July, southern China.
Li Luo woke up early and read the news over breakfast.
He had originally planned to sneak out alone to sample the local specialties, but it was simply too hot outside.
In the end, he stayed with everyone else in the hotel buffet restaurant, enjoying breakfast in the air-conditioning.
Neymar dominated the sports headlines that day.
#Neymar cancels China fan event#
#Neymar €222 million#
#Neymar set to join Paris#
Interestingly, the outlet that definitively broke the news of Neymar's transfer was neither a European sports publication nor Di Marzio.
It was a Chinese travel website...
The website had organized Neymar's China tour, then issued a last-minute statement: the event had been canceled because Neymar's team was busy handling his transfer.
Neymar promptly issued a public apology to his Chinese fans as well.
Only then were people certain: the Brazilian prodigy really was leaving Barcelona, rather than becoming Lionel Messi's successor.
Barcelona's MSN attacking trio officially broke up after its brief spell of glory in the 2014/15 season.
All good things had to come to an end.
Many fans thought it was a shame. An all-time great attacking partnership had been held back by Barcelona's weak midfield and defense over the years. But then, thinking of Li Luo on the National Team...
The regrets surrounding that South American trio were hardly worth mentioning.
Translator Zhao caught on quickly. "Neymar's joining Paris, and Mr. Hecking is coaching there too. Doesn't that mean Paris Saint-Germain will be really strong next season?"
"A union of heavyweights."
Assistant Coach Li blew his fringe aside and spoke earnestly.
The China National Football Team staff all nodded.
To them, the renowned German coach Hecking was unfathomable.
Beep, beep, beep.
Tom hurriedly handed Li Luo a work phone. "Li, it's Hecking."
"Coach Hecking?"
A