I AM the Football Star

Chapter 951: Chapter 230: FIFA Virus, Wait for Me!

This national team selection hit San Remo quite hard.

Besides the Italy National Team, Bai Zhami also finally received the official call-up for the national team.

Moreover, it’s a double call-up, truly a maritime king!

As a dual nationality player, Bai Zhami simultaneously received a call from the Italy National Team and the Senegal National Team.

After pondering for a long time and consulting with teammates, Bai Zhami held a press conference announcing he would be playing for the Senegal National Team.

This news caused a huge sensation within Senegal, with fans celebrating loudly, accompanied by fireworks.

Meanwhile, Italian fans lamented losing a distinctive winger.

Bai Zhami’s choice for Senegal was straightforward, rooted in football considerations.

"Italy lacks a strong winger!"

That’s the exact words from Bai Zhami’s family.

But then Bai Zhami called Lu Yang, who provided another perspective.

Lu Yang said, "Italy indeed lacks top-notch wingers, but not someone like you. I’m not saying you’re not top-notch, but your characteristics don’t completely fit with the Italy National Team."

"Italy’s system relies heavily on cooperation, and they have a tradition of deploying three central defenders, which demands high defensive abilities from their wingers."

"You’re the type who shines best in fatal zones; you have offensive talent, but versatility isn’t your strong suit."

"Choosing the Italy National Team might give you chances initially. But once a more suitable winger, wing midfielder, wing-back, or even fullback emerges, your rank will drop."

"Most simply put, it’s tough for you to shake Perrotta and Ancelotti’s positions on the front line even now. Later, players like me and Kolber, Sogel are also not ones you could overtake; our roles and characteristics give us an advantage in the national team."

"In fact, if I wasn’t special myself, it would be difficult for me to compete with Sogel and Kolber."

"You’re the type of player who can shine brightly once you’ve chosen the right path. But a single misstep might lead to marginalization. Whether it’s the national or club team, you must choose carefully, and don’t make a wrong move!"

Bai Zhami has few friends, so he cherishes every one of them deeply.

Lu Yang is the most special among Bai Zhami’s rare friends and acts as both mentor and friend.

Thus, Bai Zhami chose the Senegal National Team soon after.

Besides these players, Talista has also received a summons from the Spain National Team, which is without question.

Already, there are numerous discussions about Talista’s potential as a starter for the Spain Team.

The only regret is Kaint, who, despite his distinguished characteristics and excellent performance, has still not received a call from the France Team.

It’s not that the French Football Association overlooked him, but the France Team simply has too much talent currently, leaving no room for Kaint.

With similar characteristics, but stronger overall capabilities, Joseph is still at peak performance, leaving no chance for Kaint to join the national team.

On the contrary, the Mali National Team, representing the other side of Kaint’s dual nationality, has extended a call.

Mali is one of the representative West African football nations, with a decent overall strength and many Europe-based stars.

Yet, they’ve never made it to the World Cup.

Kaint won’t consider Mali, unless before the World Cup kicks off, France still hasn’t called him!

With two full seasons to go, Kaint sitting on San Remo’s miracle ship, can undoubtedly keep striving.

As long as his performance doesn’t decline over the next two years, most believe he can make a last-minute leap onto the champion-level France Team.

Compared to the aging Italy Team, the top-tier teams with more reasonable age structures like France Team, Spain Team, and England Team, are undoubtedly real contenders for the World Cup.

Don’t be fooled by Italy’s miraculous win at the European Cup this year; miracles are dubbed miracles because they can’t be replicated.

Drake has retired, and two years from now, will Audi, Ancelotti, Perrotta, Praxedes, Bernulin and others still be able to fuel?

...

"Aged but a sharp blade! Drake’s long shot scores, leading Rome to its second win in a row!"

"No slowing down! Drake retires from the national team more to give young players opportunities!"

"Post-match interview with best on field Drake: Energy is one aspect; retiring also considers that I won’t be able to aid Italy Team in future major tournaments!"

"The change begins! Insight into Rome’s Drake and Italy’s European champions choice!"

"Reconstruction starts? Italy Team’s generational strategy appears; Maniero opts for a mild transformation!"

"Mild transformation too slow! Two years aren’t enough for Italy Team for a thorough change, giving up on the World Cup early!"

"Target, next European Cup? The De Laurine Cup gives Maniero the courage to forgo the World Cup; hard to evaluate the strategy’s correctness!"

"After the European Cup, Italy’s situation gets even more unwieldy!"

Drake’s retirement is a signal drawing strong attention from all over Europe.

This is the influence of the European Cup champion.

From a realistic viewpoint, Maniero’s generational change strategy has no problem.

A bunch of over-33 veterans punched their way to help Italy win the European Cup, and now you’re kicking them out of the national team?