The All-Around Center Forward

Suker was chatting with some of the Germany players.

Sukic, seizing the opportunity, picked up a ball from the side and started playing with it.

At first, he just kicked it around by the sidelines, but soon, the little guy started dribbling the ball towards the goal.

The Croatian goal was located right in front of the Croatian fans' stands.

When they saw the little guy, wearing Suker's No. 9 jersey, run towards the goal, they immediately reacted.

Whoosh~~~~~~~~~~

In high spirits, the Croatian fans began to actively cooperate, creating a tense atmosphere.

Suker looked up in surprise; the fans at the front of the stands frantically pointed at the goal, signaling for Sukic to shoot.

Sukic immediately dribbled the ball towards the goal; the little guy was small, but his shot still had a lot of power.

Shooting from near the penalty spot, the ball tumbled into the goal.

Instantly, the fans cheered loudly.

Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!! —

Under this intense cheer, Sukic froze in place for a few seconds, then his little face flushed with excitement, and he immediately raised his hands to celebrate, looking extremely adorable.

But not long after, he was picked up from behind by Suker.

Suker carried Sukic towards the stands.

"The little guy plays really well!"

"Hey! You'll inherit your father's No. 9 in the future too!"

"Sukic! Croatia's next generation depends on you!"

"Go for it! We'll cheer you on!"

Sukic nodded excitedly, which made Suker unable to help but laugh out loud.

Finally, Suker waved goodbye to the fans; there was still an awards ceremony to come.

Sukic was also taken away again by Aunt Betty.

Inside the Croatian locker room, it was already a chaotic celebration.

Champagne sprayed throughout the locker room.

The players jumped up and down excitedly!

"Who are we?"

"Croatia!"

"What is Croatia?"

"Champions!! —"

Dujmović was shouting, and the other players responded wildly.

A moment later, the locker room door was violently pushed open.

Davor Šuker and others also rushed in excitedly, grabbing people for hugs and cheers.

"Damn it! You scared me to death! You almost scared me to death! I almost thought we were going to lose!"

Davor Šuker put an arm around Suker's shoulder, his face filled with lingering fear.

Suker: "If you thought we would lose, then you didn't trust us enough!"

"I trust you! But we were two goals down! You only equalized in the 90th minute, anyone would be scared!" After a pause, Davor Šuker vigorously patted Suker's shoulder: "Well done!"

Štimac, standing nearby, shouted loudly: "Croatia is the champion!!"

Everyone roared again.

"We are the champions!! —"

The awards ceremony needed some preparation time.

Therefore, after celebrating in the locker room, everyone changed into dry jerseys and waited to return to the stadium for the awards ceremony.

During this time, Suker and others were also chatting.

"Long time no see!"

Suker said, looking at Štimac.

Ever since Štimac retired from Dinamo Zagreb, Suker hadn't seen him.

This guy had also come to watch their matches, but there had never been an opportunity to talk.

"What have you been doing lately?"

Suker couldn't help but ask.

Štimac: "I'm working in Hajduk's youth academy, currently coaching their U18!"

Modrić, nearby: "Hajduk? Why go there? Isn't Dinamo Zagreb good?"

Suker turned his head and rolled his eyes in annoyance.

Štimac smiled: "Dinamo Zagreb is good, but Hajduk is also good, and besides, Croatian youth training isn't concentrated in Dinamo Zagreb, isn't it the same everywhere?"

Suker changed the subject: "Any good prospects recently?"

Upon hearing this, Štimac sighed: "They're far from your generation!"

Facts prove that not every generation can see such a massive surge of players.

Suker's generation was definitely the most incredible in Croatia's history.

Even their golden generation couldn't compare.

After all, their golden generation's best result was a World Cup semi-finalist, and in terms of European competition, they couldn't be considered a top-tier team.

But the current Croatia, having won back-to-back European Cups and reached the World Cup semi-finals, is filled with star players, with top performers in every position, and even has Suker as the current active leader.

It can be said that Croatia is already a top European team!

Globally, they are a team capable of contending for the championship.

"Two more years!"

Štimac suddenly said.

"People are greedy. Seeing you win two European Cups, to be honest, it doesn't have the same impact as the first time, but compared to the European Cup, I'd rather see you play in the World Cup!"

Whether it was Štimac or other players from Croatia's golden generation.

They all had an eternal pain regarding the World Cup.

The previous Croatian team was not yet fully mature, but now these players are all entering their prime, and with their consecutive European Cup wins, their various abilities have reached their peak.

This is their best chance to win the World Cup.

Suker didn't say anything either.

The World Cup, they were bound to challenge it, but talking too much about it was useless.

As everyone was chatting, the locker room door was knocked.

A staff member pushed the door open.

"Get ready for the awards ceremony!"

Upon hearing this, the Croatian players all stood up.

"Let's go, guys, time to get our awards!"

Walking out of the player tunnel, they returned to the field.

They saw the Germany players also standing on the other side, their expressions somewhat heavy; despite giving their all in the battle, they still lost to Croatia, which was a huge blow to them.

