Chapter 78: Dust settles, transfer controversy
As July approached, major European clubs were actively adjusting their squads. The first explosion in the football world came from Zinedine Zidane, who moved from Juventus to Real Madrid for a whopping �77.5 million, securing the title of the year's "price king" and breaking last year's record set by Figo.
Real Madrid, making consecutive big-money moves in the transfer market, became the center of attention, with many media outlets dubbing them the "Galactic Battleship," striking fear into their competitors.
Serie A truly lived up to its nickname as the "little World Cup." Besides Zidane's record-breaking transfer from Juventus, goalkeeper Buffon moved from Parma to Juventus for �52.88 million, and Gaizka Mendieta transferred from Valencia to Lazio for �48 million.
Not to mention Sebasti��n Ver��n's �42.6 million move from Lazio to Manchester United, Rui Costa's �42 million transfer from Fiorentina to AC Milan, Lilian Thuram's �41 million move from Parma to Juventus, and Pavel Nedv��d's �38.7 million transfer from Lazio to Juventus.
Looking at the top 8 transfers in terms of annual fees, all of them were related to Serie A clubs. Juventus acquired three of them, while AC Milan acquired two, leading the Turin-based newspaper, "Tuttosport," to exclaim, "Juventus and AC Milan for the new season remain formidable."
"Lazio and Parma, although losing many key players, are still actively seeking reinforcements. It's still unclear who will prevail. But what about Inter Milan? Finishing only fifth last season, shouldn't they invest more in the summer transfer market?" remarked the "Tuttosport."
Inter Milan soon answered this question by announcing the signing of defender Marco Materazzi from Perugia, to replace the departing Blanc to Manchester United. They also brought in players like Giorgatos and Adriano.
But these signings obviously couldn't match the actions of Juventus and AC Milan. So, they announced their trump card, the acquisition of the teenage genius Wang Feng from Genk for �20 million!
This news was like a bombshell, instantly detonating in European football. Belgian, Italian, and Spanish media were particularly confused because, according to the information they had, Wang Feng was supposed to join La Liga's Deportivo La Coru?a, not Inter Milan.
Soon, Deportivo La Coru?a's technical director, Ra��l Corlpan, revealed to "Daily Sports" in an interview, "We almost reached an agreement with Genk, but Inter Milan acted faster. Unfortunately, their offer was higher, and we couldn't match it."
This revelation sparked controversy. "Daily Sports" analyzed, "Wang Feng clearly made a wrong decision, or was it Genk's decision? Not yet eighteen, he debuts in Serie A, following in the footsteps of Ronaldo. This is not a wise choice."
"Even Ronaldo spent a year at Barcelona before joining Serie A. Wang Feng's best choice should have been Super Depor, not the Nerazzurri."
Italian media extensively covered this matter, with the spotlight even overshadowing Zidane. "Milan Sports Daily" interviewed AC Milan coach Fatih Terim, "You're asking me about this deal? There's nothing to say. Inter Milan will pay the price for their folly."
"No No No, I have no bias against Wang," Terim added. "I just think he's unlikely to adapt to the level of Serie A. You know, he's not yet eighteen."
"Oh, is he already eighteen when he plays for Inter Milan?" reminded by the reporter, Terim learned about this, "It doesn't matter. What I mean is, his level, his physical fitness, his ability to compete, all fall short of Serie A's standards."
"You ask me how I know this? Do I even need to say? He debuted in the Belgian league, which is ranked 13th by UEFA, while Serie A is ranked second."
"Tuttosport" also interviewed Juventus's technical director, Haralabos Branda, about this transfer, "Inter Milan was definitely fooled. They've wasted �20 million."
"I bet, in less than a season, they'll get rid of Wang Feng. As for whether he'll be loaned to Ligue 1 or Primeira Liga, it depends on Wang's performance."
"Although we bid farewell to Zidane, the arrivals of Buffon, Thuram, and Nedv��d will make us more competitive than last season. This season, we'll achieve good results in both the league and the Champions League."
"As for Inter Milan, I can only regretfully say that if Ronaldo can't make a comeback next season, they might not even play in the Europa League."
Even the Premier League clubs, who once had high hopes for Wang Feng, gave unfavorable predictions. Arsenal manager Wenger said, "Wang Feng's decision was very hasty, and it will affect his future career."
Manchester United manager Ferguson said, "It's unfortunate that I can't personally coach Wang Feng. I hope everything goes well for him in the future and that Serie A doesn't ruin him. I am still hopeful to find the next talented player, and I believe he is waiting for me not far away."
Although Belgian media supported Wang Feng, they were also very uneasy. The entire Genk team refused to comment on the matter to avoid further rumors. In fact, head coach Aimee Antonis was initially angry because Wang Feng chose to transfer without consulting him.
He really regarded Wang Feng as his disciple. It wasn't until Wang Feng returned home and had dinner alone with him, revealing all his thoughts and plans, that Antonis dispelled his resentment and sincerely wished Wang Feng success in realizing his ideals and aspirations.
Not only did the media not favor this transfer, even Inter Milan's fans were skeptical. Some radical fans even held a demonstration in front of the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, aiming to persuade the club to spend more money and buy more famous stars.
Some fans called for Ronaldo to return from injury as soon as possible, believing that only he could save the team. However, according to the club's medical team, Ronaldo will miss at least the first 10 matches of the next season.
Sitting on the flight to China, Wang Feng was reading with relish an Italian media report that smeared him. Beside him, Francesco Balmond asked helplessly, "Wang, do you think we made the wrong choice? Shouldn't we have gone to Deportivo?"
Wang Feng may have been hesitant and confused before making his choice, but once he made the decision, he wouldn't doubt himself anymore. He confidently replied, "Don't worry, Balmond. If I perform well in the new season, aren't these reports just publicity for me?"
"And occasionally reading articles that criticize me is quite interesting. These editors are really talented. Look, someone said I'm as frail as a sheep, falling into the ravages of Serie A's wolves."
"If there are really defenders who believe that, then haven't I gained the upper hand?"
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