May 24, 2009 was a special day for the Nottingham Forest fans. A few days before this day, they were all excited. The tickets for the last home game of the season were all sold out. Even though the team was destined to gain nothing, the last game was still full, and there were countless fans waiting for someone to sell extra tickets.
It was not that their team was going to return to the top of the rankings on this day, nor was it that they were going to be relegated.
The reason for these people's excitement was very simple — that person was coming back.
Although Tony Twain had been back to work for the team for three weeks, this was the first time he led the team in a home game.
In addition, there was another person who wanted to bid farewell to Nottingham and Nottingham Forest.
He was David Beckham, whose contract had expired.
These days, there were always Forest fans flocking to Wilford to watch the Forest team train, and then surrounding Beckham to ask for autographs and photos. His popularity was even greater than before.
There was also a faint sense of sadness in the team. In fact, there was this kind of sadness in every previous season. However, due to the team's outstanding results in the previous few seasons, everyone's mind was on celebrating the team's achievements, and this faint sadness was also diluted by the joyous atmosphere.
This year's team was more down and out, and the mood of departure was more obvious.
Beckham was destined to leave, and some people were wondering whether to leave or not.
The surprise of the boss's return did not last long.
※ ※ ※
Beckham was a player who could get along well with his teammates. Therefore, although he was very famous, and his brilliance was enough to cast the whole team in his shadow, he always had a good relationship with his teammates, which had something to do with his ability to conduct himself.
However, before the last round of the league, everyone in the Forest team was very surprised to receive a small gift from Beckham.
Even Tang En was no exception. His gift was specially sent by Beckham.
"After tomorrow's game, this season will be over. So this is a gift to thank you, Tony. " In private, Beckham did not call Tang En "boss," but called him by his name, which showed that the two people had a close relationship.
"Thank me?" Tang En felt ashamed to accept it. "When Albertini left, I gave him the best parting gift. But when you left, I couldn't give you anything. "He spread his hands and patted his pockets. "What are you thanking me for?"
"Ha." Beckham smiled. "When I decided to join Nottingham Forest, I just wanted to prove that I wasn't just a pretty face in a place that was closest to the British public. He never thought that he would be able to win a Champions League trophy and a Premier League trophy at the end of his career. Isn't this gift enough, Tony? "
Twain smiled and said nothing.
"Two years is not a long time, but I have a deep impression of it. Nottingham Forest is a good place, but unfortunately I can only stay for two years. "Beckham suddenly sighed.
"I'm satisfied with your words. Tang En felt that this was the best affirmation of his work. "You're still going to America?"
Beckham nodded. "I've won the UEFA Super Cup, the FA Charity Shield, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the English Premier League with you … I don't have any more goals in football. I have already signed a contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy to play for another two years. But that's not playing football anymore, it's just putting on a show. "He shrugged.
People were bragging that his trip to America to play football would have a far-reaching impact, saying that he would bring green to the football desert, that he was a big shot who could change the current situation of football in America, and that he could make more Americans like football … In fact, these were all nonsense. He knew very well that he did not have that kind of influence. A football king like Pele did not make the football environment in America much better. How could he change the interest of a country by himself? He was just going to accompany his wife.
Speaking of his other wives, Tang En had to thank this woman who was famous for going against the manager. At least in the two seasons that Beckham played for Nottingham Forest, Victoria did not give him any trouble. It seemed that Beckham had put in a lot of effort to persuade his wife. Going to America to play for another two years was probably part of the agreement. Perhaps there was another reason. After all, they had some private friendship and did not want to make their relationship too stiff … Jude was usually taken care of by her.
Thinking of this, Tang En suddenly asked, "Are you going to sell the villa in Nottingham?"
Beckham nodded. "I won't be back to England much in the future. I have houses in Manchester and London. Victoria feels that there's no need to stay in Nottingham anymore. "
Tang En clapped his hands. "Just right, sell it to me!"
Beckham smiled. "You also feel that it's not good to live in the current place, Tony?"
Tang En touched his nose. "Hey. Actually, it's just me. I can live anywhere. But from now on, the two of us will be living together. It's better to have a better house. Now is not the time to say goodbye, David. Come to Brazil during the holidays after the end of the season! "
Beckham was a little surprised. "Brazil?"
