Chapter 66: Chapter 66: Deng Kai "Disturbs" the Golden Ball Awards
Zidane proactively shook hands with Deng Kai and gave him the spotlight.
From this, it can be seen that Zidane had high Emotional Intelligence; even on his night of triumph, he knew how to cooperate with officials and share his glory with someone else.
Then, guided by the host, Deng Kai said what everyone wanted to hear, "On January 4th, our Lisbon Athletic U15 will be hosting Casabia."
"I’ll say it again, bet on us to win, you won’t lose!"
"I hope this statement doesn’t violate the anti-match-fixing association’s rules, otherwise they’ll take me in again."
The audience below laughed.
They all knew what role that association played.
Although they did genuinely combat match-fixing.
In the case of Deng Kai, they definitely acted too petty.
Indeed, this also involved some element of disregard.
Host: "Since we’ve come to this point, let’s clarify something for Deng Kai. He absolutely, absolutely didn’t participate in match-fixing, because if he did, the Portuguese betting companies would be in trouble."
"He’s the one who precisely predicted that Croatia would take third place in this year’s World Cup!"
Wow!
The crowd below exploded.
What’s going on?
Really?
The host went on to detail the incident.
During the police investigation, they not only confirmed Deng Kai’s innocence.
But on the other hand, they also found something.
That Deng Kai had indeed bet on football matches.
And he had made a huge profit!
At that time, Deng Kai had not yet joined any football clubs, so betting was not against the rules.
Moreover, it was the World Cup.
If anyone dares say betting on the World Cup isn’t allowed, then the World Cup’s global influence and value could easily be halved without any issues.
Who would dare take that loss?
Deng Kai took over the microphone: "That’s right, I’ve been interested in football since I was young, and I pay attention to the strength of each team and each national team. This is also part of my training."
"Judging a player’s strengths, their playing style and characteristics, their form, team tactics, overall strength, strengths and weaknesses; these are things that as a midfield core player, and indeed every player should train for."
"Only by training long-term and making this kind of thinking into our muscle response, can we make the right choices when it matters most."
"I believe it’s not just me, but so many excellent players here and this year’s Golden Ball winner, my idol Zidane, who also possess these quality traits."
Everyone burst into laughter.
They felt a higher regard for Deng Kai in their hearts.
He was a clever young player.
If he made a name for himself in the future, no one would be surprised, as it surely wouldn’t be an accident.
Zidane spoke up, "If that’s the case, why do you think Manchester United and Bayern Munich are final-worthy teams this year, when Juventus has made it to the Champions League finals three years running?"
Deng Kai shrugged: "But that’s exactly the problem. As hard as it may be to accept, coming in second place means you’re the biggest loser in football, it signifies strength, but also that you’ve lost the most important match."
"The blow to a team’s morale and confidence can be enormous."
The laughter in the venue immediately faded.
Should you be saying that?
Zidane’s face tightened, and he began to look serious: "Then, what do you think Juventus will achieve in the Champions League this year?"
Deng Kai wasn’t afraid of Zidane; the man had a temper, liked to keep a stern face, but as long as you were reasonable, he was actually open to discussion because he was inherently smart: "If they don’t come across Manchester United or Bayern Munich, Juventus can keep going."
Clap clap clap!
Sir Alex Ferguson below gave a warm round of applause.
Ronaldo below expressed dissatisfaction, raising his hand for the microphone.
He currently played for the Italian powerhouse Inter Milan, and in the recent draw, Inter Milan’s opponent in the quarter-finals of the Champions League would be none other than Manchester United!
Ronaldo: "Kid, I don’t know if you know me, but I want to tell you, Juventus won’t meet Manchester United, because Manchester United will be eliminated by us at Inter Milan."
This kind of unexpected event often adds interest to the broadcast and greatly boosts viewership.
Even the stars present were egging it on.
In the past, who would care about the predictions of a teenager?
But at this moment, in these circumstances, they took this young man’s opinions seriously.
