Chapter 189: Farewell
On the second day after the championship parade, the Spanish newspaper "AS" exploded with sensational news: Real Madrid officially made an offer to Inter Milan, wanting to bring Wang Feng to the club for a fee of 60 million euros.
Soon after, Catalonia's "Mundo Deportivo" did not want to be outdone, reporting that Barcelona had also made an offer to Inter Milan, with a staggering price tag of 80 million euros.
"The galactic battleship is really regressing; they want to buy the hero of the Five Crown King for only 60 million? We can represent Inter Milan's president, Moratti, and say no directly," Mundo Deportivo sarcastically commented.
To be honest, the transfer fee for Wang Feng skyrocketing to 80 million euros was beyond everyone's expectations, but it was still reasonable. This season, he scored 40 goals in Serie A, surpassing Roy Makaay of Deportivo La Coru?a, winning the European Golden Boot for the second consecutive time.
He also displayed godlike performances with 22 goals in the Champions League, securing the title of the dual Footballer of the Year at year-end. Considering his age and form, it didn't seem too exaggerated.
Several Italian media outlets were eager to report on the tug-of-war between Real Madrid and Barcelona, with many unscrupulous reports suggesting that Wang Feng was sure to leave Inter Milan this summer.
This speculation provoked strong dissatisfaction among Inter Milan fans, with many protesting at the club's headquarters, demanding that everything be done to keep Wang Feng at all costs.
Moratti personally approached Wang Feng, hoping he would stay at Inter Milan with peace of mind. "Wang, I hope you can personally create the best era for Inter Milan," Moratti said.
Wang Feng reassured the chairman's uneasy emotions, stating that he would definitely stay. He couldn't be blamed for feeling a bit sensitive, as Barcelona's offer was simply too tempting. Not only the transfer fee, but also the player's treatment far exceeded what Inter Milan currently offered.
But he still felt Inter Milan was better! Although every top club had its share of ruthlessness, Barcelona seemed to be exceptionally "outstanding," having disputes with players like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and others.
Wang Feng tactfully mentioned the problem with Inter Milan's defense, to which Moratti explicitly stated they would address it. "We will focus all our efforts on improving the midfield and defense. There will definitely be a new atmosphere in the new season."
While Inter Milan was seeking reinforcements in the transfer market, there was also a wave of departures. Firstly, the most significant was the departure of head coach Cooper, which took everyone by surprise, except Wang Feng.
In an interview, he denied all conspiracy theories, stating, "The Champions League final has been a burden on me. Inter Milan helped me solve it. I am grateful. Now, I'm a bit tired and want to rest for a while."
Before leaving, he also had a deep conversation with Wang Feng: "To be honest, Wang, I haven't fully developed your abilities. Actually, I've always known my weakness; I'm not good at coaching offense."
"In these two years, you've performed so well relying on your freedom on the field. I believe under an attacking master, you'll soar even higher."
He still had some concerns. This season, Inter Milan had reached its peak. Continuing to coach would likely not lead to breakthroughs in results. Why not retire at the peak?
The replacement for Cooper was Lazio's current head coach, Roberto Mancini. This season, he led the financially troubled team to fourth place in the league, indicating his ability. How Moratti managed to lure him away remains a mystery.
Apart from Cooper, Wang Feng had long known about Konchita's departure. He eventually declined Lazio's invitation and returned to his hometown in Portugal to play for Porto.
The departure of Di Biagio surprised Wang Feng. This season, he contributed many assists to Wang Feng and performed remarkably well.
"To be honest, since the latter half of the season, my back has been slightly aching, which is my old problem. I'm afraid I won't be able to help Inter Milan in the new season."
"I want to go to mid-table or lower-tier teams in Serie A, without the pressure of winning the title. Thanks to this year's prosperity, many teams are interested in me, such as Brescia, Perugia, and Bologna."
Wang Feng said with some sadness, "If you leave, who will pass me the ball?" Di Biagio patted Wang Feng on the shoulder. "Believe in yourself, Wang. You can do even better."
Gresko, Konchita, Di Biagio, former teammates, one by one leaving, Wang Feng felt a bit sad, a bit helpless, but could only accept it. Since entering football, the cruelty of professional football had repeatedly unfolded before him.
The last main player to leave was Cannavaro. The Italian captain was not very happy at Inter Milan this season. He couldn't integrate into the coach's system and had some disagreements with teammates.
Although Cooper had stepped down, the conflict between him and Cordoba remained unresolved. At this time, Juventus extended an olive branch. He naturally agreed.
While Moratti was worried about the departure of these two defenders, he felt somewhat reluctant upon learning of Cannavaro's intentions. But after thinking it over, he reluctantly agreed to his transfer.
Several substitute players also left. As long as they were targeted by other clubs and promised a starting position, few would refuse such temptation.
Veteran Batistuta did not wait for Inter Milan's renewal and his contract with Roma expired. So, he joined Al-Arabi in Qatar as a free agent to seek fortune in the Middle East.
With so many players leaving, there was certainly a need for reinforcements. Firstly, Wang Feng's old teammate, Christian Civu, was transferred from Ajax to Inter Milan for 18 million euros.
Moratti also set his sights on Arsenal's Van Bronckhorst. He made a name for himself at Feyenoord in the Eredivisie and excelled at Glasgow Rangers, eventually being noticed by Arsenal.
Although he performed averagely at the Gunners, in Moratti's eyes, who transitioned from being a "striker hoarder" to a "defender hoarder," the 28-year-old Dutchman was a usable immediate force. So, he decisively made a move.
Originally, Arsenal didn't value this defender much, but seeing Inter Milan's interest, and Barcelona extending an olive branch, they intended to demand a high price.
After a lot of effort, Inter Milan managed to sign the Dutchman for 4 million euros.
The final reinforcement occurred when the transfer window was about to close, and the target was none other than Real Madrid's midfielder, Makelele, who had just faced Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
His transfer can be described as a roller coaster. First, he was unhappy with salary issues and went on strike, privately contacting Chelsea's new owner, Abramovich. When discovered by Real Madrid, he could only publicly apologize.
But the Congolese had already made up his mind to leave. Chelsea was the most sincere club. When the two sides had begun negotiations, Moratti suddenly intervened. Makelele's defensive ability in the Champions League final impressed him.
Makelele also wanted to join competitive teams, and Inter Milan clearly met the requirements. Chelsea had just injected funds; although they splurged in the transfer market, whether they would succeed was still uncertain, with too many uncertainties.
After weighing the options, Inter Milan acquired the "Galactic Battleship's" iron-blooded defensive midfielder for a high transfer fee of 26 million euros.
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