Since the guest has arrived, Mancini definitely had to invite Ronaldo to watch an Inter training session.
"Come, come, let me show you this disappointing bunch of mine. Sigh, now in Serie A, there are only three Champions League spots, it’s such damn hard work!"
On the way downstairs, Mancini asked Ronaldo about his purpose for visiting Milan.
Ronaldo smiled faintly, without revealing much, only saying he was here to visit old friends and to watch a Milan derby.
But his true intentions weren’t about that at all!
Ronaldo’s commercial empire is thriving, and his self-founded sports company, 9nine, aims to engage in player agent business.
With proximity advantages, Ronaldo wants to sign some of Inter’s promising young talents, stepping the first step of a long journey.
This time watching Inter’s training, including the forthcoming Milan derby, are opportunities for Ronaldo to scout closely and onsite.
"Everyone gather, take a look at who has come to visit you all!" Mancini blew the whistle loudly.
Ronaldo jogged over, enthusiastically waving both hands to the Inter players.
Ronaldo made a surprise appearance at Inter’s training ground!
Everyone was stunned!
The bulky Ronaldo, like a magnet, instantly drew everyone on the field to him!
Though Inter’s players can’t be called world superstars, many have long been established top-tier players.
Usually, whether facing media or fans, they deliberately put on a star attitude~
But in front of Ronaldo, everyone became little fans!
Everyone rushed forward, crowding around Ronaldo, getting in line to take photos with him.
Even in the end, the photographer, the field administrator, and the old man trimming the grass, all took photos with Ronaldo.
This scene was no less grand than the day Maradona visited the locker room.
Standing next to Ronaldo, Tang Long’s heart was also surging!
Ronaldo has always been his childhood idol; he even has a poster of Ronaldo’s Pendulum dribble move on his dorm wall!
"Hey, you look a lot like my former teammate Rekoba," Ronaldo curiously asked Tang Long.
"Mr. Ronaldo, I’m from China, just came to play for Inter. Rekoba also looks quite like an Oriental, and our country’s fans call him the Chinese boy; many Inter fans like him," Tang Long introduced himself generously.
Ronaldo gave a hearty laugh, revealing his trademark big front teeth.
"China? Please settle my endorsement fee for Golden Voice Throat Lozenge; it’s been over a decade! Haha, don’t mind me, just kidding!"
"Also, Rekoba doesn’t have Chinese blood; he just looks like that. You, being Chinese, are the real pure Chinese boy, and you’re much more distinctive than him, my dear friend."
In the past year or two, Ronaldo has been studying business theories, even attending an MBA management course at a prestigious U.S. school, and hasn’t paid much attention to Serie A, with his sports company left to subordinates to operate.
He’s not familiar with Inter’s players nor does he know Tang Long, let alone understand his strength.
Seeing this young face, Ronaldo thought he must be some youth team player.
The third goalkeeper Berni started joking again.
"The Milan derby kicks off this weekend. Have you got your tickets? If not, I could get you a VIP box one?" Berni teased.
"Nah, bro, I’ve got enough connections in Italy to sort it myself, no need to trouble you, the coach!"
Ronaldo laughed, and everyone laughed!
The training pitch was filled with a joyful atmosphere.
In the past, Mancini often oversaw the players training from his office.
Today, accompanying Ronaldo, he personally stood by the sidelines directing training.
The players, evidently working many times harder than before!
After all, the alien Ronaldo was watching them from the sidelines; they couldn’t embarrass themselves.
Ronaldo’s eyes seemingly like searchlights, casting over the pitch.
Inter’s players were full of vigor, all hoping to attract Ronaldo’s attention!
The younger players were extremely nervous, their tackles much stronger;
The older players were not relaxing, striving to display their best form, without the slightest sense of taking it easy.
Ten minutes into the subsequent practice match, assistant coach Herrera had to awkwardly stop it, signaling everyone not to tackle too fiercely to prevent injuries.
Ronaldo stood with his hands behind his back, belly out, watching silently.
Bonazzoli got an open chance, kicked a half-high shot past the goalkeeper’s hand into the net.
"Bonazzoli was promoted from the youth team last season," said Mancini standing beside, "he’s tall and fast, and also the main striker for our National Youth Team."
"Oh, very good, very promising, very promising."
Ronaldo nodded slightly, jotting down the name in his little mental notebook.
Gualin used his sturdy rear to shoulder off Mavic, took a simple step, then unleashed a powerful right-footed shot, narrowly missing the goal.
"This player has great shot power, and a very robust build. Looking at his frame, I reckon even at 200 pounds, I’d have trouble moving him!"
Ronaldo genuinely praised the power Gualin displayed!
However, when he learned from Mancini that Gualin was already 28 years old.
Ronaldo’s eyes dimmed.
Usually, players of this age already have stable agent relationships.
Moreover, nearing 30, the increase in a player’s value is not significant, signing him to Ronaldo’s agency wouldn’t bring additional benefits.
Yuto Nagatomo crossed from the flank!
Icardi twisted his body and headed this awkward cross into the goal’s corner!
"Wow! He can even score from that, impressive!"
Hearing Ronaldo’s spontaneous praise, Mancini was quite proud~
Ronaldo, a super striker, yet in our team as well, we have a striker who can be shown off.
"His name is Icardi, Argentine, possessing top-notch goal-sense, back in our playing days, the star-studded Serie A of the 90s, this kid could’ve played for several strong teams." Mancini spoke with immense pride about his beloved student.
Soon, Icardi received another breakaway chance!
He feigned a shot to the bottom right corner, but with a gentle chip, the ball elegantly flew over the goalkeeper into the net.
Ronaldo clapped happily, Icardi turned back and gave a thumbs-up with a smile towards Ronaldo.
Learning that Icardi was only 22, Ronaldo was even more surprised!
Whether it was the fierce desire to score shown in front of the goal, or the shooting technique, it all appeared extremely mature.
Not in the least like a 22-year-old young player.
Ronaldo thought to himself: "This kid probably also has an agent; I wonder if I could pry him away, need to pay close attention."
In the training match, to conserve physical strength, Inter set the goals close, replicating a seven-a-side pitch, with rapid attacking and defending, allowing direct defender-to-forward connection, so Tang Long’s performance was understated.
However, when he delivered his first penetrating pass, it instantly tore apart the opponent’s defense!
It was a half-side ball protection, with Gualin pressing from behind, Podolski also blocking the passing lane.
Even Ronaldo thought, that ball’s about to be intercepted.
But in the next second, Ronaldo’s eyes nearly popped out!
Tang Long, completely losing the backward view, suddenly heel-flicked, the ball not only nutmegged Gualin but also fast enough to just clear the interception range of defender Ranocchia, reaching Shaqiri on the flank!
Shaqiri cut inside the box and easily curled it into the far corner.
"What’s his name?" Ronaldo was startled.
"Shaqiri, Swiss, a winger we brought from Bayern, very fast, good at dribbling, having played at Bayern, his level is definitely on par."
Ronaldo made no sound, just nodded.
He actually intended to ask about the passer, not Shaqiri who scored.
Ronaldo slightly squinted, looked at Tang Long.
That assist, given the distance, power, result, and even being a no-look pass with the back turned... could it have just been a