Chapter 299: Enemies Meet, Extra Jealous! Buffon and Chiellini are Going After Manchester City!_2
Tang Long's amazed reaction made Gracie feel a pang of sorrow.
Thinking that even if he is at the sidelines, Tang Long couldn't see him, his heart is probably thinking of that Italian woman.
"Also, you really acted thoughtlessly this time," Gracie said earnestly, "Teammates were all doing extra training on their rest days. Even if you didn't want to join them, you should have just stayed home. Why run around aimlessly? You don't know the British media, each paparazzi following you, wishing for your downfall so they can earn their living."
Tang Long originally wanted to explain to Gracie that he was actually doing extra training.
On the four-hour drive to London and back to Manchester, he was constantly watching videos fed to his AI system, not even blinking. He spent no less effort and time than those players sweating in the gym.
But recalling Ranocchia's "mocking" on the train about his video training, he felt it was even harder to explain to Gracie, so he simply dropped it.
"I never need extra training because I'm already very strong," Tang Long deliberately teased Gracie.
"Then go ahead, continue. I'm too lazy to bother with you,"
Gracie sighed softly.
"Don't be so sure just because Manchester City spent a club-record transfer fee on you. If it were another club, they'd treat you like a treasure, but the Abu Dhabi Consortium never lacks money. If they want to abandon you, they won't hesitate at all."
Tang Long's confidence also stemmed from his understanding of his own strength.
Having just jumped from Serie A to the Premier League, he was shocked by the intense, high-stakes, and fast-paced nature of the league's matches.
However, after playing six or seven games and gradually getting used to it, he found that the Premier League is just that!
Football.
Regardless of the national league, football is generally not too different;
There are only different understandings in tactical awareness and subtle playing methods.
Controlling the tempo, precisely passing the ball, helping teammates score goals, and stepping up at critical moments—these few points enable Tang Long to stand in any country's top league.
Kolarov had clearly explained to him about the dressing room faction fights within Manchester City.
During training in the morning, through teammates' guarded glances, Tang Long understood that being excluded from the starting lineup this time involved more than Pellegrini's decision, with some people definitely causing trouble.
But as his mentor Chiwo often said, in football, it's ultimately about strength!
Can he make it?
Can he become a regular starter at Manchester City?
Those trouble-making teammates don't decide that.
Pellegrini needs him, the club needs him, and those Manchester City fans supporting them also need him!
Not being chosen to play against Juventus? Then just watch if Manchester City can defeat Juventus!
...
Tuesday afternoon, 5:30.
Manchester City's flight landed on time at Turin Airport.
This was Tang Long's first return to this country after leaving Serie A this summer.
Here, he spent his first year of his career and won two championship trophies as a rising superstar.
However, upon returning to the Apennine Peninsula, Tang Long received a rather unique welcome gift.
A hundred or so die-hard Juventus fans, having timed it right, awaited in the exit channel.
Seeing Manchester City's players gradually emerge, the fans, organized and disciplined, unanimously raised copies of The Sun high above their heads!
"Hey, Tang! Look here, look here!"
"Take a look at your beloved Italian blonde girl!"
"Can you teach us how to woo Dilata?"
"I know lots of blonde beauties; would you like me to introduce another one to you?"
With a uniform wave of The Sun, stirring up a breeze even at the airport's player exit route~
Apparently, The Sun's influence isn't limited to the UK anymore, extending across Europe!
Juventus fans intended to use this to mess with Manchester City's players' mentalities.
Seeing such a grand scene, some Manchester City players were quite shocked, some left astounded.
Amid the "supportive chants" from Juventus fans.
Veteran coach Pellegrini furrowed his brows, glared at those Juventus fans, muttered a swear from his Italian hometown, then silently dragged his suitcase, quickly passing by.
Some fans nearly shoved the newspapers into the faces of Manchester City's players.
Ranocchia, with his tall height and local roots in Italy, feared no one. Passing by, he flipped at the two newspapers in front of him with a slap.
As a former Inter captain, confronting Juventus fans held no intimidation at all!
Team doctor Gracie, carrying a medical kit, followed behind Tang Long, also quickly passing by.
Tang Long walked fast; the petite Gracie had to jog to keep up with him.
She looked at Tang Long with some worry, afraid his mentality was affected. Yet Tang Long remained expressionless and indifferent.
However, some players on Manchester City's team were quite cheerful!
Yaya Toure strode confidently, hands in his pockets, casually walking by, with a smile on his face;
Silva, wearing headphones and sunglasses, was in a great mood, even stopping to sign a few autographs for some offering Juventus fans their pads;
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