The Football Association responded to netizens on social media platforms: "After contacting him, Lu Yang confirmed that he does not wish to withdraw from the Italy National Youth Team. The domestic Football Association will no longer respond to any issues regarding Lu Yang in the future."
"We also hope that avid football fans will focus on domestic football initiatives, so that together we can build a golden generation of domestic football, striving for a better tomorrow."
As soon as this statement was released, the online movement condemning Lu Yang quickly became mainstream.
There were also many fans who had never supported Lu Yang mocking him sarcastically.
"See, I told you long ago, Lu Yang is simply Italian at heart!"
"Why support such Chinese players? They might not even care about us!"
"It’s one thing to play in Italy, but openly refusing to serve the country? That’s excessive!"
"That’s how all these ’banana people’ are. I won’t be a fan anymore!"
Yet, some sensible netizens spoke up.
"Lu Yang is a football player. Speaking purely in football terms, who would choose not to play for the Italy National Youth Team to play for the domestic National Youth Team? As for patriotism, it can’t be simplistically coerced by the Football Association. Not coming back to play doesn’t mean he’s unpatriotic. On the contrary, if you view patriotism broadly, domestic football doesn’t hold much weight!"
"Exactly, firing shots at Lu Yang now, but what happens when he really makes it big in Italy and the domestic football scene looks to him for advanced insights? Don’t cut off paths!"
"A Lu Yang who goes back to play for the National Youth Team is nothing special. In contrast, an Italy National Team player of Chinese descent who can offer significant help to the National Team in the future would be more valuable!"
"Save the country indirectly... patriotism also requires proper methods and ways. Aggressive patriotism is just being exploited by the Football Association. It’s easiest to be a mindless critic, but to achieve anything worthwhile, a mindless approach won’t work."
The battle between netizens online was intense.
But regardless of the outcome, the Football Association’s initial goal was actually achieved.
That is, to pass the buck.
Soon after, "Super Football" braved huge pressures to broadcast a special episode.
On the television, Tang Yuqin, Luo Cheng, and Lu Yang sat together, evidently for an in-depth interview.
Luo Cheng: "Lu Yang, congratulations on joining the Italy National Youth Team, a recognition of your abilities."
Lu Yang: "Thank you."
Tang Yuqin: "May I ask how you view our National Team? Because, actually, you also had the possibility of serving your motherland, am I right?"
Lu Yang: "Theoretically, it’s possible, but practically it’s very challenging."
"Some might think I could choose my nationality again at eighteen, but the real issue is that such choices would completely disrupt all my life, plans, career planning, etc."
"In my plans, Chinese Football is an inseparable part, but not now. Currently, I am far from qualified to talk about helping this or that. For now, all I can do is take each step forward."
"Only when a person is truly strong can they exert their ambitions; otherwise everything is just rhetoric."
"Speaking about patriotism is easy, but supporting domestic cars, despite their immaturity, is a risky behavior; resisting the temptation of discounted Akers and Nike products is such a simple act, how many can truly do it?"
"I’m not saying I’m more patriotic than anyone, but I will express my love and support for my homeland with my future actions."
"Of course, even now, I hope to help my fellow countrymen wherever possible."
The three discussed Lu Yang’s joining of the Italy National Youth Team through dialogue.
To some, this may seem like a simple decision, as they only need to talk.
But for those who directly experience these events, the decisions can be deeply impactful.
Whether a person from a small town stays in the big city or returns home to strive, such questions can leave many dazed for a long while.
Certain public officials face regional transfers of posts that require them to balance and choose.
And Lu Yang’s situation is even more complicated.
One side offers a bright future, the other is murky waters.
Those using "patriotism" to pressure others are either too young or just stoking the fire.
These people might not intend harm, but often the results contradict their intentions.
Tang Yuqin: "By the way, Lu Yang, I heard some time ago you donated ten million RMB to enrich school football equipment, is that true?"
Luo Cheng chuckled to himself, well isn’t it you who helped arrange the donation for Lu Yang?
Of course, facing the camera, some things must be prodded out.
Lu Yang nodded and said: "Yes, in fact, I have always been focused on the development of the motherland’s football industry. I believe the influence of football in China has been diminishing in recent years, related to the rise of basketball culture and the influence and stature of our Chinese football stars."
"Donating is just a part of it. Later I will also consider setting up a dedicated football fund. Although this might take some time, as the money I am able to earn now is still rather meager. I hope someday to provide more funds to contribute to the development of the homeland’s football industry."
"Besides, although I’m not exactly a football star, I do intend to plan future off-seasons to return to my homeland more, to help in promoting football culture, and participate in some meaningful football matches."