"Nottingham Forest, the defending champion of the English Premier League, has run into trouble recently. They have not won in three rounds in the league and the gap between them and first-place Arsenal has widened to seven points. They were eliminated from the EFL Cup too early and were eliminated by a Football League Championship team. These are not the biggest headaches for Tony Twain. The reporters who appear near the Wilford training base no longer dare to interview him. He is in a terrible mood because his favorite player, Freddy Eastwood, injured his knee again in the last round of the league tournament … "
On November 1st, in the 11th round of the league tournament, Nottingham Forest challenged Tottenham Hotspur in an away game. In the 54th minute, Eastwood was knocked to the ground in a scuffle with Michael Dawson and could not get up again. Although Dawson successfully intercepted Eastwood's ball, he kicked the ball out of the sidelines after realizing the situation around him to make it easier for the Forest team's medical team to go on the field.
Dawson still wanted to say a few words of comfort to Eastwood but was pushed away by the Forest players who rushed over. Although he was once the captain of Nottingham Forest, in the eyes of the Forest players now, he was an absolute enemy.
Fleming rushed onto the field with two assistants to examine Eastwood, who was lying on the ground and moaning in pain.
"Okay, okay, it's okay, it's okay!" Fleming did not examine Eastwood's knee first. The first thing he saw was the Romani's tear-filled eyes, and he was shocked. As a team doctor, he often saw the expressions of the players when they were injured from the closest distance. It was said that one knew their own body best, so most of the time, he only needed to look at these expressions to roughly know the extent of a player's injury.
He knew that there was a living example — Ronaldo who fell on the field for the second time.
Eastwood opened his mouth as if he wanted to moan, but he could not make a sound, like a fish out of water.
"Stretcher, stretcher." Fleming called for a stretcher and carefully placed Eastwood on it.
"You'll be fine. Believe me, you'll be fine …" As he followed the stretcher down, Fleming bent down and whispered in Eastwood's ear, as if chanting a spell.
After coming off the field, Fleming looked up and saw Twain's questioning gaze. He shook his head gloomily. He also clearly saw Tang En swear.
Worse news came the next day. Eastwood was seriously injured and had to be sidelined for four months. He also had to undergo another operation.
"… This is really unfortunate. Ever since he played for West Ham United's youth team against Nottingham Forest's youth team and was seriously injured by George Wood's tackle, this is the third time he has undergone major surgery on the same part of his body. He just celebrated his thirtieth birthday two days ago. I didn't expect that the 'birthday present' he got would actually be this … "
"The 30-year-old Eastwood's career can be said to be legendary. He was once a promising player in the West Ham youth team. Eventually, because he was seriously injured in a game against the Nottingham Forest youth team, he was abandoned by West Ham. After that, he could only play in the amateur league for a while, while working as a second-hand car salesman …" The television host's speech seemed to be a life review at a memorial service for Eastwood. "Later, he was brought to the City Ground by Tony Twain, and only then did he find another opportunity. Scoring the winning goals in two Champions League finals made him a legendary striker in the history of the Forest team. In the season after Tony Twain returned to the team after his heart disease treatment, he became the English Premier League's Bronze Boot striker. Later, although he was plagued by injuries, he was able to guarantee a double-digit number of goals every season … This injury was perhaps the heaviest blow to him, and it was very likely that he would retire early because of it … According to the American doctor who operated on him, Eastwood's right knee was like a ball of cotton that was randomly stuffed together. After the surgery, it was very likely that it would be injured again … "
※ ※ ※
"Bastard!" Tang En slammed his palm on the office table. Beside him, Kerslake did not even dare to breathe.
Tang En was not scolding Kerslake, nor was he scolding anyone. He was scolding his terrible fate. Ever since he brought the Gypsy back from the amateur field in East London, he had never had a healthy striker.
Eastwood was definitely an excellent striker when he was not injured. Tang En firmly believed that with his ability, he could completely squeeze into the ranks of Europe's top strikers. However, his injuries became a shackle on the Gypsy's feet, preventing him from running freely.
This was the thing that made Tang En most regretful and helpless.
Now, there was something that made Tang En even angrier. Just an hour ago, Eastwood had personally told Tang En that he planned to directly choose to retire after his surgery.
At that time, the two men had engaged in a heated debate over the phone … or rather, it could be said to be an argument. No matter what, Tang En would not agree to Eastwood choosing to retire. He did not even want to hear the word "retire." However, this time, Eastwood had also made up his mind to risk contradicting the King and argue with Tang En over the phone.
"Let me tell you, Freddy! I won't allow you to say 'retire'! I won't agree to your retirement either! You're only 30 years old. Why are you retiring? Just obediently finish your surgery, rest for four months, and come back to the field to continue scoring goals! Why are you playing the sad game? "
"Boss, I know my body best! I really can't persevere anymore … Nine years ago, you advised me to persevere in the hospital and choose the path I wanted to walk. I listened to you and walked on this path that I like for nine years … Nine years, Boss. It's not a short time. I really can't walk anymore … "
Tang En heard the sound of crying coming from the phone. He was silent. He did not know what to say to comfort Freddy. If he were in front of Freddy at that moment, he would not hesitate to embrace Freddy in his arms. However, separated by the cold phone and illusory radio waves, there was nothing he could do.
