On the afternoon of February 17, when Zhang Kuang came out of Carrington Training Ground, he was blocked at the door by reporters.
"Zhang, just answer one question, one."
Zhang Kuang was also speechless before getting in the car. It was like this every time. Every time he was told that he would only answer one question, and then there were many questions waiting for him.
These reporters are like scumbags, saying 'just once, just once' every time, and then the next time.
He made a "question" gesture.
Reporter: "Many media outlets are criticizing you for promoting politics, saying that you shouldn't speak like this. What do you say to such criticism?"
Zhang Kuang: "Have you noticed that since I got Ballon d'Or, everything I say has become a 'political purpose'? In the past, everything I said was football gossip, but now it has become a 'political purpose'. Alas, I don't know why some people keep relying on my words like this. Does it make sense?
And those words were not said by me, but by Alain·Shearer. He said that in the comprehensive race rankings, yellow people are ranked first, black people are second, and white people are third.
I didn't say that I agreed with this point of view, I just said that black people will account for two-thirds of the superstars in football in the future, which illustrates what Shearer said that black people's athletic talents will be greatly improved with the same nutrition and training."
The reporter was stunned. "So you don't think there's anything wrong with what you said?"
Zhang Kuang: "Then tell me what's wrong with what I said. I just discuss the matter as it is. Alain·Shearer put forward the racial theory, and then I agreed with some of his views on this matter, and these are all predictions made from the perspective of the development of football players.
If you don't agree with my point of view, you can refute it with facts, but please discuss these issues within the context of football development? Don't talk about politics. What the hell does this have to do with politics?
So, didn't you realize that after I won Ballon d'Or, did you reporters, as well as Western public opinion and fans change? Do you think of me as a political symbol? I just gave an acceptance speech and thanked myself for growing up in the culture of China. That gave me the will to be unwilling to fail and the motivation to finally win Ballon d'Or.
Is this politicized? Are you too sensitive? Will everything I say in the future have a political purpose? Does my eating a Hamburg also have a political purpose? Saying that I am 'consuming Western food in order to make the West poor'? Don't you think this is ridiculous?"
Reporter: "... Zhang, are you always so good at finding reasons?"
Zhang Kuang: "What do you mean by looking for a reason? Isn't what I said the truth? Come, come, come, then tell me, what is my political purpose? Is it possible that I can subvert the Western system, system, and control just by playing football? I have this kind of energy, why the hell should I play football? Wouldn't it be good for me to be a politician?"
Reporter: "... So, you are criticizing those who criticize you?"
Zhang Kuang: "What I want to say is that it's okay for everyone to criticize me, but please be smart and don't put those irrelevant hats on my head. What kind of politics do you think a football player can do? This is obviously someone who wants to use this hat to get me down, so... everyone understands."
Reporter: "..."
Damn it, this China person is really eloquent, and he knows the methods of media and public opinion very well, even more proficient than the media people like them, so I can't deal with him.
It's not like some old gangsters or some Europe players from the slums. A few words can make them lose their minds. I didn't expect this China guy to be very cunning.
Zhang Kuang After finishing speaking, he turned around and got in the car.
At the same time that the interview video of Zhang Kuang went viral on the Internet, the BBC made a decision internally.
On the morning of February 18, BBC Sport released an official announcement:
"Following an internal review, the BBC has decided to terminate the commentator contract with Alain·Shearer. Mr. Shearer's comments on the program were not in line with the BBC's editorial guidelines and values.
The BBC adheres to the principles of diverse and inclusive reporting, but will not provide a platform for any form of racist remarks. The remarks of Alain·Shearer have affected the peace between races."
As soon as the news came out, United Kingdom media went crazy again.
"Daily Mail": "Shearer was fired - BBC bowed to 'political correctness'."
"The Sun": "Alain·Shearer--a United Kingdom person who told the truth but was fired."
"The Guardian": "Shearer's firing is a blow to freedom of speech. He was just expressing his personal views and did not insult anyone."
Alain·Shearer himself accepted an exclusive interview with "The Daily Telegraph" the next day.
"I don't regret what I said." Shearer said, "What I said was just my observation. I didn't insult anyone. If observing the facts is also a sin, then I plead guilty. But I will not apologize because I don't know why I should apologize?"
