The child had fallen asleep in the rocking chair, and Arshavin was enjoying some alone time with his wife, Yulia, when his phone rang.
Arshavin ignored the phone. He and his wife, Yulia, had reached a critical moment.
However, the phone continued to ring stubbornly.
Arshavin glanced at the caller ID. It was his agent, Joel Smith.
"It's Joel." Arshavin looked at his wife apologetically. The agent was the closest collaborator with the player. To some extent, the relationship between the agent and the player was even closer than the relationship between family members. It was so late, and Arshavin knew that his agent called. It must be something very important.
"Is there anything that can't be contacted during the day?" Yulia, who was lying under him, pinched Arshavin's penis a little unhappily. She wrapped herself in the blanket and went to the bathroom, leaving her husband some personal space.
She was not an unreasonable person. She knew what was important.
*****
"Joel, I hope you can give me a reason for calling at this time." He answered the phone angrily and blew an apologetic kiss to his wife at the same time.
"I'm sorry, Andre, for calling at this time. But I think I should tell you the news as soon as possible. " Agent Smith could guess that he might have disturbed Arshavin's sweet time, but he believed that the news he was about to tell would make all of Arshavin's unhappiness disappear.
As Arshavin's agent, no one knew Arshavin's thoughts better than Joel Smith. After playing for Zenit St. Petersburg for ten years, Arshavin, who was already 26 years old, would have fewer and fewer opportunities if he didn't play in the mainstream European leagues.
"Well, you can say it, Joel." Arshavin took the phone and walked to the window. It was snowy outside the window, but the room was as warm as spring. It was even a little hot. The heater was enough to heat the room, and the wall on this side was a little hot.
"About ten minutes ago, I received a call from Inter Milan," Joel Smith said.
"Inter Milan?!" Arshavin was stunned. Surprise flashed through his eyes as he immediately asked.
"Yes, the Serie A powerhouse Inter Milan!" "It's Inter Milan's assistant manager, Mr. Pablo Banderas."
"Really?" Arshavin replied subconsciously. He was a little disappointed when he heard that the call was not from Li Ang. In his opinion, a call from the assistant manager and a personal call from the head coach represented some obscure attitudes. Of course, the assistant manager also represented the head coach's will and attitude.
"During the call, Mr. Li Ang also came over to communicate with me! He expressed his admiration for you. He praised you as the best player in Russia and one of the best midfielders in Europe! "Joel Smith knew why Arshavin was disappointed, so he said with a little pride and bragging. He felt honored that his client had been chosen and praised by the champion coach.
*****
"Mr. Li Ang really said that?" Arshavin asked in surprise.
"Of course!" Joel Smith said, "I got a message from Inter Milan. They had sent a fax to Zenit St. Petersburg to buy you, but they were directly rejected by Mr. Edward Carter."
"What?" Arshavin was stunned, and then he was angry. "They hid this from me? Why didn't they inform me?! "
Arshavin was really angry. It wasn't that he wasn't loyal to Zenit St. Petersburg. On the contrary, Arshavin had played for Zenit St. Petersburg for ten years and could be said to be loyal. Although Arshavin expressed his desire to play for a big club in Europe, he didn't do it secretly. Instead, he told the club his wish, and he hoped that the club could understand him. At the same time, if other clubs sent an invitation, he hoped to discuss with the club and find a solution that both sides could accept. To some extent, this was the most suitable solution.
However, when Inter Milan sent a request to buy him, the club directly rejected it without informing him or asking for his opinion. This made Arshavin very angry.
"Yes, it is obvious that the club hid this matter. They don't need to let you go at this time," Joel Smith said. "This violates the tacit agreement between you and the club! I can tell from Mr. Li Ang's words that he admires you a lot. Andre, that's Inter Milan, Coach Li Ang, the best team, the best coach! Haven't you always wanted to play for a big club? This is an opportunity! An opportunity that you can't miss! "
Arshavin fell into silence. He understood what his agent meant. His agent understood his thoughts and persuaded him to go to Inter Milan. At the same time, he also hinted that he should put pressure on Zenit St. Petersburg to let him go.
