Ground football: Ronaldo thought I was going to assist him

Roberto Baggio won two Serie A titles and one UEFA Cup title during his career.

He won the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d'Or in 1993!

He participated in three World Cups, scoring nine goals and helping Italy win third place in the 1990 World Cup and runner-up in the 1994 World Cup.

In the 1994 final against Brazil, Baggio missed a crucial penalty, watching Brazil lift the World Cup trophy.

His lonely figure broke the hearts of countless fans.

But it was precisely this scene that allowed people to experience the beauty of regret, making Baggio an eternal legend.

This year, Matthäus also lost to Brazil and finished as runner-up, which reminded people of Baggio.

Matthäus's historical status has thus risen rather than fallen, equaling that of Maradona.

What does Baggio joining Manchester City mean?

Could it be that... he also wants to further elevate his historical status in the last year or two before the end of his professional career?

After all, Matthäus mentioned Duncan's contributions to him multiple times during both of his retirement ceremonies.

In his words, "I never thought about joining Sporting Lisbon. Forgive me, I really looked down on Portuguese teams back then! But when Deng Kai told me that joining Sporting Lisbon would prove myself!"

"Yes, at first, I just wanted to prove myself. I just wanted everyone to know that Germany's crushing defeat in the 2000 European Championship was not my fault! I shouldn't be the sinner, and no player who participated in the competition should be the sinner."

"However, I never dreamed that Deng Kai would lead me to lift eight trophies in just two years! This even includes a Champions League title and a UEFA Cup title!"

"Damn it! I suggest all the old guys nearing the end of their careers go and assist Deng Kai, because what you gain will definitely be more than you ever expected!"

"He's like a cheat code for elevating one's historical status!"

Of course, that alone is not enough.

The second reason Baggio joined Manchester City was Guardiola.

Baggio is Guardiola's idol.

When Deng Kai persuaded Guardiola to join Sporting Lisbon, Guardiola actually wanted to join Brescia, where Baggio played.

Guardiola has even contacted Baggio, saying, "Idol, I'm here to help you!"

result……

How embarrassing is that?

But Guardiola never expected that Baggio would contact him despite past grievances and inquire about Duncan.

Guardiola, being a shrewd man, immediately understood Baggio's meaning and fanned the flames, inviting Baggio to join Manchester City.

Deng Kai welcomes Baggio to the team: No matter how many years have passed, you will always be our melancholic prince!

Guardiola: This time, I can finally play with my idol! I love Baggio!

Even a superstar in his twilight years is still a superstar!

Especially for the Premier League, Serie A stars are inherently a cut above the rest.

Because during the era when the Premier League was most looked down upon, Serie A was at the top of this hierarchy of contempt.

Even though the Premier League is constantly boasting that it has surpassed Serie A by a large margin.

But when they face Italian stars, they still can't help but show their intimidation.

It's not that kneeling for too long will prevent you from standing up.

The main reason is... that's, after all, a generation's memory.

English media outlets widely reported on Baggio's signing.

In terms of fighting ability, people don't think that the 35-year-old Baggio can bring any big changes to Manchester City.

His role wasn't much more significant than Robbie Fowler's.

But in terms of influence, this is extremely important.

Manchester City is gradually becoming the focus of the Premier League.

Sky Sports even launched a column, baffled, analyzing: "Why is Manchester City the only team that consistently signs superstars from Serie A and La Liga?"

Manchester United is certainly attractive, but it's not actually that strong.

Otherwise, players like Batistuta and Totti would have come to the Premier League long ago.

Arsenal is another story altogether. As the "second-best team in the Premier League," the Serie A players who come to them are basically losers in the Serie A competition.

Henry: I advise you to speak carefully.

Why Manchester City?

Looking back at Sporting Lisbon back then, the Portuguese league's appeal was far less than that of the English Premier League.

But Matthäus, Guardiola, Deschamps...

The result is already obvious.

Because of Deng Kai!

This is the only thing the two teams have in common at the moment.

After all, you can't possibly think it's Fonte, can you?

With Baggio's arrival.

Dongqiudi magazine did a special interview with him, in which Baggio also revealed the most important reason for his joining Manchester City.

Jiang Yunzhu: "Roberto, have you ever watched your future teammates play?"

Baggio: "Aside from the World Cup, the last match I watched was last season's Champions League final."

Jiang Yunzhu: "My God, you were actually there? You must have been disguised; we didn't have any news about you."

Baggio smiled and said, "Yes, I brought my family."

Jiang Yunzhu: "What was the most memorable moment of that match for you?"

Baggio: "The moment Duncan missed the penalty reminded me of myself, really..."

Jiang Yunzhu: "So, you joined Manchester City hoping to help your past self? In a sense, is it self-redemption?"

Baggio shook his head, turning the camera to his jersey collection room: "I have more jerseys of famous players, but my kids don't even look at them."

"That one, do you see it? It's the one in the best position, the one you can see at a glance."

"That was earned by my youngest son himself, during the Champions League final this May. Deng Kai saved Zidane's penalty, dribbled out of the penalty area, and scored the winning goal before throwing his jersey into the stands."

"My son is that lucky child; I have never seen him so happy."

"As a father, I have no way to repay you. This is the only way I can express my gratitude to Deng Kai... Okay... Look, my son is urging me to get Deng Kai's autographed soccer ball again."

"He doesn't admire me, this melancholy prince, at all; he only loves King Alvalad!"

A little boy's voice came from off-camera: "No! Kay is now the King of Manchester! The Emperor of the Premier League!"

……

Baggio's arrival has a huge promotional impact on the Premier League.

People are also full of expectations for Manchester City's new season.

At least emotionally, Manchester City has reached its peak.

Deng Kai: Is that all?

"Hey Peter... don't worry, I absolutely didn't mean to blackmail you... I understand you're doing well in Denmark, but Kasper... you know, he's been having some emotional ups and downs lately..." Deng Kai was chatting casually with Schmeichel. "Did you see Baggio's interview?"

"Baggio said he had never seen his son so happy. Honestly, I don't think you've ever seen Kasper's smile when he received a long-term contract from Manchester City's youth academy."

"I've heard about your criticism of Kasper. You don't think he has a bright future as a goalkeeper, but... I do. I think you two should have a serious talk."

I like playing football on the ground: Ronaldo thought I was going to assist him.