After sobbing for a while, Eastwood seemed to have calmed down. He continued in a hoarse voice, "Actually, I'm running a lot less on the field now. Even if I continue to return to the field after the surgery, my contribution to the team will be very little … I'm tired, Boss. Do you know what my biggest dream is every day? Taking care of my horse and children, being with Serim … It's that simple. This path is not easy to walk. I'm tired from persevering. I want to rest now … "
"Freddy …"
"Don't try to persuade me, Boss. This time, I've made up my mind. I … "
Tang En somewhat savagely interrupted Eastwood's words and raised his voice. "Do you still remember our agreement? I'm a legendary manager, and you're a legendary striker! Freddy, do you still remember? "
"I'm sorry, Boss. I'm sorry …" Eastwood's voice was low and choked with sobs.
When Tang En heard that, he suddenly raised his head and moved the phone away from his ear. He pursed his lips tightly to prevent his tears from falling. Fortunately, there was only one person in the office at that moment. There would not be a second person to see the strong king of Nottingham Forest lose his composure.
Tang En successfully held back his tears. He picked up the phone again. The line had not been disconnected.
"Freddy."
"Boss?"
"After the surgery is successful, come to Wilford again to say goodbye to everyone. I won't tell them about this. "
"Okay."
"Give me a call when you're coming."
"Alright."
"Rest well, Freddy …" Tang En hurriedly hung up. He was really afraid that if he continued to speak, he would really cry over the phone. His voice was trembling towards the end.
Damn it, just retire. Just retire! I still want to f * cking arrange a grand farewell match for you, Freddy! You f * cking … Why did you choose to just retire?
Tang En paced in circles in his manager's office. His chest rose and fell violently, and his emotions could not calm down for a long time.
Deep in his heart, he regarded every player who had been with him for many years as his friend. The departure of any friend would make him very upset. From Hierro, Albertini, Beckham, Van Nistelrooy … to the current Eastwood, the last thing he wanted to see was a player retiring in front of him. It was fine if they left through a transfer. No matter what the reason was, he would always be able to see those familiar faces elsewhere. But retirement was another matter …
Every time he saw Albertini, dressed in a suit and leather shoes, appear in front of him as an official of the Italian Football Federation, he would always be a little dazed. The years …
※ ※ ※
Apart from Tang En and Eastwood, no one knew about the Romani's retirement. However, the media was still able to sniff out something from some of the rumors.
After the Champions League group stage match against Lyon, a reporter asked about Eastwood's injury at the press conference. "… From the many sources, is it possible that Eastwood will retire?"
Tang En's face immediately darkened. "I don't know. I'm not a professional doctor. I can't make an assessment of his injury."
Another reporter raised his hand and stood up. Before he could speak, Tang En had already pointed at him and said, "If it's still about Eastwood, I'm sorry, but I refuse to answer. That has nothing to do with this match. "
The reporter opened his mouth and sat down again.
Clearly, this was the question he wanted to ask.
"Let's talk about the match." Tang En took the initiative to change the topic. "We beat Lyon in an away game and advanced two rounds in advance. I'm very happy. I'm grateful for the unity of the team. "
How could such words be what the reporters wanted to hear?
Unfortunately, Tang En did not give the reporters a chance throughout the press conference. As for the consequences of Eastwood's injury, no one knew at the moment.
The reporters could not dig out anything of value from Gao Twain, so they all ran to ask the players.
"Freddy? All of us hope he recovers quickly and comes back. The locker room is not as lively when he's not around, ha! "Pepe laughed.
"Of course I hope he recovers quickly, but we can't be too anxious. It's best to come back after he recovers. It's safer that way. "Tiago, who was slightly older, appeared to be very cautious.
"Freddy, you can do it!" Ibišević, who scored in the match, raised his fist and shouted at the camera. As he celebrated the goal, he lifted his shirt to reveal the T-shirt underneath. On it was written: "This goal is for Freddy."
Interviewing George Wood was the most difficult. Especially on this question. Because everyone knew why Eastwood had such a bumpy career. It was all thanks to his teammate and team captain. Eastwood's knee, which had undergone three surgeries, was the right knee that Wood kicked in the beginning.
"I … I think he will come back …" Wood said with a lack of confidence, and there was some doubt in his tone. "It should be … He'll come back."
After saying this, he left in a hurry, as if he was fleeing for his life.
The team was still very optimistic about Eastwood's return.
※ ※ ※
Three days later, Freddy Eastwood underwent the third surgery on his right knee in America. After the surgery, the chief surgeon told him that the situation was not optimistic. He could not guarantee that the surgery would allow him to return to the field.
Eastwood smiled at the terrible news. It was as if he did not take it to heart at all.
After resting in America for a week, he flew back to England accompanied by his wife. Then he gave Tang En a call.