However, he had been playing for Zenit St. Petersburg since he was young. Arshavin had a deep relationship with the team, and he was also the captain of the team. Although Arshavin also wanted to play for a big club in Europe, he didn't want to have a falling out with Zenit St. Petersburg when he left and leave in an unhappy way.
*****
At this time, Arshavin's wife, Yulia, had already put on her pajamas and came over. She poured a glass of water and handed it to him.
Arshavin held his wife's hand and expressed his gratitude.
"Andre, you have communicated with the club. If there is an invitation from a suitable club, they will agree to let you go. This is something that has already been discussed. You have worked for Zenit St. Petersburg for so long, and it is time for you to leave. Most importantly, this is Inter Milan, the team of the champion coach Li Ang. This is a very rare opportunity! "Joel Smith persuaded.
"Inter Milan is indeed very good, and Coach Li Ang is a top coach. But, Joel, do you think Inter Milan is suitable for me?" Arshavin asked. In the face of this sudden surprise, he forced himself to calm down. After all, this was related to his career, and he needed to consider it thoroughly.
Joel Smith knew Arshavin very well. He knew that Arshavin was 100% tempted. He only asked this because he wanted to get support from his mouth. He just needed to push a little more.
"We are not unfamiliar with Inter Milan and Coach Li Ang. I believe you have also paid attention to Inter Milan, Andre. This team plays very aggressive and plays very well. It is different from those boring Italian teams, and it suits your characteristics very well. Mr. Banderas also said this on the phone. Of course, the most important thing is Mr. Li Ang's attitude. He likes you!"
"Then what do you think I should do?" Arshavin asked.
After hearing Arshavin's words, Joel Smith knew that Arshavin had already made his choice.
"I think we need to have a good talk with Zenit," Joel Smith said. "As for Inter Milan, I will keep in touch with them and express your attitude to them."
"Well, I'll leave it to you," Arshavin said. "I still hope that you don't fall out with the team too much!"
"I will pay attention," Joel Smith said. However, Arshavin could tell that he didn't mean what he said. Li Ang liked Arshavin, and this invitation was too important for Arshavin. It meant that Arshavin's career would reach a new level, and Joel Smith would also benefit a lot from it. Whether it was money or influence, he had to facilitate this transfer, even if it meant falling out with Zenit St. Petersburg. Unlike Arshavin who had feelings for Zenit St. Petersburg, Joel Smith was an agent, and he only had interests in his eyes.
*****
"Honey, what's wrong?" Yulia asked when she saw her husband frowning and thinking after hanging up the phone.
Arshavin once captured his wife Yulia's heart with a teddy bear. Now the two had a child, and their marriage and family were very happy.
"Joel said that a club sent me an invitation," Arshavin said.
"Which club is it?" Yulia asked. She was also very concerned. After all, once Arshavin transferred to a new club, it meant that their family would have to "migrate" with him.
"Inter Milan," Arshavin said.
"Oh! My God! "Yulia exclaimed and showed a surprised expression." It's Li's team? The Inter Milan who won the European Championship two years ago? "
"Yes." Arshavin nodded and was a little surprised that his wife had such a big reaction. "What do you think?"
"This is your chance, Andre!" Yulia immediately said, "Coach Li Ang is a real champion coach. In his team, you also have a chance to stand at the top of Europe!"
"I didn't expect that even you are a fan of Mr. Li Ang." Arshavin was surprised and looked at his wife.
"Don't you know?" Yulia said with a smile.
"Sports Illustrated once named Li as the most sexy star coach of the year," Yulia said.
"Uh, okay." Arshavin smiled bitterly. Sports Illustrated was a sports gossip media in Russia.