When asked about Twitter of Zhang Kuang, Shearer smiled, "He is right. I have studied the data and the proportion of black players in top stars will continue to increase in the future.
Zhang Kuang dares to say it more than I do, he is a brave young man. He has been criticized, and I have been criticized. But the fact is the fact, time will tell everything."
The uproar of public opinion did not affect Manchester United's schedule.
On February 18th, in the fifth round, Football Association Cup played away against Stoke City.
Zhang Kuang was not included in the squad. Ferguson explained at the pre-match press conference, "Although Zhang Kuang does not need to rest, we cannot let him play all the games. The season is still very long. This is not only good for him, but also gives other players a chance to rotate."
The competition is held at Britannia Stadium in Stoke City.
The home fans put up a slogan. "Without Zhang Kuang, Manchester United is nothing."
But Manchester United responded.
In the 23rd minute, Hernández scored with a header from Ashley Young's cross, 1:0.
Stoke City equalized with a header from Crouch in the 56th minute, 1:1.
In the 78th minute, Ashley Young shot a long shot from outside the penalty area. The ball hit the defensive player and went into the net, 2:1.
The final score was 2:1, and Manchester United advanced to the sixth round of Football Association Cup in the away game.
After the game, Ferguson smiled at the press conference, "I said, Manchester United is a whole. Without Zhang Kuang on the court, although our dominance has declined, he needs to appear in more important games."
Zhang Kuang sat on the bench and watched the entire game that day.
The camera captured him applauding his teammates for their goals many times.
On February 21, UEFA Champions League 1/8 finals second round, Old Trafford, Manchester United played against Napoli.
Saint Paul Stadium's score of 4:1 in the first round made the second round basically lose suspense.
But Manchester United still fielded the full lineup, and Ferguson asked the players to "don't relax."
Napoli tried to attack after the opening, trying to create a miracle.
In the 11th minute, Cavani received a through ball from Hamšík, broke into the penalty area and shot from a small angle. De Gea saved the ball.
In the 23rd minute, Manchester United broke the deadlock.
Giggs took a corner kick, and Zhang Kuang jumped high in the crowd and hit the goal with a violent header.
1:0!
Zhang Kuang UEFA Champions League's 19th goal this season.
In the 41st minute, Zhang Kuang scored twice.
This time it was a counterattack. Valencia dribbled the ball from the right and then passed it across. Zhang Kuang stopped the ball at the top of the penalty area and passed Campagnaro. He shot low with his left foot into the far corner.
2:0.
UEFA Champions League The 20th ball.
In the 58th minute, Napoli pulled a goal back.
Hamšík took a long shot from outside the penalty area. The ball arced around De Gea's fingertips and flew into the goal.
2:1.
In the 73rd minute, Berbatov came on as a substitute and replaced Zhang Kuang.
Zhang Kuang was substituted with two goals. All Manchester United fans stood up and applauded.
In the 82nd minute, Berbatov took a through ball from Rooney and scored with a single push shot.
3:1.
The final score was 3:1.
The total score of the two rounds was 7:2, and Manchester United advanced to the quarterfinals of UEFA Champions League.
One day after the game, the draw results for the quarter-finals of UEFA Champions League were released. Manchester United's opponent was AC Milan.
A team also from Serie A.
The media ridiculed. "Is Manchester United trying to clear the Serie A league? After Napoli is Milan, will the next one be... well, Milan is the only Serie A team among the top eight."
The title of "Milan Sports Newspaper" is. "Can Milan stop Zhang Kuang? Serie A's last hope."
--
On February 26, in the 26th round, Premier League played away against Norwich City.
Norwich performed well this season and ranked in the middle of the league.
The home fans of Carrow Road Stadium are very fanatical and they hope to stop Manchester United at home.
In the 18th minute, Norwich took the lead in scoring.
Holt scored with a header from the corner kick, 1:0.
Carrow Road Stadium is boiling.
But Manchester United quickly equalized.
In the 28th minute, Zhang Kuang received a pass from Ashley Young on the left side of the penalty area, passed a defensive player, then shot with his feet, and the ball went straight into the far corner of the net. 1:1.
In the 41st minute, Zhang Kuang scored twice.