"Boss, I want to come back to see everyone."
Tang En knew that it was time to say goodbye.
So, during the morning training session the next day, the Nottingham Forest players saw Freddy Eastwood, whom they had not seen for a long time. Even though he was still on crutches, he finally showed up in front of everyone.
"Hey, Freddy, long time no see! How's the sunshine in America? "
"I heard the surgery was very successful? Do you still need to rest for another three months? "
"Hurry up and recover from your injury and come back! Everyone misses you. "
His teammates surrounded him enthusiastically and patted Eastwood on the shoulder and head, greeting him.
Kerslake was also very happy to see this scene and did not say anything to stop it. Only Tang En stood at the side with sunglasses on, his face gloomy.
Even George Wood, who rarely spoke with him, came up for the first time and stood in front of Eastwood. "We … uh, we're all waiting for you to come back."
Eastwood had never been kind to this "culprit" who had caused his current situation. It was just that George Wood was also a proud man. He would never take the initiative to admit his original mistakes to Eastwood face to face. So, the relationship between the two men had always been a little stiff and had even been used by the media to hype it up.
But now that he was about to retire, it was really too boring to be entangled in such a matter.
Eastwood smiled at George Wood for the first time. "Thank you."
Someone next to them whistled excitedly and teased them to shake hands and hug. This was big news. The two men who had a deep hatred in the team actually had a day where they could bury the hatchet!
But in the end, they did not shake hands or hug.
Seeing that everyone was almost done chatting, Tang En stood up. He coughed and motioned for everyone to be quiet. Then he pointed to Eastwood and said, "Freddy is here this time because he has something to tell everyone." With that, he stepped aside and motioned for the gypsy to stand up.
Eastwood slowly moved out with the help of his crutches. Everyone looked at him with some puzzlement, not knowing what he was going to say.
"Uh … Well … Just now, I almost changed my mind." Eastwood tucked his crutches under his armpit and rubbed his nose with his hand. "I really want to come back and play football with everyone. But I know that's not likely … "
There was an uproar among the team.
"Hey, Freddy, what are you talking about?"
"I'm so sorry, Freddy. Your English is not standard at all. You still speak so fast that I could not hear you at all! "
"Today is not April 1st, Freddy!"
After everyone quietened down a little, Eastwood then continued to say, "I'm not lying, guys. The doctor told me after the surgery that my knees might not be able to withstand the impact of professional football. If I don't want to keep walking like this in the future … "He patted the two crutches between his legs." It's best for me to give up. "
"Don't speak first. Let me finish." He could see that someone wanted to say something and hurriedly stopped them with a hand gesture. "I've thought about it for a long time … I've also talked to the boss." He looked back at Tang En. Wearing sunglasses, Tang En's face was expressionless, as if he was trying to act cool.
"I've decided to retire just like that." He finally said the most important sentence.
Kerslake looked at him with a look of astonishment, then turned his head to look at Tang En beside him. Tang En had already lowered his head.
The players' reaction was even more intense. They shouted one after another, so agitated that they even wanted Eastwood to take back his last words on the spot.
"Eastwood! You … Do you know what you're saying? "
"All of us are waiting for you to come back. How can you choose to run away?"
"Hey, everyone calm down …"
"Calm down my ass! He's had three operations on his knee. He managed to persevere through the first two. Why can't he do it again? You're only 30 years old. Why are you retiring?! "
For a moment, all sorts of agitated voices attacked Eastwood's eardrums and heart. He just leaned on his walking stick and looked at the agitated teammates with a smile on his face.
Seeing that the situation was getting more and more chaotic, Tang En finally could not help but shout, "All of you, shut up!"
Everyone obediently shut their mouths, but there was still some indignation in their eyes.
"If you guys still treat Freddy as a brother, then respect his decision!" Tang En's face was dark, and his expression was rather ugly. "He knows his body the best. Why are you all shouting here?" After lecturing the players, he turned to Eastwood and said, "You said that your dream is to take care of the horses and children, and to be together with Therym. But it's a pity that I've prepared another gift for you. I hope you can accept it … "
Eastwood was a little surprised.
"Everyone here …" Tang En turned around and pointed at the players and coaches. "Not a single one of us wants you to leave."
Everyone nodded.
"So, I don't want to let you go either. I've already given you a new contract … "
Eastwood's eyes widened. How did he not know? Wasn't he going to retire? Why was there a new contract?
"Are you willing to be the team's coach after you retire?"
After Tang En said this, the stunned players whistled one after another. They had to get Eastwood to accept the contract.
"Manager Eastwood!" Someone took the lead and everyone else followed suit. The coaches on the coaching staff also laughed.
Just like that, the sad parting became a happy one.
Eastwood looked at Tang En, then turned to look at his teammates who were all cheering. The expression on his face changed a few times, and finally, it was fixed on a smile.
"I'm afraid I don't have the ability, boss …" he said with a smile.
"Take it slow. You're not born to be a professional footballer, are you?"
"I … Alright, I accept."
Cheers rang out.
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