"Hey, you don't know?" Tang En also felt strange.
"Know what?"
"Shania and I are going to get married, during the summer holidays …"
Beckham's eyes widened, as if he could not believe what he had heard.
"Hey, you don't have to make such an expression, do you?" Tang En pursed his lips.
"It's really the first time I've heard that you're getting married this summer …" Beckham felt wronged. His good friend was getting married, but he had only just heard about it. How was he going to prepare a gift?
"Hey? Jude didn't tell Victoria? "
Beckham shook his head.
"The paparazzi didn't find out either?"
Beckham continued to shake his head.
Tang En smiled happily. "The little girl did a good job of keeping it a secret!" He guessed that Jude was keeping it a secret to give the media a big surprise, so that she could see the media's reaction after hearing the shocking news. Just like she said, it must be fun!
"Okay, David. You should be happy now. You're the first person in the world to know about this news, other than me, Jude, and her parents! I was going to wait until the end of this game before sending out invitations to the whole team. "Tang En patted Beckham's arms.
Beckham also smiled. "I should congratulate you, Tony. You and Jude are really a good match. Victoria and I have talked about the relationship between the two of you many times in private. It's not easy to get to this point … What made you finally make up your mind? "
Tang En thought of the back view of the person who mixed the sesame paste for him in the hospital ward. "David. If one day you think you're going to die, and you struggle to open your eyes, the first person you see is the person who's taking care of you, how would you feel? "
Beckham did not answer the question, because he knew Tony was not asking him at all.
"I want to thank my heart disease, although it caused the team's results to decline. But we can still make a comeback next season. I'm thankful for it, because it allowed me to find the person I love the most. "Tang En shrugged. He had no psychological barriers to saying such mushy words now. Among the people he also wanted to thank, there might be the female reporter, Lisa Aria. Because just as she said, admitting that they were in love was not something to be ashamed of.
Beckham saw his manager's happy face and touched his chin. "Oh, what wedding gift should I give you, Tony?"
"Don't think about it. Sell me your house at a cheaper price."
"No problem, Tony. Deal! "
The two of them shook hands.
Before leaving, Tang En told Beckham about the arrangements for tomorrow's game. "David, you're in the starting lineup. This is your farewell game at Nottingham Forest. You don't have to prove anything. Just enjoy the cheers of the home fans. "
Beckham nodded and turned to walk away.
Watching his back as he left the office, Tang En sighed softly.
More and more people he was familiar with were leaving him.
One day, when he stood in front of the manager's seat in the City Ground Stadium, all he could see would be people who could only give him memories of a lifetime. Could he still be friends with players like this?
※ ※ ※
The main news in Nottingham's media these few days was about two people.
Tony Twain's return and David Beckham's departure.
The Nottingham Evening Post did a feature, reviewing Beckham's two seasons at Nottingham Forest in detail. There was the glorious moment when he helped Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United to the throne of the English Premier League, and the loss when he sank into the mire of injuries with the team. But these were not important. He was leaving. "Heartthrob" would not belong to Nottingham Forest from now on, forever. It was said that Manchester United was planning to let Beckham take over Bobby Charlton's position as Manchester United's global ambassador after his retirement. At the end of the day, he was still a Manchester United man.
Nottingham Forest also had several world-famous star players in its history, but the club itself did not have a glorious tradition to continue, so it could not cultivate these star players' unlimited loyalty to the club, nor could it let those star players serve as global ambassadors after their retirement. This was the regret of all Nottingham Forest people.
Hierro might have played for Nottingham Forest, but he only had feelings for Real Madrid. Albertini used to be the captain of Nottingham Forest, but he insisted on returning to Italy and Milan after his retirement. Now it was David Beckham's turn. In the near future, it was foreseeable that such people would be van Nistelrooy and van der Sar.
When can we have a legendary figure in our club's history? Many of the players who had followed the old man Brian Clough to conquer the world had now become famous managers, but they were scattered all over the world and had pitifully little contact with Nottingham Forest. With business and money making football more and more impetuous today and in the future, would Nottingham Forest still have their own Albertini, their own Hierro, and their own Beckham?
This question would have to be linked to Tony Twain. Nottingham Forest fans firmly believed that as long as their Tony Twain was around, Nottingham Forest would not collapse. But now, Tony Twain's heart had a problem. Who could guarantee how long he could stay in this position?
