Chapter 177: THE stage
"Congratulations, Wang." After the match, Shevchenko walked towards Wang Feng, forcing a smile, and said, "Congratulations on your goal and victory." He took the initiative to shake hands with Wang Feng and hugged him briefly to celebrate.
The two-legged tie ended with only one goal, and it was this goal that ended AC Milan's journey in this year's Champions League, which was a heavy blow to them.
To make matters worse, they also found themselves in a disadvantageous position in the race for the league title.
"Thank you, you guys performed excellently. I thought we might go into penalties," Wang Feng said. Since his debut, he hadn't experienced a cruel penalty shootout.
Shevchenko smiled bitterly and shook his head. He knew very well that over the two legs, Inter Milan and they had similar opportunities, and even due to the special marking on Wang Feng, his performance was limited.
In such circumstances, AC Milan's forward line missed chance after chance, while Wang Feng, on the other hand, capitalized on the few opportunities he got and dealt a decisive blow.
"We won't give up until the last moment in the league," Shevchenko said stubbornly. Even though the hope seemed faint, if Inter Milan wins the next round, they can clinch the title prematurely. He didn't like leaving their fate in the hands of their opponents.
After exchanging jerseys and talking with Shevchenko, Wang Feng walked towards the players' tunnel. Seeing AC Milan's coach Ancelotti, he greeted him, and Ancelotti hugged Wang Feng, saying, "Wang, I really like your style of play. Coaching you would be a joy."
Wang Feng smiled and didn't say anything. As Inter Milan's top star, it was almost impossible for him to switch to AC Milan. Ancelotti didn't continue the topic but encouraged, "Next up is the ultimate showdown against Real Madrid. You have to keep up the good work and help Serie A reclaim the Champions League trophy."
The other semifinal match of the Champions League also concluded, with Real Madrid advancing by an away goal against Juventus after a 1-1 draw over two legs.
For Real Madrid, Inter Milan was both unfamiliar and familiar. The two clubs hadn't faced each other formally for several years, but players like Zidane and Ronaldo in Real Madrid had previously played in Serie A.
Nowadays, Real Madrid was truly a galaxy of stars. Players like Roberto Carlos, Salgado, Hierro, Helguera, Makélélé, along with Zidane, Figo, Raúl, and Ronaldo in the front, made them formidable in every aspect. They just needed to exploit Inter Milan's weak defense, and the injury-plagued Inter couldn't resist.
"When Ronaldo was interviewed, he confidently said he would bring Real Madrid their 10th Champions League trophy. It seems he knows very well about the weakness in your Inter's defense. You have to be careful," Ancelotti kindly reminded.
As Inter Milan's team bus left the stadium, fans crowded the sides of the road, waving homemade banners with messages of support. Many shouted Wang Feng's name, which he could hear clearly from inside the bus.
"Your popularity is incredible," Zanetti remarked. It was understandable. The last time Inter Milan reached the Champions League final was way back in 1972.
At that time, they faced Ajax, the reigning champions of Eredivisie, and suffered a 0-2 defeat at the Feijenoord Stadium, narrowly missing out on the trophy.
That match saw Ajax successfully defending their Champions League title, and in the following season, they achieved a three-peat, showcasing their dominance.
Unfortunately, after the Bosman ruling, Ajax suffered from significant player departures and eventually declined into a smaller club, relying on youth academy products for survival.
Returning to Inter Milan, since that year, the team hadn't been able to reach the Champions League final again. Despite continuously acquiring superstars like Altobelli, Matth?us, Brehme, Klinsmann, Vieri, and Ronaldo, they failed to achieve European glory.
Thirty-one years! For the self-proclaimed elite club of Inter Milan fans, thirty-one years of absence from the Champions League final was incredibly despairing. And now, Wang Feng appeared, seemingly like a savior, knocking out Valencia with two stunning goals, and last-minute defeating AC Milan, leading Inter back to the pinnacle stage.
How could such a player not be adored by the fans? More and more people gathered just to chant his name, Wang Feng!
The scene was chaotic for a while, with some fans spilling onto the road, blocking the path of the bus. Security personnel worked tirelessly to maintain order, taking over half an hour to clear the way.
As the bus drove on, many fans continued to follow, only stopping at the highway intersection when intercepted. Wang Feng and the players watched everything from inside the bus, each filled with shock and pride.
These were the fans of Inter Milan! They didn't disappoint this group of people's expectations!
"I wonder what the city will be like when we lift the Champions League trophy," Di Biagio said with anticipation.
"Not just the Champions League trophy," Wang Feng's voice came, "when we lift five trophies and hold a grand victory parade, the whole city will be celebrating for us."
Everyone's eyes sparkled with strong determination. If they could accomplish this feat, they would be forever engraved in Inter Milan's history and leave a significant mark on the world football history.
The next day, sports media around the world reported on the two Champions League semi-final matches, with Real Madrid narrowly winning with an away goal, and Inter Milan's Wang Feng winning the Milan Derby with a precise late goal.
The reinvigorated Inter Milan facing the star-studded Real Madrid undoubtedly filled fans and media worldwide with anticipation. And how the newly crowned European Golden Ball and FIFA World Player of the Year, Ronaldo, would face his former club was a topic everyone eagerly discussed.
Could Wang Feng continue his miraculous performances and help Inter Milan win the long-awaited glory?
"I'll see you at Old Trafford," Ronnie called Wang Feng. "I never thought we would meet in the final. I won't show any mercy." As the stars in the team gradually aged, Ronnie keenly sensed that Real Madrid was declining, and this year might be their last chance for glory!
"We don't need your mercy," Wang Feng said firmly. "I've been looking forward to a formal showdown with you for a long time. See you on the pitch, Ronnie!"
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