Damn!
Didn’t expect the Kaka Moment Card couldn’t outmatch injuries.
Lu Yang originally thought that with the Moment Card, he’d at least be able to finish the second half.
But unexpectedly, Kaka’s solo run was so fierce that Lu Yang’s body needed to go all out to support it, causing his injury to worsen instantly to this extent.
So, did he lose the gamble this time?
Lu Yang, undefeated in the Italian D Division and Italian Third Division, never imagined that his first defeat would result in losing the championship!
The most crucial thing is, forget about the task with Maniero.
Ironman is done for!
Indeed, gambling is risky, one moment you’re riding a bike, the next a motorcycle, and you’ve lost everything!
Lu Yang helplessly pounded the turf in anger.
At this moment, the match was halted because of him.
The camera lingered on Lu Yang, who had collapsed on the turf.
The commentator didn’t know what more he could say at this moment and could only mechanically describe what he saw: "Lu Yang is lying on the turf, covering his face and weeping. He is pounding the turf, possibly sensing the fate of the team."
"But in any case, I still hope Lu Yang can leave the field quickly to receive treatment. He is the most dazzling star on this field today, without a doubt!"
The next moment, the entire audience began to applaud, including the AC Milan fans.
"Now I understand why Sotu likes him." Praxedes kept recalling the scene of Lu Yang smiling, jogging, and suddenly collapsing without warning. "This kid is damn tough!"
"If I were in his shoes, I might not be able to resist fate’s arrangement." Izalelt applauded for Lu Yang.
Even Andrés, who faced numerous challenges from Lu Yang in this match, joined in the applause, saying: "Lu Yang, you are a true hero!"
The applause was fervent, echoing throughout San Siro!
...
On the sidelines, Maniero, who fell into a contemplative state since Lu Yang scored his first goal, twitched his eyelids.
His hands were trembling.
"What’s the matter with you?" Martivini asked. "You’ve been acting off since you went to the San Remo locker room during halftime. I know Lu getting the injection affects your plans for the European Youth Championship, but you have to admit, he won the gamble in this match!"
"With such an outstanding performance, regardless of his future, he will be remembered forever. That’s the significance of a famous match! He is indeed a clutch player!"
"Of course, the cost of this famous match is steep, and I think he might not be able to participate in the European Youth Championship!"
"The only pity is, without him, how far the Italy National Youth Team can go in this European Championship is unknown. You have to hold on, Maniero. If you are eliminated early, we’re all doomed!"
Maniero was absent-minded, clearly not hearing Martivini’s anxious words.
He was merely squinting slightly.
Because, at this moment, in Maniero’s eyes, the brilliance emanating from Lu Yang was... too strong!
He recalled the conversation he had with Lu Yang in the corridor earlier.
Maniero knew he wasn’t the "devout believer" who wasn’t saved despite being rescued thrice by God.
But his own rescue boat was indeed overturned by the harsh waves of reality, much like Lu Yang at this moment, desperate and helpless, having gone all in but lost it all!
The same story, happening for the third time, this time, this person called Lu Yang, can he survive the tidal waves and chart a course forward?
On the field, Lu Yang finally stood up again. There were no tears on his face, only determination.
He looked towards the stands, and his eyes met Maniero’s.
At this moment, Maniero seemed to return to the field back then.
In the closing moments of the European Cup final over ten years ago, facing a hopeless scoreline, Maniero once wondered if the outcome would’ve been different if he weren’t injured.
Yes, he still hadn’t let go of it in his heart; he still bore a grudge against that match during his injury period.
In the corridor, he told Sotu he had no regrets.
But in his heart, he couldn’t help but harbor blame.
Until this very moment, until he saw Lu Yang’s eyes, Maniero realized that Lu Yang held no resentment, no regret, regarding this match, this injury, or his decision to fight through the pain!
He was born to pursue victory, unwavering until death.
Though not an iron man, his will is stronger than steel!
In a misty recollection, Maniero remembered the perfect player he dreamed of countless times.
He could overcome any injury, possessing a strong physique and an advanced playing philosophy ahead of his time. He was the envisioned version of Maniero himself, yet he had never seen a clear image of this "perfect self."
And now, he seemed to have finally seen it clearly.
That person... had an Eastern face.
"Thank you, Lu!" Maniero’s eyes were moist as he quietly muttered, truly letting go thanks to Lu Yang.
The next moment, Lu Yang’s mind was met with a loud clang.
"Thank you, Maniero!" Lu Yang stared at Maniero, his face gradually breaking into a smile.
"Ding! You have completed the special task, Maniero’s Vision!"
"Ding! You have acquired the Superstar Skill ’Ironman Maniero’"
"Ironman Maniero, you may not have the strongest physique, and you may not appear tall and imposing, but deep within your flesh and blood, lies a backbone made of steel! Your obsession with victory allows you to ignore all pain! When you step onto the field, you gain immunity from injuries, no matter how severe, cannot prevent you from continuing to play."
"Note: After the match, the injury will still exist, but will be randomly reduced by fifty to ninety percent. Additionally, your injury recovery speed will be increased by two hundred percent!"