Before the champion and runner-up awards, there were individual awards first.

A total of three awards.

European Cup Best Player.

European Cup Top Scorer.

European Cup Golden Glove Award.

Germany's Goalkeeper Neuer was the first to step onto the podium; he received the Best Goalkeeper trophy (Golden Glove Award) from the UEFA president.

After that, Suker immediately went on stage.

He alone claimed both the Best Player and the golden boot award.

Instantly, the stadium erupted in thunderous applause.

Some Germany fans also offered applause.

It wasn't that they were subdued by Suker, but rather they understood that Suker had earned this award.

A hat-trick in the European Cup final, leading his team to a dramatic equalizer—this alone was enough for Suker to lift this award.

Suker held the golden boot award in his left hand and the Best Player award in his right.

He posed for photos with Neuer.

A brilliant smile appeared on Suker's face.

Neuer did not smile; clearly, the frustration of losing was still affecting him.

After the individual awards were completed, it was time for the team awards.

First, the entire Germany team went on stage to receive their European Cup runner-up award.

The Germany players' expressions were heavy; despite receiving an award, they couldn't be happy.

After all, champion and runner-up, though only a single word apart, were worlds apart.

Due to the subdued atmosphere, the runner-up award ceremony and photo session ended quickly.

"Next is the main event! Please welcome the champions of the 2012 European Cup! The players from Croatia, after 120 minutes of fierce battle, they have won this trophy symbolizing honor, and this is also their second consecutive European Cup title! We look forward to their even better performance in the future!"

Croatian Captain Srna was the first to step onto the podium, a smile on his face, shaking hands with the various award presenters.

Davor Šuker, as the President of the Croatian Football Federation, was even more excited, embracing Srna.

Of course, for every subsequent Croatian player, Davor Šuker gave a warm embrace.

Kovacic stood in front of Davor Šuker; after their embrace, the little guy mumbled, "I feel like I didn't do much..."

"My boy!" Davor Šuker patted Kovacic's shoulder and smiled, "You were always ready to come on from the bench, you are a part of us, you certainly deserve this trophy, and it's not your time to shine yet, but when we need it, you will give your all, won't you?"

Kovacic paused, then nodded vigorously.

Davor Šuker encouraged him, "Go! Enjoy this moment, and then go create more glory, we believe in you!"

Under Davor Šuker's encouragement, Kovacic's awkward feelings were relieved.

One by one, the Croatian players ascended the podium to receive their medals.

Finally, it was the main event!

"Let's welcome Suker!!"

Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! —

Clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!!

The cheers and applause intertwined, more enthusiastic and passionate than before.

Amidst the applause of the entire stadium, Suker took a deep breath and ascended the podium.

He shook hands with the officials on the podium and received his award.

"You played brilliantly, you deserve this honor!"

The UEFA president even embraced Suker.

Suker also smiled and expressed his gratitude.

When it was Davor Šuker's turn, he was even more direct, hugging Sukic and biting him on the head.

It should have been a light kiss, but Davor Šuker was so excited that it felt more like a 'bite'.

This comical scene also drew continuous laughter from the crowd.

Sukic pushed Davor Šuker away in annoyance, but the latter didn't mind and continued to laugh heartily.

He was incomparably happy.

Passing the presenters, Sukic walked towards the final podium.

Srna also took a deep breath and walked towards the trophy.

"The Captain of Croatia, Dario Srna, is walking towards the podium to receive Croatia's second European Cup trophy!"

"Since its inception in 1960, the European Cup has seen numerous champions. Currently, Germany still leads in the number of European Cup titles, having won it three times in 1972, 1980, and 1996!"

"Secondly, France won the European Cup twice in 1984 and 2000!"

"And Croatia, in this tournament, not only achieved the feat of winning back-to-back European Cups but also became the second team, after France, to win the European Cup title twice!"

"And as their Captain, Srna is also lifting the European Cup trophy for the second time!"

Srna lifted the championship trophy at the podium.

The trophy was lighter than he had expected.

On the way back, Srna's eyes darted around, and he decided to scare his teammates.

He pretended to trip, suddenly leaning forward.

This made his teammates gasp in surprise, and Srna broke into a joyful smile.

But the next second...

"Is there something wrong with your foot?"

"If you can't walk, crawl back! If you drop it, I'll beat you to death!"

"What are you dawdling for? Get back here!"

"You want me to come get you? Believe it or not, I'll kick you?"

When you're too familiar with your teammates, a Captain's authority is useless.

Davor Šuker and the others nearby couldn't help but laugh heartily.

The UEFA officials, though they didn't understand, saw everyone laughing and simply joined in.

Urged on by everyone, Srna arrived at the podium.

A football podium isn't very tall; it looks like a flat platform with an arch behind it, bearing the words '2012 European Cup Champions'.

But this not-so-tall platform is the final stage after sixteen teams in the entire European Cup have battled it out.

Croatia ascended this stage; they became the champions of the 2012 European Cup, truly the Kings of Europe!

The moment Srna forcefully lifted the trophy, the Croatian players also leaped up.

