Chapter 310: I’ll Play Serie B with You

Words : 1520 Updated : Oct 13th, 2025

July 1st, one of Germany's three city-states—Hamburg. The streets were packed with people. The frenzied crowd waved their arms, roaring with deafening cheers. Flags fluttered high in the air, each wave triggering a thunderous response from fans. "Victory belongs to Italy!" "Victory belongs to Italy!" "Victory belongs to Italy!" As the Italian fans surged past, soon on the other side of the street, the Ukrainian fans also erupted in fierce cheers, marching towards the stadium. The fans of both teams were shouting at the top of their lungs to welcome the match. In this contest of national pride, the fans' enthusiasm and sense of honor were even more intense. The atmosphere was absolutely electric. "Forza Italia!" "Forza Italia!" "Forza Italia!" Suker stood on the second floor of a café, arms raised, shouting down to the Italian fans. The Italian fan formation below couldn't quite see who it was, but since he was supporting them, they waved back and cheered loudly. Forza!!! Italia!!! Suker waved vigorously, watching the fan group leave, then turned around and said, "Let's go too!" Suker, Modrić, Srna, and a group of others also headed toward the stadium. They didn't enter the regular fan zone—Suker had pulled strings through his connections in Milan and secured a VIP box. From there, Suker and the others watched the match. In the neighboring box, Italian legends like Maldini and officials from the football federation also gathered to watch. "How are things going recently?"It was Rossi speaking—an Italian Olympic Committee official who was currently in charge of the Italian Football Federation. Since the Calciopoli scandal broke out, Italian football had been rocked by an unprecedented earthquake. Juventus' board, led by Moggi, was under indictment, and as many as 26 people were facing charges and potentially jail time. AC Milan's vice president Galliani was also on the list. Maldini sighed. "No one has responded positively yet." He was completely worn out. Just when he was ready to retire after winning the Champions League in the twilight of his career, this mess exploded. Now, the club had asked him to postpone his retirement. Milan still needed their old captain to hold the dressing room together. If Maldini retired now, Milan would fall into chaos. Maldini rubbed his temples. They had contacted Milan's players as well. But no one had given a clear stance. Most were clearly waiting to see how things unfolded. Maldini had hoped Shevchenko would set an example—reassure the fans and encourage the others. But from his conversations with Sheva, there were clear signs of hesitation. Sheva had said that he was in a tough spot and had to consider his future. And his child needed to grow up in an English-speaking environment. Sheva's wife, being American, strongly favored English education. Rumors of a transfer had started last season because of her influence. And now, Chelsea was becoming more aggressive in pursuing Sheva. It felt like both sides had come to an understanding, with only Milan left in the dark. Maldini had also spoken with Pirlo. Pirlo's stance was clear: if Milan didn't get relegated, everything was negotiable. But if they did, he wouldn't play in Serie B. It was a complete mess. Right now, Milan's fans were anxious. The management was trying its best to persuade players—but with little success so far. "What about Kaká and Suker?"Rossi asked. In such a disastrous situation, it was understandable if the veterans left. But keeping the young talents was key. Maldini paused, then said,"Kaká hasn't given a concrete answer. He said he wants to focus on the World Cup." At least that was something. Rossi: "And Suker?" Maldini really fell silent this time. To be honest, he didn't think Suker would stay. Among all the players, Suker was the hardest to keep. On one hand, Suker's performance in the Champions League this season was phenomenal. Even if he left Milan, he'd do just fine. Many clubs would want him, and he'd get a good deal. On the other hand, Suker had only joined Milan a season ago. What emotional attachment could he possibly have? Players who had been with the club for three or four years were already leaving—how could Suker stay? The club hadn't even contacted Suker. Or rather, they were afraid of being rejected. They wanted to secure commitments from other players