Kaká's transformation into a wide midfielder was a goal, but he still needed training.
A wide midfielder is a position combining offense and defense.
In attack, they mainly operate along the flank and near the corner areas, coordinating with the striker's retreat and the full-back's forward runs to deliver penetrating passes.
They also have the responsibility of dribbling breakthroughs and assisting goals.
In defense, the wide midfielder must track back promptly, sometimes very deep, moving up and down the flank—this demands great stamina.
For Kaká now, shifting to a wide midfielder role required many changes and adaptation.
His passing, dribbling, and vision were excellent, but defense was his weak spot.
Ancelotti designed two wide midfielder roles for Milan — Kaká and Seedorf.
Both suited the role well.
Of course, Šuker had previously played wide midfielder and was the best fit, even as a core-level wide midfielder.
But the problem was Milan lacked a strong center forward.
Wide midfielders' assists need a striker who can finish.
If the ball keeps coming but the striker can't score, what's the point?
It also tested the striker's versatility.
They needed to be skilled with feet and head alike, since they were the main scorers up front.
Ancelotti couldn't ask Inzaghi to fight physically for headers.
Nor could he expect the overweight Ronaldo to play like his prime days.
Gilardino's form had seriously declined.
Only Šuker could fill the center forward role.
The 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 formations were Milan's experimental new tactics.
Ancelotti even put Pato in a shadow striker role behind Šuker.
Though Pato couldn't play yet, he was adapting early to the tactics to contribute after the winter window.
After several days of training, AC Milan started preparing for the Italian Super Cup.
The Italian Super Cup is the season-opening curtain-raiser.
It's a single match between the Serie A champion and the Coppa Italia winner. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ nοvelfire.net
Traditionally held in Italy, the first time outside was in Washington D.C. in 1993.
This time, the Italian Football Federation outsourced the event to China.
Early feedback showed the deal was unprecedentedly successful.
In just one week, they earned 70 million yuan in ticket sales.
This shook the Italian football world.
They realized they were incredibly popular in distant China.
Italian media widely reported this, praising the success and marveling at the booming Eastern market.
Reading the glowing reports, Šuker sneered:
"Can we not make money? Milan's popularity in China is unparalleled right now."
Though Manchester United was catching up, after the Super Cup Milan would be hot again.
Šuker thought Milan's PR was lacking — they hadn't realized this huge market.
He flipped the paper and stared wide-eyed:
"Tens of thousands of fans surround China's capital airport, welcoming Šuker!"
He honestly hadn't paid much attention to China and wasn't aware of this.
But it looked like he was quite popular there.
He immediately called Zorančić.
"Have you seen the news?"
"Yes! You're very popular in China!"
"Why don't I have any promotional plans there?"
"They're being made now. I didn't realize the Chinese market was so vibrant either!"
He couldn't blame Zorančić.
Before 2010, European football hadn't really noticed the Chinese market.
After the 2008 Olympics, the global sports industry finally recognized this huge market.
Since then, club social media accounts sprang up like mushrooms.
European players awkwardly speaking Chinese New Year greetings became common.
Hanging up, Šuker's mind drifted.
Across the vast ocean, to the other side, that ancient yet vibrant country — that was the direction of his former home.
August 11 — a massive crowd surged into China's capital airport.
They came from all over, united by one reason: they were Milan fans.
In the 2000s, Serie A had a terrifying influence in China.
Especially AC Milan, with Maldini, Kaká, Pirlo, Nesta, and others — a source of many people's dreams and memories.
When Milan struggled, those "boys" lit up the Guangzhou Tower ('Little Tits') to celebrate Milan's 2022 Serie A championship.
China's capital airport was packed to bursting.
Media, fans, and live broadcast vans all crowded the scene.
For these AC Milan fans, who couldn't go to Milan, their beloved team arriving in their land was overwhelming.
Black-clad fans filled the area, waving flags and shouting loudly.
Their cheers thundered like lightning shaking the air.
At the forefront were official sports media.
Huang Jianxiang held a microphone, eyes fixed on the airport exit, nervously gripping the mic.
A staffer pressed his earpiece and said:
"The plane has landed, going through customs now!"
Huang's excitement surged.
An Italian fan and Milan supporter, he once lost his commentary job in 2006 World Cup for over-enthusiasm but never regretted it.
To him, football was passion.
This time, the Super Cup being in the Workers' Stadium in the capital thrilled him.
He could watch his heroes — Maldini, Gattuso, Nesta, Šuker — up close.
That's why he volunteered as the interviewer.
"Here they come! Here they come!"
Everyone turned toward the exit tunnel.
Ancelotti led the AC Milan team out.
The airport exploded with deafening cheers.
Everyone shouted loudly.
Day and night watching on TV, going through seasons of pain, joy, despair, and excitement.
Now the players on screen were right in front of them — like a dream.
Dressed smartly in black suits, long hair flowing, Milan's cool guys exuded strong presence.
Legendary captain Maldini led the way, Nesta and Ambrosini flanked him.
Behind stood Gattuso, Kaká, Šuker, and other stars.
The space was filled with chants of "Milan!!! Milan!!! Milan!!!"
Šuker walked in the group, smiled hearing the familiar cheers.
Suddenly a discordant voice rose.
Next moment chaos broke out.
Šuker smirked and kept walking.
They didn't leave the airport immediately but went to an open area for interviews.
Ancelotti was already talking with club staff.
A young media worker said in Italian:
"Come with me for an interview."
Šuker turned and followed.