Chapter 255: An Old Friend

Words : 1427 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

Back when Suker was still playing in the Bosnian second division, he encountered a defender named Bazel. Bazel was a defender from Sarajevo Ranger. Suker had a strong impression of him. In a league filled with subpar players, this guy actually gave him some trouble. He had the tall stature and strong build typical of German defenders. That was what Suker envied most about him at the time. Of course, Suker ultimately won the match. Five years have passed since then. Bazel, once a high-energy player, had now become a potbellied middle-aged man. With his thick beard and overweight body, Suker almost didn't recognize him—if not for the lasting impression he had. Judging by his physique, he had clearly given up on football. Football isn't an easy career path. Especially for someone like Suker, who rose from the lower leagues to the top tier—cases like that are rare. The same goes for both Mostar Wanderers and Sarajevo Ranger. But Bazel hadn't completely given up on football. He was now training the next generation. "Hey! Listen, that kid plays like Suker. The moment you turn your head, he'll make a sneaky run. So always keep your eyes on him," Bazel squatted in front of his eldest son, little Danilo, who had inherited his football talent. This convinced Bazel that the boy was worth developing from an early age. He even traveled from Bosnia to Turkey in search of opportunities. "Dad, are you going to tell that story about you and Suker again?" Danilo tilted his head. "But Suker plays in Croatia!" Danilo thought his father was lying. Suker is a star player! How could he possibly have anything to do with his dad? "He was playing in the Bosnian league when you were still little!" Bazel said proudly. "And back then, I really gave him a hard time!" "Bullshit!" A voice came from behind them. Bazel and Danilo turned to look. Suker stood there with a displeased expression. "You gave me a hard time? Did you forget how I scored against you?" Bazel was stunned for a moment—he truly hadn't expected to run into Suker here. But he quickly responded, "All you did was score. You had no tactical contribution whatsoever!" "As long as I scored, who cares? Just answer me—did I score or not?!" "You only scored one goal. What's the big deal?" Suker held up two fingers: "Two!" Bazel paused—he couldn't quite remember. While they bickered, little Danilo stared at Suk in astonishment. He really does know my dad... "Hey, kid! Don't be like your father. I've been watching you—you should be more proactive in linking up and moving the ball. Your dad got brainwashed by those German blockheads—he's stubborn as a mule. Don't copy him!" Bazel objected, "He's my son. How I coach him is my business." "You don't know shit!" Suker snapped. "You've got a budding attacking midfielder, and you've got him playing as a defensive mid? Are you crazy? His footwork and feel for the ball are being wasted!" Bazel fell silent. Though they were arguing, he had to admit—when it came to experience and professional insight, Suker had more credibility. "He's suited to attacking midfield?" Bazel asked. Suker, annoyed, replied, "Try talking to the youth trial coach and switch his position." Bazel, half-believing, gave it a try. Soon enough, Danilo started playing even better in the new position—moving the ball out of danger, dribbling past defenders, and even providing assists. More importantly, Danilo became visibly more active on offense. Thanks to that performance, Danilo passed the youth trial. "Yay!!" Danilo bounced over, thrilled. "I passed! They told me to report to the youth academy next week!" Suker immediately held up his hand. "High five!" Smack!!! Danilo slapped his hand enthusiastically. "Can I get your autograph?" Danilo asked hopefully. "No problem!" Bazel reluctantly handed over a marker. Suker took it and signed Danilo's jersey: "Good luck, Danilo—you play better than Bazel!" Bazel smiled wryly at the signature. What a petty guy! Suker waved at them and left with Gisele Bündchen. As they watched Suker walk away, Danilo looked up. "Dad, you really did play against him, huh?" Bazel smiled, patting Danilo's head, and said emotionally: "Danilo, remember! No matter how hard it is, always keep up! Some people—once you fall behind, you can never catch up again!" The next day, Gisele Bündchen hurried off. Brazil was filming a short promotional film for the 2006 World Cup, inviting many famous celebrities. As Brazil's national treasure-level supermodel, Gisele was front and center. She was always ready to step up for her country's campaigns. With nothing to do in Turkey, Suker also boarded a flight to Milan the next day. He returned to Milan on January 1st. There was still a week before the league resumed. In the next few days, Milan players would begin returning. The second half of the season would be even more critical. Whether in the league or Champions League, the intensity would rise significantly. For example, the Champions League Round of 16 on February 22nd. AC Milan's opponent was the German giants—Bayern Munich. This was the Bayern of Kahn, Ballack, Makaay, and Pizarro. Lahm and Schweinsteiger were still young talents in that squad. Beyond the league and Champions League, AC Milan was also competing in the Coppa Italia. Manager Carlo Ancelotti had big ambitions—he wanted to fight on all three fronts and wasn't willing to give up any competition. To boost squad depth, Milan signed Gilardino from Parma during the winter transfer window to strengthen the attack. Gilardino was arguably Milan's last good signing. After this season, Serie A began to lose competitiveness. Stars fled, and Milan's appeal in the transfer market declined significantly. Ancelotti had to rely on aging veterans to continue the campaign—Milan was beginning to live off its past glory. For Suker, the goal was to play as many Champions League matches as possible while the veterans still had some gas in the tank and earn more honors. Then, use Milan as a springboard to leap into a new era! "Boss! Good morning!" Suker greeted Maldini. Maldini looked at him in surprise. "Weren't you on vacation?" Suker shrugged, "Came back early to stay in shape!" Maldini smiled. He could never dislike a talented young player who was also hardworking. "I'm going to welcome the new guy. Wanna come?" Suker shrugged and followed. "How was Ibiza?" "Not bad. They have a racecourse there—and the horseshoe guy is really skilled." Maldini: "???" "Tusso's not around. I've been so bored lately!" Suk walked beside Maldini with his hands behind his head. Maldini laughed, "Gatusso's probably fishing. If you keep him company, he'll be happy!" Suker immediately shook his head. "I can mess with him anytime, except when he's fishing—he'll hang me on a hook and use me to catch sharks!" Maldini winked, "And there's another bait called Pirlo, right?" Hahahaha!!! Suker burst into laughter. Soon, the two arrived at the manager's office. "Boss!" "Coach!" Ancelotti was sitting on the couch with Gilardino. When Maldini walked in, Gilardino visibly tensed up. Such was Maldini's legendary status. "Welcome to Milan!" Maldini smiled and offered a handshake. Gilardino nodded firmly. "I'll give it my all." "Pippo will be sad!" Suk joked. "One Andriy is already giving him a headache—now here comes a Gilardino!" Suker walked over and extended a hand. "Welcome to Milan!" Gilardino looked at Suker. This young star dominating Serie A—he couldn't afford to take him lightly. "Hello, Suker!" Suker glanced at him, "You're too stiff. Relax—Milan folks are easy to get along with!" Gilardino smiled slightly, but it was clear he hadn't relaxed yet. "The break's almost over. Make sure to get back into form. The second half of the season will be different—more intense games and heavier competition. There'll be physicals in a couple of days, so get ready," Ancelotti reminded. Suker gave a thumbs up. "Don't worry, Coach!" Ancelotti smiled. In the second half of the season, Milan would rely heavily on Suker. Especially in the key matches, Suker would be indispensable. Ancelotti didn't want holidays or other distractions to affect his form. Plenty of players had great first halves only to crash in the second. He didn't want Suker to be one of them! This season, AC Milan was aiming for big things!

Chapter 255: An Old Friend

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