Tens of thousands of Croatian fans in the stadium cheered in unison.

We are the champions!!!!!!!!!!

In Kyiv, Ukraine, Croatia achieved its second European Cup championship dream.

At the same time, a grander dream was brewing in their hearts.

Madrid, Spain.

Casillas, Ramos, and Alonso were watching the award ceremony on television.

Colorful confetti showered down, bathing Sukic and the others, who had reached the pinnacle of the European Cup, in the world's attention.

Croatia had once again won the European Cup.

They, however, had been sent home in the semi-finals.

This scene reminded them of the 2010 World Cup, that hot and crazy summer.

"The championship ultimately belongs to Croatia!" Casillas sighed.

"Germany was strong, but Croatia was too resilient. Trailing by two goals, they scored two in quick succession at the last minute. Germany's mentality had already collapsed by then!"

"No way! Sukic's burst of power in the second half was too crucial!"

Casillas and Ramos were chatting and lamenting.

Alonso, standing nearby, remained silent, his lips moving as if he had something to say.

After a moment, he sighed:

"Iker, I want to tell you something!"

Hearing this, Casillas and Ramos turned to look at him.

"What is it?" Casillas asked casually.

Alonso seemed to have made a decision and slowly said, "I'm planning to leave!"

Casillas was stunned!

Ramos, beside him, also widened his eyes.

"Leave?" Casillas's voice was a bit sharp, clearly from being too surprised.

Alonso nodded, "That's right! My agent has already contacted other teams."

Casillas was about to speak, but Alonso waved his hand to interrupt, continuing:

"I know what you want to say, but I want you to listen to me first!"

Once Casillas was quiet, Alonso slowly continued:

"You know me; I don't stay in one League for too long. I like to challenge different Leagues and experience different football styles."

"That's why I returned to La Liga from the Premier League, and it's the same reason I'm leaving now."

"Where do you want to go?" Ramos asked.

Alonso: "Bayern Munich. In fact, they have already contacted the club, and based on my wishes, the deal is progressing smoothly. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about this sooner."

"Why do you have to go?" Casillas said, pursing his lips; "Is it because of Mourinho? Guys, trust me, I'll get justice for you; that guy won't be staying much longer!"

Alonso shook his head and chuckled.

"It's false to say there's no connection; there are indeed reasons related to that. I don't like the current atmosphere within Real Madrid. We're all too tense. We're not enjoying football; we're like championship-harvesting machines. Real Madrid is strong, but this isn't the football I want!"

"Mourinho is also suppressing my status within the team and taking away my tactical resources. I hate this feeling. You can think I'm escaping from here because that's exactly what it is. I don't want to work with Mourinho anymore, so I plan to leave!"

Casillas reiterated, "Xabi, we will drive Mourinho away?"

"How will we drive him away?" Alonso looked up.

"He's brought eight trophies to Real Madrid in two seasons and won back-to-back Champions Leagues. Who can drive him away?"

"National Team infighting? Wake up, that will only make the fans think we're shifting blame, not that Mourinho really did something wrong. We can't drive him away, at least not right now."

"Of course, Mr. Perez can, but that would greatly impact his approval rating and credibility. A coach of honor for Real Madrid being swept out the door? Who would be willing to coach us in the future? Mr. Perez won't do that. In the short term, we can't drive him away."

Xabi Alonso sighed, "Since that's the case, then I've decided to leave myself!"

"I don't want to work with him anymore. He's not leaving, so I'm leaving!"

"I've already discussed it with the club. The club did try to keep me, but they didn't agree to my suggestion of driving Mourinho away. You see, Mr. Perez hasn't made up his mind either!"

These words left Casillas silent.

Xabi Alonso was right.

After the infighting in Spain, Vicente del Bosque also raised this issue with the Spanish Football Association, and eventually, the presidents of Real Madrid and Barcelona gathered to discuss it.

But in the end, nothing conclusive was decided.

There was no progress at all regarding driving Mourinho away.

Such a meritorious Head Coach, they truly couldn't and had no reason to touch him!

Moving him would only have a counter-effect!

If Mourinho caused a scene then, Real Madrid's losses would be even greater.

Real Madrid wouldn't hope that Mourinho would meekly accept the arrangement and leave the team.

Given his personality, he would only cause a huge fuss.

Of course, there were some things Xabi Alonso didn't say.

While these reasons certainly contributed to his departure this time, there were other reasons as well.

That was Guardiola's invitation!

That's right!

Guardiola had stepped down as Barcelona's Head Coach, and in the new season, he would replace Bayern Munich's veteran coach Heynckes as Head Coach.

And before joining, Guardiola had contacted Xabi Alonso through special channels, hoping he would join Bayern Munich.

Currently, Bayern Munich had bought Cristiano Ronaldo, and their funds were limited.

Therefore, Bayern Munich offered Toni Kroos + 15 million Euros!

Toni Kroos was to be delivered immediately.

As for the remaining 15 million Euros, it would be paid in three quarterly installments, with at least 5 million Euros given each quarter!