Though ten thousand fans aren’t many, their cheers as they rose were enough to cause a small uproar at the Etihad Stadium.
Fans don’t have many players’ complicated thoughts; whoever plays well gets their support.
As the player with the highest transfer fee in Manchester City’s history, how could Blue Moon’s supporters not have high hopes for their own?
The cheers concluded.
Mayor Andrews also clapped frequently, conversing and laughing with the staff beside him while pointing at Tang Long.
Under Belada’s smiling guidance, Tang Long gave a pre-prepared speech to the microphone.
His English was already decent, better than his Italian, and coupled with the fact that he had memorized it thoroughly a day prior, his fluent English surprised many fans. They happily thought that Tang Long wouldn’t have any issues communicating with his teammates, eliminating his language barrier to integrating into the team.
Former Chinese football flags abroad, Sun Jihai and Shao Jiayi, had both stated that good language communication skills are a prerequisite for foreign players to adapt to local leagues.
Manchester Mayor Andrews was also invited to give a brief speech. He claimed that Tang Long’s joining brought yet another promising football talent to Manchester, an honor for the city.
Afterward, Tang Long performed the standard new player introduction act in front of the stadium’s fans—live ball juggling.
Tang Long wasn’t initially skilled at fancy juggling, but after watching numerous player introductions featuring it, he practiced.
Last night, in his hotel room, he asked for some oranges from hotel staff. Practicing with video for an hour, he picked up some tricks. He practiced again backstage with a soccer ball, so now his juggling featured his foot circling the ball, executing external foot turns, lifting the ball to buffer it with his back. Without claiming it as spectacular, he at least didn’t drop the ball.
Beside him, Belgistan was watching joyfully, thinking this kid had decent mental resilience.
Milner disdainfully commented to Yaya Toure on the sidelines, "It’s just showing off, this kid’s probably here to play street soccer, huh?"
Yaya Toure chuckled, "I remember when you first joined Manchester City, your juggling went awry, you frantically tried to save the ball, and eventually you kicked the ball straight into the on-site female DJ’s face, causing her nose to bleed. She immediately clutched her face and squatted crying, so the team doctor had to step in. What, did you forget after five years?"
Seeing Yaya Toure not respond but instead mock his own embarrassing tale, Milner’s face turned red. He forced a few awkward laughs, feigning generosity by patting Toure’s shoulder, then fell silent.
Words were said, faces seen, and juggling performed.
By reason, Tang Long’s introduction ceremony was nearing its end.
A small portion of fans even began to get up and leave ahead of time.
But at that moment, Manchester City’s commercial director spoke into the microphone:
"Please wait, the most exciting part has not yet begun!"
Upon hearing the call, fans at the aisle stopped in their tracks and returned. Those still seated perked up their ears, widened their eyes, curious about what the most thrilling part was.
"Next, please welcome all new summer signings!"
"We’ll have a 20-minute 3V3 match right here!"
"The winning team will receive special rewards, which will be revealed after the match ends!"
(The author is a bit tired now but keeps writing, with another Chapter coming at midnight—thank you to the readers who continue to follow along)