Indeed, men remain boys until death.
Facing this sudden situation, Deng Kai was terrifyingly composed. He said with a smile, "I believe there’s no one in the world who doesn’t recognize the extraterrestrial Ronaldo. You are the best forward in the football world, without a doubt!"
"My best friend Cristiano Ronaldo was bullied by the other kids because he shared your name."
Ronaldo: "I apologize for that. He might consider changing his name."
Deng Kai: "Yes, he thought the same, but I don’t think it’s necessary. I now call him C. Ronaldo, and I believe that in the future this name will also be remembered."
Ronaldo: "It seems you have a lot of confidence in your friend."
Deng Kai: "Indeed I do. I even somewhat hope he doesn’t drop the letter C and simply become known as Ronaldo. Because if that were to happen, it would mean the memory of you, the alien Ronaldo, would wither in many people’s hearts."
Ronaldo swore this was the funniest joke he had heard all year: "Are you saying he’s going to replace me? Cristiano Ronaldo?"
Deng Kai shook his head: "The status of an extraterrestrial in the football world is irreplaceable, nobody can, not you, Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Bogkamp, Rivaldo, Batistuta, Owen, each and every superstar is unique."
"But C. Ronaldo’s competition in the future of football is not you guys."
Even Zidane was curious: "Then who is it?"
Deng Kai said: "Time! It is the common opponent of all of us."
Of course, what Deng Kai really wanted to say was the "Phantom Striker" Bi Kan.
His career goal tally is a mystery, generally summed up as "always one more than C. Ronaldo"—nonsense!
The atmosphere, which had been somewhat awkward, instantly erupted in applause.
Time!
Everyone thought Deng Kai was going to hype up his partner.
Who knew he’d open up such a grand scale, huh!
Zidane shook his head helplessly: "It seems you really have a great relationship with your friend, and he might actually be very skillful. But kid, there are too many talents and great football players in this world."
"What you said today may bring him a lot of pressure and trouble."
Deng Kai nodded: "That’s exactly what I hope to see. I understand him; he can withstand any pressure. The skepticism and misunderstanding from the outside will only make him stronger."
Zidane looked at Deng Kai: "Are you talking about him, or are you talking about yourself?"
Deng Kai gave a mysterious smile and then looked towards Ronaldo: "I haven’t yet answered Mr. Ronaldo’s earlier question. I really like you, and I like Inter Milan, but any team that faces Manchester United in the Champions League will be eliminated."
Ronaldo laughed in amusement: "Just because Manchester United is your predicted Champions League winner?"
Deng Kai nodded.
At that moment, the presenter handed the microphone to Sir Alex Ferguson, who should bring this impromptu performance to a climax.
Sir Alex Ferguson pointed at Deng Kai, jokingly saying, "Where’s our youth director? Go and buy this kid and his friend C. Ronaldo—he’s just named. United needs such outstanding youngsters!"
The applause thundered in the room.
Unexpectedly, Deng Kai actually replied, "We appreciate your kind offer, but right now we need a lot of game time, which United cannot provide us."
"When we are good enough to be United’s starters, we will seriously consider all offers from the club."
Ferguson almost passed out from laughter, this kid was too interesting: "It might take a long while, boy. I’m afraid I might not live to see that day. Many players strive their whole lives without the chance to play at Old Trafford Stadium."
Deng Kai was very certain: "Three years, I’m sure you can wait."
Ferguson tilted his head: "Are you serious, kid? Three years? Are you sure you and C. Ronaldo can develop enough to play for United’s reserves, no, United U19s team? It’s a tall order!"
Deng Kai shook his head.
Everyone internally nodded, acknowledging the young man’s self-awareness.
Given his and Chris’s current performance, if they keep up their excellent form and don’t falter, perhaps in five years, they may have a chance to join a top club’s reserve team.
Three years?
Impossible!
But Deng Kai said: "Not the U19s, nor the reserve team, but the first team... as starters!"
The crowd was stunned.