One year? Two years? Or three to five years? Would he be able to sit in that position for eighteen years like his predecessor, Brian Clough?
If praying could make a person healthy, all Nottingham Forest fans would pray for Tony Twain before three meals every day, hoping that he would be healthy, that his heart would work well, and that he would live a long life.
※ ※ ※
On the day of the game, the weather was beautiful and the sky was clear.
Starting at noon, the fans flooded into the stadium one after another. Before the game started, everyone was already seated. The City Ground Stadium, which could accommodate up to 30,000 people, was packed to the brim. The special significance of this game for Nottingham Forest fans was to welcome Tony Twain back as the king and send off Beckham.
Tang En gave a final speech to the players in the locker room.
"Our first official game of the season is the Community Shield. That game's opponent is Portsmouth. Now, our opponent in the last round of the league is still Portsmouth. What a coincidence, isn't it? This is good. This terrible season needs a good ending. We beat Portsmouth in the Community Shield. Now, I hope you can beat Portsmouth to bid farewell to this season and send David off. You've all received a small gift from him, and it's not for free! "
Everyone burst into laughter.
Although the team's final ranking was not ideal. But as long as the boss was back, the team would regain its vitality. It was as if all the problems were no longer problems, because no matter how big the problem was, the boss would take care of it.
"The current situation is that we have no desires, and Portsmouth still has hope to fight for a place in next season's UEFA Europa League. Look, what a good opportunity … "Tang En chuckled." It has almost become a tradition for us to spoil other people's good deeds. Actually, we are not doing it on purpose. It's just that the opportunity is like this … Last time, it was Liverpool. This time, it is Portsmouth. Nottingham Forest has never been willing to be a stepping stone to help its opponents succeed! Those who think they can step on our dead bodies will all pay a heavy price for thinking so! Liverpool is not the first, and Portsmouth will not be the last! Use practical actions to tell Portsmouth how stupid it is to want to take advantage of Nottingham Forest and gain any benefits! They think we are tigers that are about to starve to death. We will let them know that tigers are the scariest at this time! Who do those bastards in Portsmouth think we are? We are Nottingham Forest! The Nottingham Forest that covers the sky!! "
※ ※ ※
When Tony Twain and his colleagues, as well as the substitutes, came out and walked to the technical area, he was shocked by the deafening cheers.
When he reacted, he realized that everyone was shouting his name.
"Tony! Tony! Tony — "
"Welcome back, His Majesty —!!" The live announcer shouted at the top of his lungs amidst the roaring.
"Welcome back, Tony!!" Fat John and his buddies were shouting.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Your Majesty —! "
"Tony! Take care of yourself! "
"We love you! Tony! "This was a group of crazy, beautiful fans. They wore bikinis, and a single caption was written in colorful paint on their plump chests. In order, it was "We love Tony".
The voices connected and resounded through the sky.
Dunn and Kerslake walked past him as if they did not see this scene. The substitutes also covered their mouths and giggled as they passed by and walked to the substitutes' bench. Tang En was left alone. He stood at the side of the field and looked up at the packed stands.
Everyone stood up from their seats and raised their arms in a prostrating gesture. It was just like the treatment he received in this stadium after the end of last season. 30,000 people shouted a person's name in unison for a long time. The sound was deafening.
This was an honor that belonged only to him.
This was the life he wanted.
He raised his arm and waved it upward.
The roar was even louder.
Shania saw this scene in the box and pursed her lips. "I'm going to be jealous …"
※ ※ ※
When the players from both teams were still waiting in the tunnel to be led into the field by the referee, they suddenly heard a deafening roar, which gave everyone a fright. After they heard clearly what the roar was about, the Nottingham Forest players laughed. And the Portsmouth players' faces were ashen.
The Portsmouth manager, Perrin, who was already sitting in the away team's technical area, was also shocked by the crazy atmosphere in the City Ground stadium.
A season ago, after Tang En won the Double, a grand celebration party was held here. He was crowned king and stood here wearing the king's robe and holding the crown high. He had also been ridiculed by countless media and peers, who thought that his arrogance had reached the point of perversion.
But now he saw it with his own eyes and heard it with his own ears. Here, in the City Ground stadium, in the hearts of the Nottingham Forest fans, Tony Twain was indeed their king.
