July 9, Manchester.
Zhang Kuang flew back to Manchester from Dubai. He was recognized by several fans at the airport, signed his name and took a photo, and then returned to the hotel in the car that Jonathan came to pick him up.
The weather in Manchester in July is much more comfortable than that in Dubai, with temperatures in the early twenties, cloudy, and an occasional drizzle.
He put down his luggage, took a shower, changed into a clean T-shirt, and after a brief chat with Jonathan, he went out to the Serbia restaurant organized by Vidić.
Yes, the new season is about to begin, and Captain Manchester United organized the first team party of the new season.
When Zhang Kuang arrived at this restaurant, Vidić occupied the entire floor.
The restaurant is on an inconspicuous street in the center of Manchester. The Serbia flag is hung at the door. There are dark wooden tables and leather sofas inside, and black and white photos from the old Yugoslavia era are hung on the walls.
On the long table are barbecue platters, cheese, bread, and several bottles of Rakija--Serbia fruit wine. The alcohol content is not low. Vidić specially brought it back from Belgrade.
Vidić stood at the door, shaking hands with everyone who came one by one. His height of 1.88 meters took up most of the door frame.
Ferdinand came early and was already sitting in the corner chatting with Evra. The two of them didn't know what they were talking about and laughed so hard.
Rooney and Carrick were sitting in the back. Rooney had a glass of Rakija in front of him. He had already drank half of it and his face was flushed.
Shinji Kagawa was sitting next to Rooney, a little reserved, the water in the cup was not moving much, and he was making some gestures with Rooney - later Zhang Kuang found out that Rooney was teaching him to speak English with Liverpool's accent, and Kagawa looked confused.
When Zhang Kuang opened the door and came in, Rooney was the first to stand up. "Hey, Dubai is the big star back!"
Zhang Kuang went over to fist bump with him, and then saw several people standing next to him: Park Ji-sung, Berbatov, Owen, Fabio...
There are also several young men from the reserve team: Kuszczak, Richie De Laet, Marty James, Ben Amos and others.
This is farewell.
Park Ji-sung came over with a smile and said in slightly accented English: "Zhang, I'm going to QPR, London. If we meet in the league in the future, you must be merciful."
Zhang Kuang shook hands with him. Park Ji-sung's palms were thicker than expected. They were the kind of cocoons that only players who can't run to death have.
Zhang Kuang said, "It's necessary. I will only use some strength against South Korea in the Asia civil war. In Europe, many people still think that South Korea belongs to China. If I attack you, it will make Europe fans think that I am ruthless."
Park Ji-sung laughed, turned around and hugged Evra.
The two of them talked in a mixture of Korean and French. No one understood the other, but they both laughed happily.
Berbatov is the calmest, holding a glass of red wine in his hand, leaning against the window, as if he is filming an advertisement.
"Fulham, that's where I'm going next." He said, his tone sounded like he was reporting the weather, "London is close to the river, quiet and nice."
Zhang Kuang clinked glasses with him. "Your cool shooting is still the best in the world. I feel inferior to you. It's a pity... I wish you all the best."
Berba smiled, showing his trademark, somewhat lazy smile, "It's nothing to regret. My situation is the norm for many players. It's incomparable with superstars like you. You can always be the main force unless you ask for leave yourself, and any conditions you put may be met."
Berba Although he said it with a smile, he was still a little bit resentful.
Indeed, everyone can have grievances.
His ability is no worse than Hernández, and he is the first to come. Unexpectedly, not only was Hernández usurped his position, but he was also used as a substitute for this latecomer for a year. This is very frustrating.
Owen arrived in a low-key manner and sat next to Carrick for a while and chatted about old national team affairs. He spoke in a low voice and still had that baby-faced look when he smiled.
Zhang Kuang walked over and shook hands with him.
Owen shook hands and smiled, "Zhang, I am very happy to work with you for two seasons. Although I rarely play, you know that if I play, your limelight will be stolen."
Zhang Kuang said, "Haha, yes, yes, you are the Son of the Wind. Your speed is as fast as the wind. Have you decided which one to go to?"
Owen smiled, spread his hands, and said nothing more.
Kuszczak stood with a few young men from the reserve team and didn't talk much.
