Chapter 80: Welcome to Inter Milan
In the early morning of August 2001, a plane slowly descended at Milan Malpensa Airport. Soon, Wang Feng and Francisco Balmond walked out of the exit, greeted by Felix Ruorlson, the Deputy Director of Inter Milan.
Whether it was for Genk or to China, there were always many media and fans waiting for Wang Feng near the airport exit. However, arriving in Milan, the deserted scene made Wang Feng realize further.
He needed to rely on himself, achieve outstanding results, and earn the respect of the media and fans.
Ruorlson approached Wang Feng, shaking his hand, and said, "Welcome to Milan. I hope everything goes smoothly for you here."
They then proceeded to the club's prepared vehicle. Ruorlson, driving, explained, "Wang, here's the plan: first, we'll head to Pinetina to finalize the contract. You'll wear the number ten jersey for some photoshoots, which we'll send to the media."
"Afterward, we'll go to the Niguarda Hospital for a comprehensive physical examination. If everything goes well, we should be done by the afternoon. After that, you'll have free time, and formal training starts tomorrow morning."
"By the way, have you chosen your accommodation yet? If not, you can stay in the dorms at Pinetina for now. We usually have closed-door training sessions there before home games."
Balmond chimed in, "I've already found a decent house nearby. It's not far from the club. Wang, once you've sorted out everything, I'll take you there."
As they arrived at the training base, Ruorlson led them to the office, where Horacio Bom and head coach Hector Cooper were already waiting.
Wang Feng briefly reviewed the contract, which besides a fixed weekly salary, detailed various bonus incentives, such as goal bonuses, league top scorer bonuses, Europa League or Champions League goal bonuses, championship bonuses, etc., making it quite lucrative.
Wang Feng readily signed his name on the contract, and Cooper extended his hand, to which Wang Feng quickly responded, shaking it, "My pleasure."
Then, Ruorlson took Wang Feng to the locker room, where he changed into the club's new sportswear. He then stood in front of the advertising board, holding his blue-black team shirt for journalists to take photos.
Coach Hector Cooper, smiling, stood by the side, watching Wang Feng. Normally, he wouldn't need to be present during contract signings, but to show support for this future star, he not only left the training camp but also stayed until now.
After Wang Feng finished taking individual photos, Cooper approached him, putting his arm around him for a group photo. "Don't mind the media's current assessment of you. As long as you do your best, you'll definitely make them eat their words," Cooper whispered in his ear.
Wang Feng nodded solemnly, understanding Cooper's intention and feeling grateful for his support. Whether it was Mette Magritte from Virton or Aimee Antonis from Genk, or now Hector Cooper from Inter Milan, he had encountered excellent coaches.
Cooper continued, "We're not arrogant like Juventus or AC Milan. We're a true international team, embodying the internationalism and inclusivity imprinted in the team's heart since its establishment, which has deeply influenced both the team and the fans. As long as you show enough strength, there will be no discrimination here, only respect."
After dealing with the media, Ruorlson led Wang Feng to the hospital for a physical examination. The results were excellent, meeting all requirements. "Mr. Cooper will be very pleased with this report," the team doctor said with a smile. "Your physical condition is excellent. I bet even starting a match immediately wouldn't be a problem."
Wang Feng smiled. He never slacked off, regardless of where he was. Daily exercise and ball control had become habits.
The physical condition of other Inter Milan players who had just started training was worrisome, and it would take them a long time to adjust. Just from this perspective, Wang Feng's professionalism justified his �20 million price tag.
Once everything was finished, Wang Feng finally could rest at his new residence. Balmond had found him a small villa near Lake Como.
"It's within walking distance of the training ground. There are only a few row houses and nearby resorts in this area. The rent here isn't expensive, only �2,500 per month, which matches your current income."
Transitioning from a small apartment to a large villa, Wang Feng felt a bit overwhelmed at first. However, considering the reasonable price, he decided to settle here.
The villa had a basement, two floors above ground, and the basement was equipped with complete fitness equipment. The first floor had a huge living room, dining room, and kitchen, while the backyard had an indoor swimming pool. The second floor had four bedrooms, and the master bedroom's balcony offered a view of Lake Como.
There was also a private courtyard in front of the villa, with a parasol, a table, and a few chairs. It was a perfect place to relax and feel the breeze from the lake.
"I feel so lonely living in such a big house by myself," Wang Feng said with a wry smile. "You're an adult now, Wang. Perhaps you could invite your girlfriend for a date at home," Balmond suggested. "Or invite some new teammates over and see if they're willing to live together. After all, this place is very convenient and has such a good environment."
Looking out from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room, the Algiers Mountains and the Saint-Primo Mountains seemed within reach, with Lake Como shimmering in between. There were various resorts dotted along the lakeside, and the greenway by the lake was only a two-minute walk away, which was very attractive to Wang Feng, who liked early morning exercises.
Not far from the villa was a wildlife park called the Spinavide Regional Park, where many rare birds could be observed.
The only downside was that it was too far from Milan city center, about 45 kilometers away. If taking public transportation, there were only two buses per day.
"It looks like I'll need to find time to learn to drive and buy a car. Otherwise, it will be inconvenient to buy things in the future."
"Yes, in fact, many middle-class people in Milan like to live in the suburbs because the city center is too noisy. And every household here will have a car for transportation. This area is safer compared to the city center, and the property management company provides comprehensive security services."
After dinner, Wang Feng went to Lake Como, walking along the greenway, feeling the breeze blowing from the lake. He felt like he was falling in love with this place.
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