first, then use that as leverage to persuade Suker. But so far, none of it was going smoothly. Hearing Maldini's explanation, Rossi fell silent for a moment, then said,"Why not try anyway? If Suker is willing to stay, Kaká might stay too. And with both of them staying, others will have more reason to stay as well." Maldini frowned. "Do you really think that's possible?" Rossi: "Just try. At the very least, Suker's agent doesn't seem to be in contact with any other club yet." Maldini was stunned. "He hasn't contacted other clubs?" Rossi nodded. "From what we've gathered, his agent Zorančić has been in Croatia since the league ended and hasn't met with any club officials. So..." "Maybe Suker is waiting for you to make him an offer?" Maldini scratched his head, his mind spinning rapidly. Why hadn't Suker contacted other clubs? It didn't make sense. But... deep inside, a sliver of hope sparked. And if there was a deal to be made—Milan would gladly meet any reasonable condition. Maldini: "I'll call him right now!" He stepped out of the box—no longer in the mood to watch the match. Pulling out his phone, he immediately dialed. He called Ancelotti. Due to Milan's internal chaos, with the VP under investigation and even Sporting Director Leonardo being detained, Ancelotti was also filling in as acting Sporting Director. Ancelotti (voice hoarse): "Paolo?" Maldini: "Boss, have we reached out to Suker?" Ancelotti: "No. We figured we weren't in a position to negotiate with him until others were settled." Maldini: "That's what I thought too. But Rossi just told me something—Suker's agent hasn't met with anyone. He's been in Croatia this whole time." Ancelotti (long pause): "Are you sure?" Maldini: "Rossi said it himself. He doesn't want Serie A to collapse either, so he shared this with me." Maldini: "We should talk to Suker. Offer him the best deal possible. Make him stay!" Ancelotti: "Then I'll call him—" Maldini: "No need. He's in the next box. I'll talk to him directly." Ancelotti: "Then it's in your hands. Whatever conditions he asks for, we can accept—as long as they're not too outrageous. Even if it's Serie A's top salary!" Maldini: "Got it." Ancelotti: "Paolo... I'll wait for good news." Maldini smiled bitterly as he hung up. He hoped this would indeed be good news. Inside the box, Suker was watching the match intently. He wasn't playing in this World Cup, but he could still soak in the atmosphere. In 2002, he watched the World Cup on TV. By 2006, he was watching live from the stands. At this rate, by 2010... would he be on the field? Hiss—! Suker drew a sharp breath. Gattuso was absolutely savage. He wasn't going easy on Shevchenko at all, tackling him again and again until Sheva's head was spinning. Just then, Suker felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see a server handing him a note. Suker opened it, read it, then said to Modrić and the others,"You guys keep watching—I need to step out." He left the box and spotted Maldini in the hallway, dressed in a suit. "Suker!" Maldini greeted him, then nervously rubbed his hands before stuffing them into his pockets. "Coffee?" Suker (raising an eyebrow): "Boss, really? It's an Italy game and you're off to have coffee? How little faith do you have in Andriy?" Maldini (coughing): "Yes, we're playing—but I wanted to talk to you." Suker noticed Maldini's unease—clearly nervous, unsure of what kind of response he'd get. Maldini: "You know the situation. We're doing everything we can to avoid relegation. We won't be demoted—really! Berlusconi promised. Even if you don't trust me, you can trust him. He has that kind of influence in Italy..." "Anyway, we're negotiating with the others. There's a good chance they'll stay. So... so..." Suker (smiling): "You want my commitment?" Maldini sighed. "Yes. We want you to stay. You can name your terms, including salary..." Suker: "I don't want anything." Maldini blinked, quickly replying, "Suker, please think about it. Consider it a personal request..." Suker could see sweat forming on Maldini's forehead—he was clearly panicking. Suker grinned."I said I'm not leaving." Maldini: "Right! But even if you do—wait, what?"He froze, turning to Suker, eyes wide with shock. Suker (scratching his head, smiling): "Was I not clear enough? I said—next season, I'll play Serie B with you guys!"

Chapter 310: I’ll Play Serie B with You

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