Fabio was rented to QPR, together with Park Ji-sung. When he fist bumped with Zhang Kuang, he said, "I will come back in a year."
Zhang Kuang nodded and said nothing.
Rich De Laet and Marty James were standing at the door. The two young men were a little nervous. Zhang Kuang walked over and patted them on the shoulders. "Play well, Leicester City is also a good team."
De Laet nodded, James said, "Thank you, Zhang!"
Ben·Amos raised his head from his cell phone, bumped fists with Zhang Kuang, and said, "Go to Hull City on loan, and I will play well."
Pogba didn't come.
Zhang Kuang asked Vidić, Vidić shook his head and whispered, "Raiola didn't let him come. He said it was an 'unnecessary social interaction'."
Zhang Kuang didn't ask again.
Vidić raised the cup and knocked it twice, and the whole place fell silent.
"Everyone," the captain's voice was steady, and the Serbia-accented English echoed in the restaurant, "every year, some people leave and some come, this is football.
Those sitting here today, no matter what color jersey they wear next season, were all players of Manchester United. Cheers to the brothers who left and to the brothers who stayed!"
"Cheers!"
Zhang Kuang clinked glasses with everyone.
When it was Shinji Kagawa's turn, the two clinked glasses. Kagawa said "よろしくおいします" (please take care of me) in Japanese, and Zhang Kuang replied "こちらこそ" (each other) in Japanese.
Kagawa's eyes lit up. "Zhang Sang, do you know Japanese?"
Zhang Kuang said, "I know a little bit. I played well in Borussia Dortmund."
Kagawa bowed. "Premier League, you still need to get used to it."
Zhang Kuang patted his shoulder. "Take your time and practice physical confrontation first."
Kagawa bowed again. "Hi!"
I drank until almost twelve o'clock that night.
Rooney was already shaking a little as he walked away. Shinji Kagawa was helped into the car by him. Carrick shouted from behind, "Don't let him drive."
Ferdinand and Evra left last, and the two were still arguing about who had better steal data last season.
Zhang Kuang stood at the door of the restaurant, Manchester the July night breeze was still chilly. He watched Park Ji-sung and Fabio get into a taxi together, and the taillights disappeared at the street corner.
Just like that, the first party of the new season ended.
Before the party, they always thought that there would be another party like this in the future. After the party, some people knew that this was the last party with these teammates in their lives.
--
July 11, Carrington Training Ground.
Registration day.
When Zhang Kuang walked into the locker room, his cabinet No. 33 was still in the same place, and Rooney's cabinet No. 10 next to it had a new sticker: a photo of his puppy.
The new Shinji Kagawa was standing in front of his cabinet, neatly folding his training clothes. When he saw Zhang Kuang coming in, he bowed. "Zhang Sang, please take care of me."
Zhang Kuang nodded. "Just call me Zhang."
Kagawa:"Okay, Zhang."
Zhang Kuang chatted with Kagawa for a while while changing clothes.
Büttner was sitting in the corner. Netherlands was a left back. He didn't talk much and was tying his shoelaces. He looked up at Zhang Kuang, nodded, and lowered his head again to continue tying.
Zhang Kuang walked over and shook hands with him. "Alexander, right?"
Büttner stood up, 1.75 meters tall, thin but strong. "Yes, Zhang, I'm sorry, I'm not good at expressing myself."
Zhang Kuang: "Ha, it's okay, welcome to Manchester United."
Zhang Kuang looked around at his teammates and knew that there was still an important player who was not here.
That is Van Persie.
I wonder if anything will change at this time. Will Zhang Kuang and Van Persie not come because Manchester United has him?
When Ferguson walked in, the locker room was quiet.
The old man was wearing a short-sleeved training suit, his face expressionless, and he was holding a printed schedule in his hand.
"It's all here. Okay." He stood in the middle and held up the schedule. "This year's pre-season preparation is different from previous years. What we are playing today is a tour match, not a training camp."
He paused and glanced at everyone.
"On July 16th, fly South Africa Durban, there are two warm-up matches there. On July 23rd, fly China Shanghai, and play one match with Chinese Super League team Shenhua.
Then return to Europe, Norway on August 1st, Sweden on August 5th. Return to Manchester on August 8th, rest for two days, August 12th..."