Perrin, who originally wanted to take the three points in the away game to qualify for next season's UEFA Europa League, suddenly felt a chill crawl up his spine.
John Motson, who was in charge of commentating for the game, was also affected by the atmosphere. "Look at this scene! It's not hard to understand why Nottingham Forest can explode with such amazing energy when Tang En is in charge. He is indeed the king here! I think Portsmouth is going to be unlucky! "
※ ※ ※
Portsmouth was indeed unlucky.
When the players came out later, Beckham also received a very high standard of welcome, but the cheers for him were still smaller than Tang En's.
After the start of the game, the entire Forest team erupted with a murderous aura that frightened and shocked the entire Portsmouth team, as if they had seen a lively rabbit after being starved for ten days or half a month.
During the game, every time Tang En walked out of the technical area and stood on the sidelines to direct the game, no matter what the situation on the field was, there would immediately be a burst of cheers from the stands.
Tang En himself had been suppressed for five months, but how could the enthusiasm of these fans not be suppressed for five months?
When the team was in a predicament, any team dared to lose. How they wished the person standing on the sidelines was the high-spirited Tony Twain. Even if he did not do anything and just stood there, he could give everyone a strong hint: no problem, everything is not a problem, I have a solution.
If he scolds on the sidelines, we will scold with him!
If he is wild with joy, we will dance!
If he faints again, we will support him from behind!
Tony, as long as you are here, we are not afraid of anything! What is the point of having nothing this season? Next season, we will make a comeback and take back everything we have lost!
There is no need to be polite with them! This is Robin Hood's old nest, and we are all the descendants of bandits. Snatching is our old profession!
Snatch, snatch! Snatch all the wealth and women of the aristocrats, and chase them out of the castle!
Snatch, snatch! Snatch back the world!
※ ※ ※
"Originally, it was David Beckham's last game to bid farewell to England, but in the end, the main character became Tony Twain." John Motson laughed. "But I don't think David will be jealous."
In the 88th minute, Tang En finally replaced Beckham. This time, Beckham was the main character. He hugged the few teammates closest to him, and then slowly walked down, clapping and thanking them as he walked. No Portsmouth player complained that he was deliberately delaying the game time. Because at this time, there was no point in delaying. They were not trailing by just one or two goals.
The Nottingham Forest fans all stood up and applauded Beckham to send him off. It was a world of difference from the previous madness. They had more feelings for the former Manchester United player and were more moved and grateful. Although Beckham's heart did not belong to Nottingham Forest, the Forest fans were not ungrateful people. They were still grateful for every assist and every goal that David contributed to the Forest team in the past two seasons. If it were not for the "heartthrob", it was hard to say who would have won the last season's league title.
Motson was also a little emotional. "When David Beckham was still a child, I saw with my own eyes his midfield shot in Manchester United. When he became the "heartthrob," I was still commentating on his games in Manchester United. Now he is 34 years old, and he has decided to leave England and go to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. I am still commentating on Premier League games. I can only wish him the best of luck in that country. "
"With two assists in this game, he has drawn a perfect end to his career in Nottingham Forest. The Forest team's decline this season is not his responsibility. He can leave without any worries and can calmly accept such applause. Goodbye, David! "
Beckham finally walked down and hugged Tang En, who was waiting on the sidelines.
"Goodbye, David. I wish you good luck in America. "
"Goodbye, Tony. I wish you good luck here, too. "
Tang En suddenly felt tears in his eyes. He hurriedly interrupted the emotion. "No! Now is not the time to say goodbye! Don't forget to go to Brazil during your break. I will wait for you at the wedding. You must come! "
Beckham also smiled. "Of course I will go, Tony. You and Shania are both my good friends. How can I not go? "
The two of them separated. Beckham went to hug the Forest team coaches behind Tang En, as well as the substitute players one by one.
The game ended soon after.
4: 1. On their home ground, the Nottingham Forest team used a hearty victory to draw an end to this messy season. It was a farewell to David Beckham and a welcome to Tony Twain's return.
Portsmouth lost the game and also lost their hopes of entering the UEFA Europa League next season. But in the City Ground stadium, on Nottingham Forest's turf, who would care about their opponent's mood?
The 2008-09 season passed just like that.
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