
• In his first-ever post-match press conference, Tang Long deftly countered teasing questions from reporter Bernardi, surprising the media and impressing manager Mancini with his composure 24
• Tang Long considered watching match videos on his phone during train rides as "extra training," claiming that "if you don't train for one day, you know it; if you don't train for two days, the coach knows it; if you don't train for three days, the whole world knows it" 298
• A photo of Tang Long having his eyebrow stitched up on the pitch during a Derby d'Italia match occupied an entire front page of Titan Sports, going viral and sparking multiple trending topics on Chinese social media 153
• After Manchester City's win at Anfield, Ronaldo compared Tang Long's Pendulum Dribble to his own and publicly declared Tang Long his successor, a rare sign of respect from the Brazilian legend 280
• During the Golden Boy Award ceremony, Anthony Martial expressed jealousy of Tang Long's skills and achievements, leading to a tense exchange with Mauro Icardi at Manchester United's training ground 349
• Facing transfer rumors from all sides, Tang Long maintained a calm public stance, telling the press, "Don't spread rumors, I just want to play football," which prompted Mancini to praise him as remarkably mature for his age 161
• Manchester City supporters greeted Tang Long’s unveiling as the arrival of their club-record signing, with approximately ten thousand fans attending the Etihad ceremony 246
• Tang Long’s first UEFA Champions League touch for Manchester City is an assist for Agüero, contributing to the club’s fastest Champions League goal 291
• Tang Long’s extraordinary ball control goes viral after he juggles an orange more than fifty times and a toilet-paper roll two hundred times 491
• He becomes Manchester City’s fourth captain and a member of the team committee before later rising to third captain 346 442
• Tang Long wins the European Golden Shoe after scoring six times in a single match against Sunderland, overtaking Cristiano Ronaldo in the final race 599