Ground football: Ronaldo thought I was going to assist him

For a long time, traveling to tournaments in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or the MLS meant the end of a football player's career.

It wasn't until 2023, when Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Europe after joining Saudi Arabia and led his team to the Champions League title, that a new path was forged.

yyds!

Desailly's family was still trying to persuade him, but Desailly's phone was already ringing.

It was Deschamps, his former national team teammate, who called.

"Hello, Didier," Desailly answered the phone.

"Marcel, thank goodness you finally answered the phone." Deschamps' tone was somewhat flustered. "Hierro is gone! There's an open starting center-back position for Manchester City, are you coming or not?"

Desailly was taken aback. Was it... really that direct?

Seeing that Desailly didn't speak, Deschamps quickly said, "I was the first to call you about this good news. You should think about it quickly; Maxija, Schmeichel, and Guardiola are all contacting other people."

"If a strong player agrees first, then it's impossible for you to come over."

"To ensure the team's performance remains at a high level in the long term, Manchester City has strict control over the age of its players."

"As far as I know, 80% of Manchester City's signings this season are young players. There aren't even any players over 22 years old!"

Desailly was startled.

Is it being introduced to such a young age group?

Of course, it wasn't doubt, just surprise.

Because Manchester City has proven their youth revolution is reliable with just one season.

Last season, 18-year-old Duncan led the team, with 19-year-old Ribery and Toure, 21-year-old Maicon, Cech and Adriano, 19-year-old Chiellini, Lahm and Thiago Silva, and 18-year-old Ashley Young all playing exceptionally well.

Ribery almost made it into the Premier League Team of the Year.

He has been rated by more than ten Premier League clubs as one of the most difficult wingers to defend.

Yaya Toure was even named one of the four greatest midfielders in New England, alongside Gerrard, Lampard, and others!

In contrast, Manchester City treats its veteran players very well.

If you refuse to accept getting old and are in good form, you can even start every game like Hierro.

If you want to stay in shape and healthy while playing, you can be substituted whenever you want, just like Baggio.

If you only want to play in key matches and cup competitions, you can do what Leman did.

In short, Manchester City is a team that doesn't have harsh demands on veteran players.

Besides... who wouldn't want to be surrounded by a group of geniuses calling them "teacher"?

Desailly's football career is coming to an end.

But he also hopes to train a few future star players.

This would indirectly elevate his historical status.

Chelsea's Terry is quite good.

But Terry had already learned almost everything from Desailly, so there was nothing more Desailly could teach him.

Manchester City, on the other hand, has even more young Terrys.

Most importantly, I've heard that Deng Kai is very good at winning championships.

Some media outlets believe that Manchester City is very likely to have the ability to compete for a top-four finish or even the title in the Premier League next season.

Because Deschamps was pressing him so hard, Desailly didn't have time to hesitate. He even started to panic: "But Abramovich doesn't seem to want to let me go."

"He also talked to me before that the contract and salary were not a problem, but he hoped that I could stay with the team as a substitute."

"I don't mind a lower salary, but I want to make the most of my youth and play well for another year or two."

Deschamps and Desailly were immediately on the same page: "That's it! Our salaries are indeed low, oops... we can guarantee you a starting position!"

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"As for Abramovich, our Manchester City chairman, Mansour, will personally speak with him. They are both wealthy, so they should have a lot in common."

Desailly nodded repeatedly.

Mansour quickly found Abramovich.

Mansour won over Abu with just one sentence.

Mansour: "In the future, if Chelsea wants to bring in players from Manchester City, they only need to pay the market price. We will never treat Chelsea as a sucker, and we will always respect Abramovich!"

Abu was almost moved to tears.

Indeed, there is no such thing as true empathy in this world; there is only mutual pity for those who share the same fate.

No wonder Manchester City always buys cheap goods and young players.

It's definitely because they wanted to buy star players, but the other Premier League teams overcharged them!

Unfortunately, Chelsea is a large and established club, and cannot nurture its players like Mansour's Manchester City did.

Chelsea must achieve success in a short period of time, and Abramovich must continue to build his personal brand and recognition in Europe.

Abramovich, feeling understood, even directly said that Desailly was a gift to them!

Mansur shook his head repeatedly, "How could I take advantage of you, brother?"

Ultimately, after some back and forth, Chelsea and Manchester City completed the deal.

With two years left on his contract, Desailly, who is currently at the tail end of his career peak, transferred to Manchester City for a staggering one million euros.

This is even cheaper than Hierro's transfer fee!

As for his ability, Hierro retired from the Spanish national team after the 2002 World Cup.

Desailly, however, just helped the French team win the Confederations Cup.

Chelsea and Manchester City subsequently announced the deal together.

Chelsea: Desailly's transfer to Manchester City – hopefully he'll continue his journey in another blue hue!

Manchester City: French superstar Marcel Desailly joins Manchester City! From London to Manchester, the sky is bluer with dreams!

"Passing the torch! Desailly posted a picture of the captain's armband and tagged his protégé Terry!"

"The Blue Team's New Leader! John Terry Officially Becomes Captain of the Blue Team! I Forge a Loyal Soul with Iron Will!"

An unconventional legacy! The current and former captains of the French national team meet at Manchester City, with Desailly stating that Deschamps had a decisive influence on his transfer!

Then, just when people were expecting Manchester City to make more signings.

Manchester City, however, held two retirement ceremonies in succession.

One of them was held at Main Road Stadium.

This was also the last public event before the Maine Road Stadium was demolished.

Eighty thousand people, every seat was taken.

They were all there to witness the official retirement of Spanish legend Pep Guardiola.

Over the past year, Guardiola has hardly played for Manchester City; he has spent more time with the coaching staff, discussing things with Duncan, Maxi, and Deschamps.

People were not surprised by this.

At Guardiola's retirement ceremony, Deng Kai personally delivered a speech, expressing his hopes for Guardiola: "I have no doubt that you will become the best coach in the world at some point in the future!"

This remark brought a knowing smile to many people in the room.

Kai is still so kind.

Sánchez has not yet become the world's best head coach.

Guardiola is bald, how could he understand football?

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