The CCTV reporter's question brought everything to a close when, at the press conference, he asked Chen Zhong how he viewed the recent trend of Chinese players going abroad. Chen Zhong extended his blessings to Wu Lei, who joined Barcelona's youth training, Zhang Linpeng at Chelsea, Wang Dalei at Bayern Munich, and other players.

"Being able to go abroad and play football is a good thing."

"If we want to progress, we need more players to go abroad to learn those advanced techniques."

"Offering better treatment to players domestically is actually a dangerous thing. You must know that a gentle homeland can be a hero's grave. Simply increasing treatment is not the right path."

It seems that the wave of European big-money football has also influenced China.

Since Chen Zhong was broadcast on CCTV1 in his first season, according to statistics, more parents are willing to let their children play football. However, the country has organized a standardized selection process. After a brief period of frenzy, this selection has become more regulated.

This has pleasantly surprised many football people rooted in youth training; they are finding it easier to identify promising talents.

These local professionals have even established some connections with overseas clubs. When they have exceptional talents, they can send them to Real Madrid Sports City, Barcelona youth training, Chelsea youth training, or Milan youth training.

This scenario is a win-win for both sides. European clubs can reduce their "expenses" on scouting talent, while local professionals can help them discover gifted youngsters. Additionally, local professionals can use this "study abroad" as a guise to persuade parents who may have reservations.

Simultaneously, the country has taken strong actions, aiding some 16-18 year-olds who realize they can't make a career in football, to return to school like retiring soldiers and strengthen education during football training.

There are quite a few players abroad from China, like Yang in Frankfurt, Sun in Manchester City, Director in Manchester United, etc.

However, it wasn't until Chen Zhong shone at Real Madrid that people started paying attention to the distant East.

Many regional tournaments have been hosted domestically, such as Village Super, short-term amateur tournaments by village, School League, campus tournaments by province, and finally College Cup centered on provincial champions.

Also, major clubs have hosted some small tournaments domestically. The most famous ones are Real Madrid's Bernabeu Cup (also known as Little Chen Cup) and Milan's San Siro Cup.

The finals for these two tournaments are held at Bernabeu and San Siro respectively.

The CCTV reporter looked at Chen Zhong, eyes slowly filled with affection. After Chen Zhong finished his response, the reporter asked, "Without a doubt, you are currently the country's most outstanding football athlete. There's an ongoing demand for you to enter the national team. What do you think about this?"

"I might already be on the national team's blacklist."

Chen Zhong smiled at the CCTV reporter and said, "In fact, I still want to focus on club matches now and don't want to be busy with warm-up games and friendly matches."

"Moreover, I believe that I have already contributed greatly to domestic football."

The CCTV reporter sat down, somewhat disappointed, without further questioning, as Chen Zhong's words had essentially blocked his path to the national team.

As early as two years ago, when Chen Zhong first made a name for himself at Real Madrid, he had expressed similar sentiments.

The management association at that time had issued a statement, and subsequent series of events even compared Chen Zhong to Manchester United Director, with implications of criticism.

Recently, in response to domestic fans' demands, they have rationalized, arguing, "Chen Zhong has long played abroad and hasn't communicated with other national players. Football is a team sport, and his joining doesn't necessarily enhance the national team's strength."

Now, Chen Zhong and the management association are essentially two parallel lines, each avoiding discussion about the other, and the CCTV reporter understands from Chen Zhong's response that there is no hope.

However, as Chen Zhong said, he has indeed made significant contributions to domestic football.

Countless talented teenagers, dreaming of becoming the next Chen Zhong, venture abroad, and because of Chen Zhong, many clubs have more patience for these youngsters.

Chen Zhong, like pioneers from other industries, has earned respect for Chinese players in foreign clubs.

Even in places like Japan, South Korea, and Russia, when people mention Chinese football, they unhesitatingly talk about Chen Zhong's name.

Chen Zhong has even earned the nickname "Light of Asia."

...

The interview ended, and a photo of Chen Zhong embracing Pellegrini was published in the newspaper, indicating that their disagreement had seemingly dissipated.

At night, when Chen Zhong returned to his room, he received a call from Raul.

Raul and Guti had just held their farewell ceremony at Real Madrid, but soon they would return to Bernabeu Stadium as "enemies."

Real Madrid was drawn against last season's UEFA Europa League champions, Serie A champions Milan, Ligue 1 runner-up Marseille, and Zurich in the Champions League.

This group was jokingly called by fans as Real Madrid's reunion scenario.

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