Chapter 544: Chapter 543: Historical Status Upgrade Cheat (Rushing the Charts)
Roberto Baggio, in his career, won the Serie A championship twice and the UEFA Cup once.
In 1993, he was honored with the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Golden Ball!
He participated in three World Cups, scored nine goals, and helped Italy secure the third place in the 1990 World Cup and the runner-up position in the 1994 World Cup.
In the 1994 final against Brazil, Baggio missed a crucial penalty, watching Brazil lift the Hercules Cup.
His lonely figure caused countless fans to feel heartache.
Yet, it was this very moment that made people appreciate the beauty of regret, turning Baggio into an eternal legend.
This year, Matthaus also lost to Brazil, taking second place, which reminded people of Baggio.
Matthaus’s historical status did not diminish, on the contrary, it rose to equal Maradona’s.
What does Baggio’s move to Manchester City mean?
Could it be... he too wanted to raise his historical stature in the last year or two before the end of his career?
After all, Matthaus had mentioned Deng Kai numerous times during his two retirement ceremonies.
In his words: "I never thought of joining Sporting Lisbon, forgive me, but back then I really looked down on such Portuguese league teams! But when Deng Kai told me to join Sporting Lisbon, to vindicate myself!"
"Yes, at first, I just wanted to prove myself. I wanted everyone to know that Germany’s disastrous defeat in the 2000 European Championship wasn’t my fault! I shouldn’t have been the scapegoat, nor should any of the players who took part in the match."
"However, I could never have dreamed that in two years, Deng Kai would lead me to lift eight trophies! This even included a Champions League and a UEFA Cup!"
"Damn it! I suggest all the old guys nearing the end of their careers go assist Deng Kai, because your gains will definitely be greater than what you expected!"
"He’s like a cheat device for boosting historical status!"
Of course, just that was not enough.
The second reason for Baggio’s joining Manchester City was Guardiola.
Baggio was Guardiola’s idol.
When Deng Kai was persuading Guardiola to join Sporting Lisbon, Guardiola wanted to join Brescia, where Baggio was playing.
Guardiola even contacted Baggio, saying "Idol, I’m coming to help you!"
But then...
Just ask yourself how awkward it is.
However, Guardiola could never have expected that Baggio, holding no grudges, would contact him to inquire about Deng Kai.
Guardiola, being shrewd, instantly picked up on Baggio’s intention, fanning the flames and inviting Baggio to join Manchester City.
"Deng Kai welcomes Baggio’s joining: No matter how many years pass, you will always be the melancholic Prince in our hearts!"
"Guardiola: This time, I can finally play with my idol! I love Baggio!"
Even in the twilight years, a star remains a star!
Especially for the English Premier League, Serie A stars are inherently esteemed.
During the era when the Premier League was most looked down upon, Serie A was at the top of the disdain chain.
Even though the Premier League keeps boasting that it has surpassed Serie A by a lot now.
But when facing Italian footballers, they can’t help but show signs of timidity.
It’s not to say that once you kneel for too long, you can’t stand up.
Mainly... it is after all a memory of a generation.
The English media reported on Baggio’s transfer extensively.
In terms of combat power, people don’t believe that the thirty-five-year-old Baggio could bring much change to Manchester City.
His effect won’t be much greater than Robbie Fowler’s.
But in terms of influence, this is very significant.
Manchester City gradually began to become the focus of the Premier League.
Sky Sports was even at a loss and opened a special column, analyzing, "Why is it only Manchester City that can frequently recruit superstars from Serie A and La Liga?"
Manchester United certainly has its appeal, but it’s not that strong.
Otherwise, stars like Batistuta and Totti would have come to the Premier League a long time ago.
As for Arsenal, let’s not even mention them. As the "second brother of the Premier League," the Serie A players who come to them are basically the losers of the Italian competition.
Henry: I advise you to speak respectfully.
Why is it Manchester City?
Take another look at Sporting Lisbon back in the day, the attraction of the Portuguese league was far less than the Premier League.
But Matthaus, Guardiola, Deschamps...
The result is quite obvious.
Because of Deng Kai!
This is the only common factor between the two teams at the moment.
After all, you can’t possibly think it’s Feng Te, right?
With the addition of Baggio.
Pundits dedicated an interview just for him, and in it, Baggio also revealed the most important reason for joining Manchester City.
Jiang Yunzhu: "Roberto, have you watched any games of your future teammates?"
Baggio: "Apart from the World Cup, the most recent game I watched was last season’s Champions League final."
Jiang Yunzhu: "My God, you were actually there? You must have been in disguise, we didn’t have any news at all."
Baggio chuckled: "Yes, I was with my family."
Jiang Yunzhu: "What was the most memorable moment of that game for you?"
Baggio: "The scene where Deng Kai missed the penalty. It reminded me of myself, really..."
Jiang Yunzhu: "So you joined Manchester City hoping to help your former self? In a sense, is this self-redemption?"
Baggio shook his head and turned the camera towards his jersey collection room: "I have many more jerseys of famous players, but my kids disdain them."
"That one there, do you see it? The one in the best position, clearly visible."
"That’s the one my youngest son got for himself, at the Champions League final this May. Deng Kai blocked Zidane’s penalty and then carried the ball out of the box, scoring the game-winner before he tossed his jersey into the stands."
"My son was the lucky child who caught it. I have never seen him so happy."
"As a father, I can’t repay him. The only way I can express my gratitude to Deng Kai... right... look, my son is urging me again to go get Deng Kai’s autographed football."
"He doesn’t idolize me at all, the melancholic Prince. He only loves The King of Alvalade!"
From off camera, a little boy’s voice came through: "No! Kai is now the King of Manchester! The Emperor of the Premier League!"
...
Baggio’s joining has immense promotional significance for the Premier League.
People are filled with anticipation for Manchester City’s new season.
At the very least, emotionally, Manchester City was maxed out.
Deng Kai: Is that all it takes to max out?
"Hey, Peter... don’t worry, I’m definitely not blackmailing you... I understand you’re doing well in Denmark, but Kasper... you know, his mood has been a bit unstable recently..." Deng Kai was catching up with Schmeichel, "Have you seen Baggio’s interview?"
"Baggio said he had never seen his child so happy. Honestly, I don’t think you’ve ever seen Kasper’s smile when he received the long-term youth contract from Manchester City."
"I heard about your criticism of Kasper, that you are not optimistic about his goalkeeper career, but... I believe in him, I think you two should really talk."
