"I’m not happy at AC Milan at all! Because no one here acknowledges my contributions. This summer, I’ll submit a request to leave. I don’t want to cooperate with those who look down on me, nor do I want to play for fans who don’t see my efforts!"
Andrés was filled with indignation, his eyes nearly brimming with tears.
Without a doubt, he was deeply hurt.
The second half of the match was certainly a disaster for him, but why?
Just a little more praise, a little more applause, one more camera shot, one more embrace, AC Milan could have achieved an epic victory.
Rather than saying Andrés was the scapegoat for this fiasco, perhaps those who mindlessly praised Izalelt and Praxedes while ignoring Andrés are the real culprits!
Andrés spoke out boldly, unwilling to take the blame for losing anymore.
His statement immediately sparked intense debate.
What’s laughable... is that some fans actually started to defend him!
Is it true that kind riders get ridden, kind people get bullied?
If Andrés didn’t talk for himself, would no one ever speak up for him?
AC Milan didn’t linger long at the Istanbul Stadium; after receiving their runner-up medals, they quickly left.
But three players didn’t board the team bus, instead asking for a car for a separate journey.
Praxedes drove, and inside sat Izalelt and Andrés, all three sharing a moment of silence.
It was Praxedes, the seasoned captain, who finally spoke: "I’m sorry, Andrés."
Following that, Izalelt also spoke up: "Apologies, Andrés."
The twenty-four-year-old Andrés was instantly dumbfounded, looking at the two core players of the team, unsure of their intentions.
He originally thought they were there to reprimand him.
"You deserve all the applause; you should enjoy more of it," Izalelt said, giving Andrés a hug.
"I’ll step up to clarify your remarks. I’ll help solve the fan issues and also communicate with the coaching staff and team management," Praxedes stated. "You are an indispensable member of AC Milan’s midfield. You’re talented, you’ve given a lot to the team, you led the team to defeat Inter Milan, you helped the team lead three-nil in matches, none of this should be overlooked!"
Izalelt also added: "I’ll cooperate with you more. In fact, I really enjoy those magical passes you make after controlling the ball. We will become a more coordinated, more impactful midfield duo. I need your help, the team needs your brilliance!"
Both Izalelt and Praxedes apologized to Andrés.
Before this, they were unaware of Andrés’s thoughts.
Both had moved past the stage of seeking glory, but they couldn’t stop some fans from grabbing their achievements.
They thought everyone wouldn’t mind these things, but didn’t expect Andrés to be hurt by it.
To be fair, can Izalelt and Praxedes really not know that Andrés was the real hero when the team defeated Inter Milan?
Impossible not to know!
But how can you promote the team to best strike a local rival?
Naturally, you say our star players weren’t even on the field, yet you fell!
This kind of boastful talk is incredibly hurtful, but unfortunately it also hurt Andrés.
Similarly, Izalelt, as the top star of Serie A, and Praxedes as the team’s leading figure and captain, can easily garner more honors.
Sometimes they even had to accept those honors, or the team’s reputation would suffer.
In short, hurting and ignoring Andrés was not the intention of Praxedes and Izalelt.
Moreover, they knew AC Milan’s midfield truly needed a talented Andrés.
This year’s AC Milan almost won a double championship, which is the best proof.
If Andrés’s inconsistency issue is resolved, although AC Milan barely missed the championship this year, what about next year?
Next year they will be stronger!
Praxedes is already old, and he wants to win the Champions League one more time before retiring; he can’t wait for AC Milan’s next golden era.
Izalelt, likewise, has achieved everything possible at AC Milan, except the Champions League.
Serie A is declining, and Izalelt doesn’t know how much longer he will stay at AC Milan. Such a superstar is destined to go to brighter places.
But before that, he hopes his career at AC Milan won’t be filled with regrets.
He truly wants to wear the red and black and stand at the pinnacle of world clubs!
...
Andrés didn’t immediately respond or promise anything to Praxedes and Izalelt.
Upon returning to Milan, he unexpectedly called someone.
"Hello, who’s this?" Lu Yang looked at the unknown number, slightly puzzled.
"This is Andrés, from AC Milan," Andrés started.
"Congratulations..." Lu Yang habitually blurted out a courteous remark but hesitated, realizing the other had faced consecutive defeats within a week, "Uh, I didn’t mean it like that."
"I read your post-match comments, and I think it takes courage to say those words. This is a phase many players go through to become stronger."
Snatch ball control!
Snatch the shooting rights!
Snatch the football distribution rights!
You may call this selfish, but when you have enough ability, it can also mean taking responsibility.
Extreme and obsessive players only trust themselves.