Ferguson paused for a beat.
"Community Shield. Everyone knows who the opponent is, right? Yes, it's the noisy neighbor: Manchester City."
Someone in the locker room whistled, it was Rooney.
Ferguson glared at him and continued, "Last season we were the league champions and Football Association Cup champions. According to the rules, Community Shield's opponent was the league runner-up, Manchester City.
Everyone, this is not a friendly match, this is a derby, the first trophy of the season. I don't like losing to Manchester City, what about you?"
"We must win!" the team members shouted in unison.
Ferguson nodded. "Very good, the voice is loud and the woman didn't suck her dry."
"Haha..." everyone laughed.
Ferguson: "But I generally don't believe in appearances, I believe in data more. Next, young man, give me a physical test one by one. If you don't meet the standard, I will practice until your anus explodes!"
On July 16, fly to South Africa.
Manchester United team boarded the flight to South Africa.
On the bus from Carrington Training Ground to Manchester Airport, Shinji Kagawa was sitting next to Rooney, and the two of them were still making gestures and chatting about their positions.
Rooney said "yourunbehind, Ipass" in his Liverpool accented English. Kagawa nodded in understanding, then took out his mobile phone and opened the translation software, and typed a few words for Rooney to read.
Rooney laughed loudly after seeing it, and handed the phone to Carrick behind him to look at.
Carrick took a look and smiled. Kagawa was playing "I run behind you and you pass the ball".
Büttner fell asleep by the window, and Powell wore headphones to watch a movie on the plane.
Zhang Kuang was sitting in the back row, wearing headphones and watching a South Africa travel documentary.
The plane stopped at Doha and then flew to Durban. The whole journey took more than ten hours.
When we arrived at Durban, it was morning local time, and a heat wave came over us outside the airport. It was humid than Dubai, and the air had the salty smell of India Ocean.
Durban's training ground is in the north of the city. The grass quality is good, but the weather is too hot. Ferguson arranges training time in the morning and evening, and the whole team rests in the hotel at noon.
In the two warm-up matches, Zhang Kuang played for 60 minutes each and scored two goals.
The first goal was against a local team South Africa. Zhang Kuang received a through ball from Shinji Kagawa on the left, cut inside and then volleyed from the top of the penalty area into the blind spot.
The second goal was against another team. Zhang Kuang scored a header in the penalty area, which was almost exactly the same as Community Shield's goal.
Kagawa's movement was indeed smart, and he handled the ball cleanly after receiving the ball in the ribs several times. However, he did suffer in the confrontation. He was hit twice by South Africa's defender, once lost the ball, and once fell to the ground.
Ferguson shouted from the sidelines, "Kagawa, hit the ball faster! Don't hold your body against them!"
Zhang Kuang said as he ran by, "Lean over to me."
Kagawa nodded.
After training, Zhang Kuang went to the beach of Durban with several teammates.
India Ocean The sea water is dark blue, and there are people playing football on the beach. Rooney and Ferdinand join in, and Zhang Kuang is watching from the side.
A local kid ran over, wearing a washed white Manchester United jersey with "ZHANG33" printed on it.
Zhang Kuang squatted down and took a photo with him. The child said something in Zulu, and the adult next to him translated it as "You are my Hero".
Zhang Kuang touched his head.
July 23, Shanghai.
Pudong Airport's airport pick-up gate was crowded with thousands of fans, holding Zhang Kuang's No. 33 Manchester United jersey and Chinese slogans. When Zhang Kuang walked out, the screams almost shook the glass.
Security guards held hands and formed a human wall, and Zhang Kuang signed autographs for several fans as he walked.
Looking at Wu Yangyang's fans, they are so envious of the Manchester United stars. This fame really makes people's hearts beat.
Rooney grinned from behind. "Zhang, your presence in China is really big. No wonder so many advertisers want to ask you to advertise. There are so many fans, more than one billion, and the conversion rate is 1%, which means more than 10 million people consume."
Zhang Kuang: "Haha, are you envious? But you can't be envious because I am the China person and you are not."
Rooney:"Lost..."
--
In the next few days, in addition to training at the base of the Manchester United team, Zhang Kuang took many players to Shanghai for a stroll and some local food.
