Chen Yu and Tawana chatted for a long time.
The old man was cheerful and talkative. Having been a team doctor for many years, he and Chen Yu had a lot to discuss.
"It’s right to pay attention to the players’ psychological well-being." When Tawana heard that Chen Yu had started a ’psychological chat room’ with the Phoenix Suns and would talk with the players for five minutes after every practice, he was very much in agreement.
He seemed to recall something and sighed. "Many people only notice the spectacular goals players score on the field. They see them earning tons of money and spending it like water, but they never care about who these players really are. I’ve seen far too many players who lack self-discipline and indulge themselves too easily."
"A lot of people just assume that’s their personality, that they were born that way. But who is really born like that? Everyone has different life experiences. Maybe they went through a lot when they were young. If someone had been there to guide them and help them with their psychological issues, they might have turned out better."
Chen Yu nodded in agreement. He recalled an article he’d read which stated that over thirty percent of NFL players suffer from psychological issues.
"By the way," Tawana said, turning the conversation to Redondo, "I’ve actually always felt that Fernando has some mental hurdles as well."
"Oh? How so?" Chen Yu sat up straighter.
’Psychological issues can also affect post-operative recovery.’
Tawana sighed. "He’s smart and talented, but perhaps because of his childhood experiences, he developed a rebellious, stubborn personality. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with his character, but I feel that because of it, he’s had too many regrets. The National Team, for instance."
It dawned on Chen Yu. "Rudolph, you’re talking about the haircut incident, aren’t you?"
After learning that Redondo was coming, Chen Yu had made a point to read up on news about him.
His brilliant career at Real Madrid aside, the story the media brought up most often was his refusal to play in the ’98 World Cup because he wouldn’t cut his hair.
After all, the ’02 World Cup was just around the corner.
Tawana nodded. "From what I understand, it wasn’t entirely about his hair. The bigger issue was his conflict with Passarella. When two overly strong-willed people clash, you can imagine the result."
"So he withdrew from the National Team under a cloud of criticism. But did you know that in the ’98 Champions League final, he celebrated by holding up the Argentine flag? He played that match as if it were the World Cup final. And did he really care that much about his hair? If he did, why would he cut it right before the World Cup, only to hide in the locker room and weep after winning the Champions League?"
"Do you think he doesn’t have regrets? I’m sure he does, but his obstinate personality won’t let him admit it!"
At this, Tawana became a little emotional. Noticing Chen Yu watching him, he gave a sheepish smile.
"Don’t laugh at me. I’ve been a team doctor for thirteen years. I’ve seen far too many players leave the pitch with regrets because of one problem or another."
"It’s a shame, and I don’t want the same thing to happen to Fernando. I can feel it. Deep down, he wants to play in the World Cup, to fight for his country. But his stubbornness keeps forcing him to make decisions that go against his true feelings."
"Just last year, he announced his permanent retirement from the National Team. I saw in the media that Belsa had asked Valdano to persuade Fernando, telling him the National Team still needed him. Do you know what he said?"
Chen Yu shook his head.
Tawana continued, "He said, ’I can’t perform at my best for both my club and the National Team simultaneously. The spot should go to the younger players. Argentina has never been short on stars.’ He’s not wrong. Argentina does have a ton of stars, and Belsa certainly has plenty of options."
"But is it really just about not being in top form, or about younger players being able to replace him? Not at all! The real question he should be asking himself is whether, years from now, when he’s retired and looks back on this, he’ll regret refusing to play for his country. Will he be left with a scar on his heart that will never fade?"
Chen Yu understood and remarked, "Sometimes, being too proud can be a real problem."
’It’s like... sometimes, don’t people know what the right thing to do is? Of course they do. But because they’re too proud, they impulsively make the wrong decision. And even when they know it’s wrong, they refuse to admit it.’
’But years later, when they look back, won’t they have regrets? Of course they will.’
’They’re just too headstrong, too unwilling to compromise.’
Just as he was about to say more, Redondo returned on his crutches.
His right leg was bandaged and he couldn’t bend it completely, which was very awkward. He could have used a wheelchair, but he refused.
’You could call him a maverick, but to put it bluntly, he was just too full of himself. Stubborn as a mule.’
Tawana cleared his throat, quickly stood up, and put his smile back on.
But he secretly shot Chen Yu a meaningful look.
’Chen Yu understood. The old man wanted him to try and persuade Redondo.’
Chen Yu gave a wry, internal smile.
’Persuade him? As if it were that easy.’
’I’m no master of psychology. The only thing I can do right now is heal Redondo’s injury. As for whether he returns to the National Team and plays in the World Cup, I can only hope that whatever decision he makes, it’s one he won’t regret.’
Redondo sat down across from him and smiled at Chen Yu, but it was clear the smile was a bit forced. He was probably nervous.
His agent, Cavagale, couldn’t wait to ask, "Chen, can Fernando be fully healed?"

Comments

Loading...