I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 333: Chapter 23: Unbelievable!

Pato has been quite puffed up recently because he has a mysterious girlfriend.

It’s Barbara from the Berlusconi family, daughter of the actual controller of the Milan Club and the future ”King Without a Crown” of the club.

Milan is about to face Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage, and while chatting with Barbara, she mentioned Chen Zhong and talked about Chen Zhong’s performance at Milan last season.

This made Pato unhappy.

Although in some key matches, like the one against Inter Milan, I didn’t perform well, I fought for Milan the whole season, and you are still my ”mysterious girlfriend,” talking about Chen Zhong with a look of infatuation. What’s that supposed to mean?

Perhaps sensing Pato’s frustration, Barbara coaxed him a bit and assured him the club would fully support him in winning the Golden Boy Award, which instantly cheered up Pato.

Then he called Chen Zhong.

”Listen, I’m going to tell you three things.”

”First, Milan will win this match.”

”Second, the Golden Boy Award is mine!”

”Third, Barbara is also mine!”

Before Chen Zhong had a chance to reply, Pato hung up, leaving Chen Zhong a bit puzzled; who wants to compete with you for Barbara?

Shortly after receiving Pato’s call, Raul and Guti’s calls also came in.

This season, Real Madrid brought in Kaka and Pirlo from Milan. When acquiring Pirlo, Milan stipulated that Real Madrid must have a replacement for Pirlo if they want to purchase him.

And upon learning that Real Madrid wanted to terminate contracts with Raul and Guti as free agents, Milan took on Raul and Guti’s contracts.

Milan’s current coach is Leonardo Nascimento de Araújo.

Leonardo has served Milan for 12 years, from his player days until now. After becoming Milan’s coach, he formed a trident with Pato, Ronaldinho, and Raul, while the team’s other new addition, Huntelaar, sat on the bench in frustration.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar never imagined that after last season joining Real Madrid and being unable to play in the Champions League due to a ”registration” issue, he would lose the coveted starting spot after joining Milan because of Raul.

Raul and Guti didn’t say much, only chatted a bit and checked in on Chen Zhong, with neither side discussing team tactics, which is part of a player’s professional integrity.

Matchday quickly arrived.

Outside the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Merengue fans gathered from all directions. Some fans even brought banners and signs to express their welcome to Raul and Guti.

Meanwhile, some Milan fans also brought banners and signs to show their support for Chen Zhong.

Recent news didn’t seem to trouble fans of either team.

”You are watching live coverage of the 09-10 season, the Champions League group stage, Group C match.”

”Real Madrid hosts AC Milan at home.”

”Real Madrid is in white kits, and Milan is in red and black kits.”

”The teams’ starting lineups have been announced, and Real Madrid is utilizing the traditional 4-4-2 formation.”

”Negredo and Higuain are the team’s twin forwards, Kaka and Granero are on the flanks, and Chen Zhong and Baptista are handling the midfield. Marcelo, Albiol, Pepe, and Ramos form the defense line, with Casillas still as goalkeeper.”

”And on the bench are Callejon, Pirlo, Benzema...”

”Meanwhile, Milan has set up in a 4-3-3 formation.”

”Ronaldinho, Raul, and Pato form the trident, with Seedorf, Guti, and Ambrosini at midfield coordination. Zambrotta, Thiago Silva, Nesta, and Oddo make up the defense line with Dida as the goalkeeper.”

”On the bench are Inzaghi, Flamini, Huntelaar...”

The Real Madrid vs. Milan match is truly a star-studded affair, with both teams packed with world-class players.

On the sideline, Milan’s coach Leonardo and Pellegrini shook hands as a gesture of goodwill.

In the players’ tunnel, most of Milan’s players greeted Chen Zhong, such as Raul, Seedorf, Guti, Ambrosini, Nesta, Dida, and others.

Judging by their closeness on the field, Ronaldinho and Pato seemed to be in a league of their own.

After greeting familiar faces, Chen Zhong focused on Pato, who had previously ”provoked” him over the phone. But he now behaved meekly like a lamb, avoiding direct eye contact with Chen Zhong.

”Chen,” Pepe approached Chen Zhong with a ”kind” smile and asked, ”Is there a problem between you two?”

Pepe, now notorious on the field, took on the role of the team’s bad guy in the season Chen Zhong left, providing many fierce memorable moments. Coupled with his approachable expressions, he was quite intimidating.

”Watch your limits,” Chen Zhong tapped Pepe’s bald head, and Pepe shrugged his shoulders and tilted his head with a funny expression to show he understood.

Watching this scene from not far away, Marcelo resentfully pouted—Pepe outdoes even him in clowning around!