Chapter 754: Unexpected Exposure
After the release of Wang Feng's interview video, Real Madrid President Florentino quickly recorded a video to explain the reasons.
He expressed deep sadness and reluctance at the departure decision of the Chinese superstar but respected his choice.
"The proudest moment of my life is bringing Wang back to the Bernabéu, and the scene of our first meeting still appears in my dreams."
"At that time, I knew that this player in front of me could bring glory and brilliance to Real Madrid, far beyond my expectations."
"The club had many plans to keep him until retirement, as merits should not suffer hardships, but Wang told me, 'Mr. President, the journey ahead is a new one, not just for him but also for the Galacticos.'"
"I understand and respect his decision. This result is destined to be the saddest event in the history of the team. Real Madrid feels like it has lost its soul."
Recalling every bit of working with Wang Feng, Florentino's eyes were slightly red with genuine emotion. At this moment, he didn't need a script; if he spoke freely, he could talk all day without repeating himself.
But the video wasn't that long after all, only half an hour in total. Finally, the Real Madrid president concluded, "I wish Wang all the best in his future career. Remember, the doors of Real Madrid will always be open to you."
"This is your home, and no matter when or in what capacity, you can always come back!"
Later in the evening, all the Real Madrid players also posted messages on their respective social media platforms to bid farewell to their captain. Ronaldo, Raúl, and others also sent their sincerest wishes.
The next day after the official announcement, Real Madrid held a grand farewell ceremony for the Chinese superstar at the Bernabéu Stadium.
On the big screen, Wang Feng's data contributions and spectacular moments were played on loop. In the center of the pitch, he solemnly handed over a Ballon d'Or trophy and a European Golden Boot trophy to Florentino.
These two trophies would remain at the Bernabéu for fans to admire forever, just like his number ten jersey would hang in the club's exhibition hall.
If it weren't for La Liga's rule requiring registered players to wear numbers 1-25, Real Madrid might have retired his jersey directly.
The number ten for the new season went to Modri?, and the pressure on the Croatian was immense.
The next item on the agenda was the captaincy handover. Wang Feng personally handed the captain's armband to Ramos, and then the two embraced tightly. Ramos could be felt trembling slightly, clearly nervous.
"Relax, you've done well enough," Wang Feng comforted, and Ramos nodded. "I won't let the captaincy down!"
Finally, Wang Feng hugged each player to bid farewell, and many young players couldn't help but shed tears.
After circling the field once, seeing the fans becoming increasingly sorrowful, Wang Feng gritted his teeth and didn't turn back into the player tunnel, ending his farewell ceremony.
Until very late, there were still many people lingering at the Bernabéu, seemingly unwilling to leave as they reminisced about the past.
The news of Wang Feng's departure from Real Madrid immediately caused a sensation in the entire football world. Various reports and speculations emerged, completely overshadowing the upcoming European Cup.
According to the Manchester Evening News' disclosure, Manchester City had already signed Wang Feng, as some fans discovered jerseys with the Chinese superstar's name at the team's official store on Sackville Street, with the number being 30.
Lu Yao read the news word by word from her phone, "Although the products were quickly taken off the shelves, some fans still bought them and posted photos online, sparking huge discussions and controversies."
"Some people think this is Manchester City being presumptuous, or the personal preference of the store owner, after all, from Inter Milan to Real Madrid, Wang Feng has always worn the number ten jersey, he has already become the spokesperson for this number."
"Therefore, even if he joins a new team, he will definitely wear the iconic number ten jersey, not some random number like thirty."
"Some people believe that where there's smoke, there's fire. Manchester City has always been one of the most active teams seeking a transfer for Chinese superstars, but recently there hasn't been any news, which could mean they've reached some agreement privately."
"As for the jersey number, given Wang Feng's current achievements and humble character, he wouldn't take Aguero's number ten jersey, so it's not impossible for him to wear the number thirty like during his time at Genk."
Seeing this, Lu Yao couldn't help but smile, "The guesses are quite accurate. So, the club couldn't keep it under wraps anymore?"
Wang Feng nodded helplessly, "This whole thing was a mistake by the team store staff, who put my jerseys on sale prematurely. Manchester City originally planned to announce it officially after the European Cup, but now they have to do it earlier."
"It's a bit rushed; they haven't even finalized the new head coach yet and have to announce their decision to sign me."
"Did you discuss all the details you mentioned before?"
Wang Feng nodded, "All the work has been accelerated. Manchester City is very sincere, and they're not short on money."
Then he added, "It seems our vacation will have to be put on hold. I need to go to Manchester as soon as possible for the signing ceremony."
"That's fine, but what about the kids in the future? Do they need to transfer to England for school?"
"I think not. Their current school is the best in the whole of Spain, and they have a familiar environment and friends there. It would be too hard for them to move to a strange place."
"We can have family members help take care of them. Since the two places are not far apart, we can come back to see them anytime, and they can come to England to reunite during holidays."
"So, does that mean we can enjoy some alone time?" Lu Yao teased, sticking out her tongue, and Wang Feng chuckled, "Perhaps bringing back a little brother or sister for the kids wouldn't be a bad idea."
In the age of information, news spread rapidly. The Manchester Evening News' disclosure was reprinted and reported by major media outlets, quickly sweeping through the entire European football world.
Fans were eager to confirm whether the news was true. On one hand, those who cared about the Sky Blues were quite regretful about the team's years of Champions League setbacks, hoping that the arrival of the Champions League winner could change everything.
On the other hand, they realized that Cristiano Ronaldo and Wang Feng were about to join forces. Although Ronaldo's situation had declined somewhat in the past two years, he was still one of the top superstars in football. The combination of the two superstars in one team undoubtedly aroused strong curiosity.
Two days later, journalists lurking at Manchester Airport captured the scene of the Chinese superstar's arrival. A stone stirred up a thousand waves, and it seemed that Wang Feng was really about to arrive in the Premier League!
Visit freewe𝑏no(v)el.𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experience