Giggs took a corner kick, Zhang Kuang beat Norwich central defender and scored with a header. 2:1.
In the 67th minute, Zhang Kuang completed a hat trick.
Manchester United quickly counterattacked, Hernández made a through pass, Zhang Kuang went to the meeting alone and pushed the ball into the far corner to score. 3:1.
The final score was 3:1, Manchester United scored three points in the away game.
Zhang Kuang scored three goals in this game. This season he has scored... 68 goals in the league? He has reset his total record of 64 goals in Premier League last season, but Premier League still has 13 rounds left.
All fans and media were shocked!
Messi has already exploded in terms of statistics this season, but it is still far behind Zhang Kuang. As of February 26, Messi has scored a total of 38 goals in the 2011-12 La Liga league, and Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 29 goals in La Liga.
Others don't need statistics. Whether it is UEFA Champions League or the national team, they are far behind Zhang Kuang.
Therefore, it shows the horror of Zhang Kuang.
Cristiano Ronaldo is even a little depressed. He doesn't know the meaning of working hard?
In the face of talent, all diligence is a joke.
After the game, Zhang Kuang did not accept media interviews and directly boarded the plane flying to Doha.
Because World Cup qualifiers Asia is about to start the final round of the top 20 group games, China Hong Kong will play Iraq away from home in the last round.
Due to Iraq's situation, Iraq couldn't play at home, so it was moved to Doha as Iraq's home court.
The match day is February 29th, a rare leap year every four years. This day is so well arranged that this match seems superfluous.
When Doha joined the team, Zhang Kuang first had a good feel for the local customs and customs of Middle East West, and went to see the luxurious life of those princes.
It is inconvenient to disclose the details, so everyone can imagine it as much as they want.
February 28, Doha Al-Arabi Stadium.
The day before the game, the coaches of both sides expressed their respective positions at the press conference. This stadium, which can accommodate 15,000 people, is about to usher in a key battle that affects the fate of qualifying for the group.
Iraq Team's coach Zico looked solemn. His team currently ranks second in the group with 7 points. However, they are not stable at all, because although Jordan only scored 7 points, their last game In the first round, he faced China National Team, and it was easy to win. But in the last round, Iraq faced China Hong Kong Team. If he wanted to win... unless Hong Kong Team let go.
In the final round, we must strive for victory with all our strength and hope that Jordan will make mistakes in order to advance to the top ten with second place in the group.
"There is no retreat in this game." Zico's voice was low and firm, "We must win, and we must strive for more goals. If Jordan's side wins, we need at least two goal differences."
The reporters in the audience raised their hands. "Then how do you win? How do you plan to defend Zhang Kuang? And how do you break Hong Kong Team's defense?"
Zico was silent for a few seconds, then smiled bitterly, "This is an extremely difficult answer. I don't want to say it now, because no one in this world dares to say that they can 100% guard against Zhang Kuang.
Although we have arranged some small tactics, we don't know if they will work. So, we can only rely on our iron will and the blessing of God."
There was a low laugh from the audience.
Everyone felt that this was Zico's last 'hard words', and he couldn't be discouraged before the game.
When it was Troussier's turn, his attitude was completely different.
This France "White Wizard" leaned back in his chair, looking as relaxed as if he was on vacation.
"We have already qualified first in the group," he said, "But we want to end the group stage with a unbeatable record and win all six games. This goal is more important than anything else."
The reporter asked, "Zhang Kuang just finished playing Premier League and then flew to Doha. Aren't you worried about his physical fitness?"
Troussier smiled, "Of course I'm worried, but Zhang Kuang is a special player. I will decide based on the situation. It will also depend on his personal attitude, but he will start the game."
The reporters looked at each other and smiled. Troussier had clearly told everyone: Zhang Kuang might not be able to play the entire game. Next, let's see Iraq's true ability.
At 3:30 in the afternoon on February 29, the stands of Doha Al-Arabi Stadium were already filled with fans.
The Iraq overseas Chinese wore blue and white jerseys, waved the Iraq national flag, and sang the team song loudly.
Their singing was uniform and echoed in the stadium.
On the other side of the stands, there were more than a hundred Hong Kong expeditionary troops. Although they were small in number, their momentum was not lost.
