I AM the Football Star

Chapter 7: Chapter 3: When a Player Destroyed His Coach

”Well done, kid! I knew you could do it!” Maniero excitedly rushed over, relentlessly ruffling Lu Yang’s head. Fortunately, Lu Yang had a buzz cut, or his hairstyle would have been ruined.

”It was a brilliant performance; you’re going to be famous, young man!”

”An incredibly realistic goal feint, very deceptive.”

”It’s not just the shot; his dribbling seems magical, leaving opponents clueless on how to tackle!”

”Kid, you’re a professional player, right? You must be; otherwise, I’d suggest my home team sign you immediately!”

Star Arrow Team’s veterans gathered to celebrate the goal with Lu Yang, while also showering him with praise.

”Sotu, come over here.” Maniero beckoned to Sotu, who was standing nearby with hands on his hips sighing. ”I have a big surprise for you.”

Sotu shot Maniero a glare and walked over.

What surprise could it be?

Wasn’t it just to boast that he finally won against Sotu, avenging the defeat from his retirement game?

What a petty guy!

Sotu guessed right; Maniero indeed did that.

But what Sotu didn’t expect was that Xiaolu also rubbed salt into his wound.

”Your defense was not bad, but unfortunately your speed isn’t fast enough.” Lu Yang smiled at Sotu, repeating the trash talk Sotu had sent him earlier.

On the pitch, such trash talk can greatly affect a player’s condition.

The most infamous trash talk in history might be what Materazzi said to Zidane during the World Cup final, which directly enraged Zidane, resulting in Zidane headbutting Materazzi in the chest, earning a red card and being sent off.

This became the turning point where the France Team missed out on the World Cup.

”Was that trash talk? Is it necessary, kid? It’s just an exhibition match.” Sotu was a bit frustrated but not angry. Instead, he found this little guy amusing, didn’t he know he was called the butcher?

”The referee hasn’t blown the whistle yet.” Lu Yang motioned to the referee, indicating the match wasn’t over and he wouldn’t let his guard down.

”I’ll remember you, Lu Yuan.” Sotu punched Lu Yang in the chest, then turned and left.

”His name is Lu Yang.” Maniero cynically corrected.

Sotu’s back trembled for a moment; he muttered with closed eyes, not embarrassed, not embarrassed, as long as he wasn’t embarrassed, the embarrassment would be someone else’s.

A minute later, with three whistle blows from the referee, the match officially ended.

Star Arrow Team emerged as winners of this celebrity exhibition match.

With two assists and one goal, Maniero was selected as the match’s MVP.

He entered the media interview area, but just as the media was about to interview him, he left again.

A few seconds later, he dragged Sotu and Lu Yang back to the interview area.

The interview officially started.

Reporter: ”Maniero, what do you have to say about being named MVP of the match?”

Maniero: ”I’m very excited, after all, this is my first official match after retirement. You know, the last MVP was this guy beside me, and I think I’ve finally freed myself from the shadow he cast on me.”

After speaking, Maniero looked at Sotu.

Sotu: ”Stop mocking me, Maniero. Who was it that thanked me for giving my all in his last match? True honor doesn’t need others to accomplish!”

Maniero nodded, then patted Lu Yang next to him: ”Yes, true honor doesn’t need others to accomplish. My statistics today certainly look good, but if I were to choose a MVP for today’s match, I’d choose Lu Yang!”

The media reporters were all very surprised because they knew Maniero wasn’t someone who liked to praise others.

Giving his all was his expectation for both himself and his opponents.

While he was friendly, many young players had received his private encouragement, but he rarely made public comments about young players.

What distinguishes him from many outspoken veterans is that he’s willing to be responsible for his remarks.

Reporter: ”Are you serious? Of course, we acknowledge that Lu Yang’s goal today was very impressive, but...”

Maniero laughed: ”But a match can’t be judged by just one goal, right? Perhaps for mature players, indeed it is so. But for young players, one moment of brilliance is enough to see the limitless potential in them.”

”Yes, I’m indeed saying Lu Yang possesses limitless potential.”

”His stopping and ball control are very immature, his absolute speed isn’t fast enough, his physique is still weak with insufficient resistance, his shooting technique also has issues... he has many shortcomings, but he made that fantastic goal in the end, and that’s football! That’s his talent!”

After Maniero finished speaking, some reporters in the crowd couldn’t help but applaud.

Yes, that’s football.

Who said only those with abundant talent and brilliance can play soccer?

In the football world, there are also many diligent professional players whose talent isn’t outstanding. They may not shine continuously, but just one shining moment can illuminate many people’s lives.

Right, Cristiano Ronaldo...uh, C Luo is talented, Messi works hard!

”Actually today, I have an explosively exciting piece of news, which I’m sure everyone is interested in.” Maniero’s mouth curved slightly, ”Sotu, come on, you announce it yourself.”

Reporters all looked at Sotu.

Previously, Sotu intended to restart his career in coaching, and many have speculated which team Sotu would choose as his starting point.