"If I encounter a strong opponent, will I end up like Buffon, becoming just a background for those forwards?"
Thinking of this, Ranocchia's palms began to sweat as he held the steering wheel.
The sweat moistening the leather of the wheel made it difficult for him to maintain his grip.
This crushing defeat against Palermo indeed served as a wake-up call for Ranocchia!
Actually, the return of Inter Milan's forr players like Tang Long and Icardi has injected unprecedented cohesion and fighting spirit into this once lifeless Inter team. The atmosphere was quite warm when the old friends and brothers reunited.
However, Inter Milan is still a professional team. A professional team has its own goals, and every player who serves it must prove that their abilities are worthy of the salary they receive, the cheers and applause from fans, and certainly the tactical demands placed on them by the coach.
All of this, when combined, allows one to wear the blue and black striped shirt that symbolizes honor with a clear conscience.
...
"Andrei, you've watched your video more than 20 tis, are you really that narcissistic?"
On the day before the team was set to depart for Ro, at Ranocchia's ho, Tang Long noticed the veteran captain tirelessly watching his brave interception of Tevez's breakthrough in the match against Juventus during the 2014-15 season.
Ranocchia did not answer, just nodded slightly, his eyes still fixed on the screen showing his younger self with a full head of black hair, looking dashing and handso.
This kind of repetitive video watching, especially a specific scene, was sothing typically seen in Tang Long's behavior, but now Ranocchia seed to have taken over from Tang Long, constantly replaying the footage.
"Did you notice anything?" Tang Long asked with a smile.
Ranocchia sighed, finally raising his head to look at Tang Long.
"I just feel that 10 years later I am indeed much older than I was 10 years ago." Ranocchia pressed the pause button, lifting his phone to replay the video to Tang Long, pointing at it as he narrated.
"Look, back then, how fast I was, how quick my reactions were, my ligants were so flexible, you see. At that mont, even though Tevez got past , I just took a step back and intercepted the ball at the limit. If it weren't for my interception, Juventus would have surely launched another attack. Haha, look at how nervous Handanovic was behind ; he probably wasn't confident in stopping Tevez's one-on-one shot." Ranocchia let out a few awkward laughs.
Clearly, these words were not ant to praise himself, but rather to belittle his current ability, because Ranocchia knew that at 37 years old, he could never compare to his 27-year-old self.
Tang Long watched the video thoughtfully, then shook his head after so contemplation.
"Andrei, you're seeing your own aging in this video from 10 years ago. Actually, it's the sa for all of us; I am also 10 years older than I was back then. It's a natural progression for any athlete, and none of us can escape it. You need to face it."
Ranocchia said, "I am facing it, otherwise, I wouldn't have these feelings."
Tang Long continued, "Andrei, I hear your frustration, but I don't see the confidence you should be showing. You are Inter Milan's captain, and although you've grown older over these 10 years, you have also gained a lot of experience."
Tang Long took the phone from Ranocchia's hands and replayed the video of him facing off against Tevez.
"At your age, how to effectively use your backward glide technique will indicate how long your career can continue."
Before Ranocchia could question, Tang Long imdiately explained:
"The backward glide you used 10 years ago was an extre redy after being bypassed by the opponent. Not discussing how effective your redy was or how fierce the tackle, it was all based on one premise: your signature move could only be used for post-incident redy, not for pre-incident prediction."
Pre-incident prediction?
Tang Long's words were entirely unexpected for Ranocchia, leaving him sowhat stunned.
This backward glide move, used by Ranocchia since he was 20, had always been for redying after mistakes, never for predicting moves beforehand.
However, Tang Long's words awakened Ranocchia.
He felt as if his mindset had suddenly broadened. Despite many branches he was unsure how to unravel, he felt as if he had entered a new room.
"Co on, Andrei, let's go outside the yard, I'll demonstrate it to you."
So Tang Long took Ranocchia to the courtyard outside his villa.
There, Ranocchia had built a small five-a-side football field, with only one goal post, allowing him and his children to continue enjoying the joys of football in their leisure ti.
Ranocchia's two children stood by, with their mother, watching Tang Long and Ranocchia's showdown in their courtyard through the large floor-to-ceiling window.
Ten years ago, Ranocchia's little daughter, who was in kindergarten in Manchester, had grown into a graceful young lady, while a second son was born afterwards and was now in the second grade of primary school.
"Mom, didn't dad just finish a match and is about to play another in Ro? Why isn't he resting?" The primary school son asked in confusion.
Ranocchia's wife chuckled, "Have you noticed? Dad has been extrely focused on football lately, fully imrsing himself in the matches, completely forgetting us."
The elder daughter, tying up her golden hair, leaned on the glass window with her arm and turned to her brother and mother, saying:
"Dad and Tang have been good friends for many years. I t this uncle while I was still in kindergarten in Manchester. I think only friends could play so happily and attentively together."
Ranocchia's wife shook her head, "No, your dad isn't playing; he's working. Perhaps for him, football is the most important part of his life, even more important than all of us."
The elder daughter nodded firmly, "Yes, dad told he isn't conceding to age. He even ntioned his hope to return to the Italy national team and compete in next year's World Cup with his teammates!"
The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and xico will feature 48 teams, a joint bid by Canada, xico, and the United States. It's the fourth ti the World Cup will be held in North Arica and the first ti in history it's co-hosted by three countries.
"Great, if dad can participate in the World Cup, we can go to North Arica to watch him play, okay?"
"Sure, sure. I've never been to the United States; dad will definitely play, and who knows, he might even score a goal!" Ranocchia's younger son excitedly jumped up, clapping his hands.
Outside, under the warm sunlight of the Apennine Peninsula, Tang Long and Ranocchia faced each other for a while until they were both sweating profusely.
Through the glass window, those inside couldn't hear the conversation on the field.
But seeing Ranocchia's pensive, continuously enlightened, and eventually ecstatic expression, the family indoors felt that today, Ranocchia, the head of the family, seed sowhat different from usual.
"Alright, kids, how about we skip the extracurricular classes this weekend and instead go to Ro to watch dad play?"
Mom's suggestion was t with enthusiasm, and the daughter and son cheered in unison.
"Yay! We won't go to extracurricular classes, we will watch the football match in Ro!"
The commotion caught Ranocchia's attention outside. He wiped the sweat from his face, smiled at his family indoors, kicked the ball high up, and hugged Tang Long's shoulder, gesturing a victory sign to them.
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