They played a huge TIFO, which read in both Chinese and English: "No. 33 Zhang Kuang, Doha is not your home court, but you are the king here."
Outside the stadium, vendors were selling barbecue and drinks.
A Iraq vendor saw a group of China fans wearing Manchester United jerseys and gave a thumbs up. "Zhang Kuang! Awesome!"
China fans responded with a smile, "Iraq! Come on!"
Both sides laughed!
This is the magic of football and the magic of Zhang Kuang.
The game is about to begin, and major TV stations have also begun broadcasting it.
TVB's broadcast screen cut to the scene.
The voice of Chung Chi-kwong sounded, "Dear viewers, welcome to watch the live broadcast of the sixth round of Group A of the top 20 regional qualifiers in 2014 Brazil World Cup Asia brought to you by TVB.
I am Chung Chi-kwong, and the person sitting next to me is Mr. Wong Hing-kwai. We are now at Qatar's Doha Al-Arabi Stadium, and China Hong Kong Team will play against Iraq Team away from home here."
Wong Hing-kwai nodded. "Yes, Sir Zhong. This game is very important for Iraq Team. They must win and have a higher goal difference than Jordan to have a chance to qualify second in the group.
And Hong Kong Team has already qualified first in the group ahead of schedule. This game can be said to be stress-free and very relaxed."
Chung Chi-kwong: "But Hong Kong Team did not rotate. Coach Troussier sent out a full lineup. Zhang Kuang, Cris Kang, Zheng Shaowei, Fan Chun-yip... are all in the starting lineup.
Especially Zhang Kuang, he was still playing Premier League on the 26th, and then flew over to play an away game after the game. There were only two days in between to deal with jet lag and adapt to the environment, which was a big challenge for Zhang Kuang."
Wong Hing-kwai: "Yes, so Coach Te said how much Zhang Kuang can play on the court depends on the real-time situation and Zhang Kuang's personal feelings."
Chung Chi-kwong: "You're right, striving for a complete victory is a good thing, but Zhang Kuang's physical condition must also be taken into consideration. In addition, today's referee is South Korea's Kim Dong-jin.
This referee is known for his strict law enforcement and decisive decision-making. He has law enforcement experience in the Asia Cup and AFC Champions League leagues and should be able to control the rhythm of the game well."
Wong Hing-kwai: "Kim Dong-jin's law enforcement standards have always been relatively tight. Iraq Team may suffer losses if he moves too much.
But our Hong Kong Team is not the kind of team that relies on physical confrontation. We have Zhang Kuang's technology and speed, Cris Kang's organization, and Zheng Shaowei's breakthroughs. These are all technologically advanced things. So Kim Dong-jin's strict law enforcement may be more beneficial to Hong Kong Team."
CCTV's broadcast screen also cut to the scene.
The voice of He Wei came. "Friends from the audience, welcome to the World Cup qualifiers Asia District Top 20 Group A final round game brought to you by China Central Television Sports Channel. I am He Wei. Sitting next to me is Zhang Lu Director Zhang.
Iraq Team plays China Hong Kong Team at home. Iraq Team is currently ranked second in the group and must win to retain hope of qualifying. China Hong Kong Team has already secured first place in the group in advance. The goal of this game is to end with a complete victory."
Zhang Lu nodded. "Yes. The biggest highlight of this game is how long Zhang Kuang can play on the court? If Zhang Kuang comes off the court, can Iraq Team make a comeback."
He Wei: "Yes, before the game Hong Kong Team coach Troussier said that how long Zhang Kuang can play depends on the real-time situation and Zhang Kuang's personal feelings..."
At four o'clock in the afternoon, players from both sides lined up in the tunnel.
Zhang Kuang is standing in the middle of the team, with Fan Chun-yip in front and Cris Kang behind. He is wearing a red jersey of Hong Kong Team, with 'ZHANGKUANG33' printed on the back.
His face was expressionless, his eyes calmly scanning the Iraq players on the other side of the tunnel.
Iraq Team Younis Mahmoud stood at the front of the team, his eyes were equally firm.
The 2007 Asia Footballer of the Year knows that this is his last chance to hit World Cup.
He is already 32 years old, and he may not have a chance in the next qualifiers.
Next, after the referee Kim Dong-jin waved, he led the players from both teams into the stadium.