Sports City

Upon entering again, Chen Zhong felt a wave of emotions.

On the car, Raul was rambling, sharing many things, including the lifetime contract issue. There was one sentence that Chen Zhong remembered very clearly; Raul lamented, "I actually had the option to retire directly, so I could end my career here."

"But I ultimately can't let go of the football I love."

"I still want to play for a few more years."

"It's not that the club has failed me, it's just that I..."

"Still want to play for a few more years."

In the beginning, Raul indeed couldn't quite understand and didn't want to leave Real Madrid, longing to keep fighting for the pure white on this land.

However, recalling last season's Barcelona and the chaos in the locker room, he knew that he could no longer contribute more to Real Madrid.

He needs to make way for the younger generation.

The only regret was that his No. 7 jersey wasn't passed on to the young man before him. Although the one about to inherit this jersey is the world's greatest player, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul's deepest wish was for Chen Zhong to take over his No. 7.

Chen Zhong did not respond to Raul, not because Raul was gripping the steering wheel, but because at times like this, quietly listening is actually the best choice.

Earlier on the flight to Madrid, Chen Zhong already knew roughly about the team's number assignments.

No. 7: Cristiano Ronaldo

No. 8: Kaka

No. 9: Alvaro Negredo

No. 10: Chen Zhong

No. 11: Karim Benzema

...

Chen Zhong inherited the No. 10 jersey once worn by players like Puskás, Laudrup, Seedorf, Figo, Robinho, a jersey that often symbolizes the midfield core and team soul in football.

This is the number of Pele and Maradona, and now the number worn by Messi of the Cosmic Team.

The car quickly drove into Sports City, and Raul did not get out, leaving after Chen Zhong exited.

Behind him, Guti was also following in a car.

Aside from the two of them, everyone else stayed, and as they left the underground garage towards the dormitory, Chen Zhong saw someone unexpected yet sensible.

Kaka.

A teammate from the Milan days.

The two had embraced after the last league match ended.

At that time, Kaka told Chen Zhong, "If you could stay in Milan, that would be great."

"We surely could reach the peak of Europe again."

"But still, I wish you the best."

Chen Zhong then smiled and replied, "Perhaps you'll come to Real Madrid, you never know!"

"Thanks for the care, I promise I'll look after you in the locker room."

"In Madrid, I have some influence, hahaha."

This season, through repeated defense and scoring during corner moments, Chen Zhong has proven his strength and won the love of Milan fans.

Everyone knows Chen Zhong is the future answer for Milan's midfield.

Unfortunately, they cannot keep this answer.

As time flows back to the present, Kaka stands there with a radiant smile, watching Chen Zhong, his eyes appearing almost sparkling.

It's undeniably delightful to meet an "old friend" in a foreign country.

However, the roles have reversed.

In Milan, Kaka was the center of attention, but now, at this moment, Chen Zhong is the one being surrounded.

"Hey~"

"Isn't this Kaka?"

"What's the matter, can't let go of me, coming to Sports City to see me off to the dormitory door!" Chen Zhong laughed greatly as he walked towards Kaka, followed by Negredo, Granero, Benzema, Marcelo, Callejon, Parejo, and other players.

"Let me introduce everyone."

"Kaka, my friend!"

Chen Zhong stepped forward and opened his arms, Kaka also laughed and hugged Chen Zhong, giving him a playful twist saying, "I never saw this side of you in Milan."

The two exchanged jokes, chatted briefly, and then Chen Zhong introduced Kaka to those behind him.

Marcelo, watching Chen Zhong trying to introduce Kaka, couldn't help but roll his eyes, saying, "Chen, I know Kaka better than you do."

Although Marcelo and Kaka hadn't been in the same club before, they had met in the Brazil national team.

"My mistake, my mistake," Chen Zhong clasped his hands together, face filled with apology, Marcelo shook his head, with a look of playful annoyance, instantly creating a harmonious atmosphere.

In the future Real Madrid locker room, there's no division of Brazil or Spain; it's all "Chen's party."

"Isn't that Pepe?"

"And Cristiano Ronaldo."

Everyone turned their gaze towards the garage, seeing C. Ronaldo and Pepe chatting merrily, and upon spotting the large group around Chen Zhong.

Pepe restrained his smile, while C. Ronaldo boldly lifted his head, showing bright white teeth, speaking in slightly awkward Spanish, "I am Cristiano Ronaldo, pleased to meet you."

C. Ronaldo had already started learning Spanish before joining Real Madrid.

Though still somewhat clumsy, he could already manage basic conversations.

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