Ferguson didn't stop them. Ferguson wasn't that strict about the players' diet, otherwise he wouldn't have recommended a championship meal. You know, the championship meal is an orange-flavored chocolate cake, which is a high-sugar food.
Even Ferguson went to eat with them. Zhang Kuang invited them to have Chinese food more than once, and it turns out that there is nothing unhealthy about Chinese food. It is not only healthy but also delicious.
There is just one thing. Every time the players of Manchester United go somewhere, they cause a sensation, which makes their play a bit limited.
So twice we had to avoid crowded places. Zhang Kuang took them to Suzhou to see the gardens and to see Humble Administrator's Garden, letting them experience the life of China ancient rich people in terms of food, accommodation, entertainment and entertainment.
Then many players were shocked. It turned out that China, an ordinary local rich man in ancient times, had a garden not much smaller than Buckingham Palace, and more exquisite, with mountains and water, and countless servants to serve...
Of course, the size is not important. What is important is that they can feel another graceful beauty of the China building, which shocked the players.
After that, we also went to Zhouzhuang, allowing everyone to experience the scenic spots by boat that are completely different from Venice.
On July 28, Shanghai Hongkou Stadium, the drums were beating loudly, the slogans were passionate, and the cheers were cheering one after another.
Yes, it was a warm-up match between Shanghai Shenhua and Manchester United at home. This match attracted a packed house of fans, the attention of many TV stations, and the favor of countless advertisers, which made Ferguson excited.
Ferguson was even confused. He asked Zhang Kuang: "China has so many passionate fans, media and platforms that pay so much attention to football, and countless advertisers are willing to invest money in football matches, so why can't China football? This is unreasonable!"
Zhang Kuang:"..."
He didn't even know how to explain all this to Ferguson. Yes, there is a market for passionate fans.
Media platforms that attract high attention are popular.
Countless advertisers are flocking to it, which means they have funds.
Why can't a movement that has a market, popularity, and funding fail to take off?
Why?
Damn, a lot of people want to know why.
Not only was he Ferguson confused, but countless China people were also confused!
Zhang Kuang: "BOSS, more than a hundred countries around the world are developing football, but after so many years, there are still the thirty or so powerful football countries, and the four or five that can really win the World Cup championship.
Therefore, it is difficult to understand some things just by looking at their appearance, but it is even more difficult to copy them. There are not only one or two countries that copy Brazil football, but there is no second Brazil in the world.
Yes, Zhang Kuang can only be explained in this way, otherwise it cannot be explained clearly.
Ferguson thought for a moment and nodded thoughtfully.
The warm-up match with Shenhua lasted for ninety minutes. Zhang Kuang scored two goals and assisted Rooney.
The first goal was a long shot from outside the penalty area, and the second goal was a direct pass from Rooney and then passed the goalkeeper and pushed the goal into the empty goal.
After the game, he exchanged jerseys with several old acquaintances of China fans from Shenhua.
At the press conference, a reporter asked him what he thought of China football.
Zhang Kuang thought for a moment and expressed Ferguson's doubts, "Before the game, Sir Ferguson asked me, 'China There are so many passionate fans, media and platforms that pay so much attention to football, and countless advertisers are willing to invest money in football matches, so why can't China football do it? This is unreasonable!'
To be honest, I couldn't answer it for the moment. China football has a market, popularity, and funds. It seems that this is the most perfect fertile ground for football, but... you all know what China football is like.
Maybe this question can be left for everyone to answer or think about together. Regarding the current opinions of China football, I still wanted to criticize it before, but after Sir Ferguson asked the question, I can't express my opinion at all."
Reporters were shocked by this question. Yes, why can't football develop even though there is a market, popularity, and funds?
Reporter: "Zhang Kuang, is there something wrong with the system?"
Zhang Kuang: "I don't know, don't ask me, I am a player of Manchester United now, and I just want to play well for the club."
Reporter: "Zhang Kuang, do you mean that you have nothing to do with China National Team from now on? Are you trying to draw a clear line?"
Zhang Kuang: "Why is it irrelevant? I am now China Hong Kong Team's main player, so why is it irrelevant? What's the matter, China Hong Kong Team is not China National Team? Isn't it a part of China football?"
Reporter: "..."