"Let's continue?" Yulia leaned in her husband's arms and pinched Arshavin's penis with a longing look.
"Why are you feeling it again?" Arshavin laughed.
*****
Li Ang soon received the news that Arshavin had a showdown with Zenit St. Petersburg and expressed his desire to play for Inter Milan.
Zenit St. Petersburg naturally didn't want to let Arshavin leave at this time, and the two sides were in a stalemate.
At this time, Inter Milan continued to communicate with Zenit St. Petersburg on one hand, and they also kept in close contact with Arshavin on the other hand.
In fact, at this point, Li Ang was no longer worried that Arshavin wouldn't come to his bowl. In the case of a player's transfer, the player's personal wishes were more and more important.
As long as the player was settled, the transfer was generally half successful.
Li Ang left the rest of the work to the club's manager, Oriali, to communicate and negotiate with the Russian side.
The team had already started the training for the second half of the season, and they were preparing for the second half of the 20072008 Serie A season.
They first had to win the eighteenth round of the league, and their opponent was Siena, Inter Milan's away game.
*****
January 13th, Siena, Stadio Franchi.
“Goooooaaaaal！”
"Goooooaaaaal!" The voice of the commentator, Ferrari, sounded on the television. "Diego Milito! He came on as a substitute and scored. This is the first goal Diego Milito has scored since his recovery from injury. This is a perfect comeback! Three to one! Inter Milan leads Siena by three to one in the away game! Milito has sealed the victory for Inter Milan! "
In the first half of the game, Inter Milan led Siena by two to zero in the away game with the goals of Modric and Mata.
In the second half of the game, Siena got one point back.
In the 71st minute of the game, Li Ang brought on Diego Milito to replace Adriano, who was relatively quiet today. The Argentine's condition after his recovery from injury was somewhat average, and he tried to get rid of the opponents several times without success. However, Diego Milito still showed his keen senses in front of the goal. Montari's heavy shot caused the Siena goalkeeper to lose his grip, and Diego Milito's astute rebound shot was successful, sealing the victory for Inter Milan.
In the end, the final score of the game was three to one. Inter Milan defeated Siena in the away game with the goals of the three former Sporting de Gijón players, Mata, Modric, and Diego Milito.
By winning the game, Inter Milan also set a new record by continuing their winning streak. They now had eighteen consecutive wins, and continued to create the best "start" in the history of the Serie A league.
*****
On the second day after the game with Siena, Li Ang got the news from Oriari that Arshavin had almost fallen out with the Zenit St. Petersburg Football Club. Arshavin had published an open letter without getting the transfer permit, which was equivalent to saying goodbye to the Zenit St. Petersburg fans in advance.
If it was his own player who did such a thing, Li Ang would definitely be furious, but now, he was happy to see it.
Arshavin's statement and actions allowed Inter Milan to take the initiative in this deal.
Oriari said that Zenit St. Petersburg no longer refused to negotiate with Inter Milan, and now the two sides began to bargain.
Two days later, in the second round of the 20072008 Coppa Italia season, Inter Milan welcomed Reggina at home.
In the first round of the game, Inter Milan defeated Reggina 4-1 in the away game. Therefore, there was almost no doubt that Inter Milan would advance in this game.
Under such circumstances, Li Ang made a large rotation of the team's starting lineup. Bonucci, Montari, Marchisio, and the players who had just recovered from their injuries, such as Diego Milito and Cassano, were given the opportunity to play in the starting lineup.
Inter Milan, who had a large rotation, did not play conservatively. The players were more eager to win the recognition of manager Li Ang through the opportunity to play in the Coppa Italia. In the final game, Inter Milan defeated Reggina 3-0 at home. With a total score of 7-1 in the two rounds, they advanced to the top eight of the 20072008 Coppa Italia season.
And on the day of the game, Li Ang received a call from Oriari. Inter Milan's transfer of Arshavin was settled.
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