Chapter 467: Assemble
Real Madrid held a grand parade after winning the championship. Although the number of championships was slightly less compared to last year, the two most prestigious trophies still drove the entire city's fans crazy.
Wang Feng fulfilled his promise with practical actions. After everything was over, the family returned to their villa in Lafinka to pack their bags. This time, they planned to return to their home country and then accompany Wang Feng to South Africa to watch the game.
The large group of relatives and friends not only cheered during the matches but also ensured each other's safety. After all, due to the impact of the global financial crisis, South Africa, once a developed country, suffered severe setbacks, and the social order wasn't as good as it used to be.
Earlier, the Chinese team announced the 30-man squad for the World Cup, and the final 23 would be selected based on actual training conditions:
Goalkeepers: 3 players - Qiu Shengheng (Shenhua), Zeng Cheng (Jianye), Yang Zhi (Capital)
Defenders: 10 players - Sun Xiang (Ajax), Zheng Zhi (Celtic), Sun Jihai (Manchester City), Feng Xiaoting (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Li Weifeng (Suwon Samsung Bluewings), Wang Qiang (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Zhang Fanlin (Dongya), Zhao Peng (Jianye), He Yang (Kangshifu), Rong Hao (Shuntian)
Midfielders: 10 players - Zhao Xuri (Shide), Deng Zhuoxiang (Lorient), Shao Jiayi (Kaiserslautern), Hao Junzhe (Schalke 04), Li Chunyu (Gangwon FC), Yan Feng (Yatai), Jiang Ning (Zhongneng), Huang Baiwen (Capital), Yang Hao (Shide), Zhao Xuri (Shide)
Forwards: 7 players - Wang Feng (Real Madrid), Dongfang Zhuo (Bayern Munich), Wu Lei (Young people), Gao Lin (Aston Villa), Chen Tao (Mainz), Wang Yang (Seraing), Qu Bo (Zhongneng)
Coach Alirhan defied opposition and included many overseas players, and it was with Wang Feng's support that the final squad was established. However, this move caused strong dissatisfaction among the team leaders and other responsible personnel, who felt they weren't profiting.
Actually, what the Dutch coach wanted the most was to include Feng Miao from Nasatail and Huang Hu from Genk, but they firmly refused.
Especially Huang Hu, in the just-concluded 09-10 season, he and De Bruyne formed a dynamic duo in the Belgian Pro League. Not only did they secure their positions as regular starters, but they also contributed 14 goals together, helping the team achieve a good result of second place in the league.
According to "Football Kickers" report, several Bundesliga and Premier League teams are currently interested in both of them, and their market value has risen to about 10 million euros.
But like former Chinese superstars, Feng Miao and Huang Hu are considered outside the system. To be selected, they must sign contracts, which could be considered an entrance fee.
After several days of painful contemplation, the two made a decision completely different from Wang Feng's and even called a Chinese superstar for advice.
"Of course, I support your decision," Wang Feng comforted. "You guys are different from me back then. You have more companions and more choices. Go and do what you want. No one can confine you."
"I'll always stand by your side."
When Wang Feng arrived at the capital airport, countless media and fans had been waiting at the exit for a long time. He didn't want his family to be exposed too much, so he decided to go out first, and the family would quietly leave later.
He signed autographs with nearby lucky fans, dealt with various media squeezing in, and only half an hour later did the Chinese superstar walk out of the airport under the escort of security guards.
This was the price of his fame, but sometimes, looking at the fans' happy faces, he felt very satisfied.
Back in the familiar yet unfamiliar home country, two-year-old Sihao's eyes rolled around, seeming to have little impression of last year's events, so she was very curious and looked around.
Lu Yao let her play by herself and poured a glass of orange juice for Wang Feng. "Brother Feng, when do you plan to report to the national team?"
"Tomorrow, I suppose. I guess the others will have returned one by one. We still have to train in the country for a while. You guys can take this opportunity to rest, and we'll go to South Africa before the World Cup starts, by private jet."
Lu Yao nodded, while Wang Feng's mother still felt a bit reluctant. "Why don't we buy regular plane tickets? It's too extravagant to always take a private jet." The elderly were always frugal no matter when.
"Don't worry, Mom. With so many of us going, chartered flights are not cheap, and private jets are more convenient."
The next morning, Wang Feng went to the training base in Xianghe. As he expected, all the players on the roster had reported. There were old friends like Dongfang Zhuo and Shao Jiayi, as well as some unfamiliar faces, but everyone showed respect towards him.
After counting the players, the coaching staff arranged physical tests for everyone. Since the season had just ended, everyone was in good shape, which pleased Alirhan. So, they only arranged simple warm-up exercises for everyone.
Later in the day, the national team officially held a press conference, with the head coach and the captain present. Obviously, everyone was particularly interested in the Chinese superstar and wanted to ask him questions.
"Congratulations on helping Real Madrid win two important championships again. We want to know if you can perform as well in the national team?"
"Oh, the national team and the club are certainly different. In the club, teammates fight together for a year, and there is a lot of time for mutual understanding and building chemistry."
"But the national team has short training periods, so the teamwork might be weaker. However, I will do my best to bring out my best in every game. I am confident that we are not afraid of any opponent."
Regarding the prospects for the World Cup, Wang Feng said, "It's difficult to think about abstract things now. I think the most important thing is to take one step at a time. In the last World Cup, who could have predicted that we would reach the semifinals?"
"Adjusting one's mindset and body, facing all opponents with a positive attitude, that's the key to going further in the World Cup."
When asked about his national teammates, he said, "They are a group of excellent partners. I also occasionally follow their matches."
"Like Dongfang Zhuo, we just faced each other in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals not long ago. His strength has greatly improved compared to two years ago. Everyone is making progress."
Of course, some reporters were concerned about the Chinese superstar's future career plans. "You are not even 27 years old yet, and up to now, you haven't renewed your contract with Real Madrid. Do you have other plans?"
"Isn't this question unrelated to the national team?" Wang Feng smiled. "But I can answer you. I'm very happy at Real Madrid, and I get along very well with both the club and my teammates."
As early as the beginning of this year, Balmond had initiated contract renewal negotiations with the top management of Galacticos. Both sides intended to continue working together, but the interests involved were too great, and there were many details to be perfected, so the negotiations hadn't been completed yet.
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