"He’s a great player. You all saw it—he’s practically unstoppable!"
At the post-game press conference, Batty rested his chin on his right hand and spoke to the reporters, his face etched with weariness. He was still wearing his dark blue No. 9 jersey, which was wrinkled and dirty—scars from the battle he had just fought.
Below the stage, the reporters’ pens flew across their notepads.
A reporter raised his hand and asked Batty for his thoughts on Argentina’s World Cup journey this year.
Batty rubbed his face. "We were very lucky. We kept winning and made it to the semifinals. We’ve been improving. In ’94, we made the Round of 16. Four years ago, we reached the quarterfinals. And this year... I can’t say this result isn’t good enough, but I still have regrets."
"We had a chance to go further, to chase a better result, but like I just said, Ronaldo is a great player, and he stopped us. I also regret not being able to help the team more. I had a lot of chances to score in this game, but I only converted one. I should have played better."
The self-reproach on his face moved many of the Argentine reporters in the room.
If it weren’t for Batty, Argentina wouldn’t have even made it to extra time.
Just then, a reporter from England stood up and asked a question that earned him glares from all the Argentine journalists. He asked if Batty would really retire from the National Team after this World Cup.
Back in March, after returning to Serie A, Batty had told reporters that this would be his last World Cup and that he would leave the National Team afterward.
Faced with this question, Batty sat up a little straighter. He thought for a moment, then said, "During this World Cup, Cannigia and I talked a lot. I’m very grateful that Coach Belsa still believed in me enough to bring me here. But I’m already 33 this year. In four years, I’ll be 37."
"That’s a terrifying number. Cannigia told me we’re old now. Our country has many young, more talented players. We need to guide them forward, not take their opportunities, even though I feel I still have what it takes to be a starter."
At this, Batty grew emotional, and his eyes started to redden.
He took a deep breath and nodded at all the reporters looking at him. "So, yes. This is my last World Cup. If you insist on me saying it, then I can officially tell everyone right here that I will be leaving the National Team for good. I am retiring from the National Team."
As he spoke, his voice couldn’t help but tremble, his eyes filled with reluctance.
But no matter how reluctant he was, it was time to leave.
The reporters in the room were in an uproar.
In a corner no one was paying attention to, Chen Yu leaned against the wall and sighed silently.
Chen Yu hadn’t gone to the Brazil Team’s post-game press conference. He had come here specifically to hear what Batty and the others would say.
After the game, Redondo had been very calm.
There was even an Argentine reporter who sarcastically accused him, asking for his thoughts on Ronaldo’s golden goal in extra time. The reporter suggested that he had pushed up too far, giving Ronaldo an opening and creating a hole in the defense, which led to Argentina’s defeat.
At the time, Redondo’s expression remained calm as he responded in a complex tone, "If you think that was a mistake, then I’ll own it."
Just that one sentence.
In that moment, looking at the expressionless Redondo, Chen Yu felt a pang in his heart.
’The guy is too proud.’
Chen Yu knew the whole story behind Redondo’s participation in this World Cup. Back then, he had been stubborn, preferring to refuse treatment. But as Tawana had said, didn’t he regret it? Otherwise, why would he have cut his hair after the World Cup and hidden in the locker room, crying his eyes out?
His obstinate personality wouldn’t let him show regret, but deep down, he still longed for the approval of the fans and the National Team, to make up for his past mistakes and regrets.
That was why he finally accepted the treatment and took his place in this World Cup.
Looking back at this World Cup, Chen Yu could say that while Batty was in top form and played like a god, Argentina wouldn’t have gotten this far without Redondo pulling the strings in the midfield.
And now, facing the reporters’ accusations, when everyone needed a scapegoat, Redondo could have easily found an excuse to absolve himself. But he didn’t. He just directly admitted his mistake.
He was still so proud, even knowing how much criticism and blame he would face for saying that.
And now Batty, standing before him, was just like Redondo—it made your heart ache.
’It’s not your fault. You’ve already given it your all. Why do you have to take the blame? Why do you have to leave?’
But reality was just that cruel. You’re the striker. Everyone is counting on you. You carry so much responsibility. If you don’t bring home a championship and victory, you’re the villain.
Chen Yu sighed again. Seeing Batty get up dejectedly, he hesitated for a moment before following him.
With his credentials, Chen Yu had unrestricted access and quickly caught up to Batty.
Seeing Chen Yu, Batty was slightly taken aback, then smiled and came forward, pulling Chen Yu into a hug without a word.
He let go after a long moment and asked with a smile, "Were you in there just now?"
Chen Yu nodded. "You’re only 33. You can still..."
’With me around, a 40-year-old Ewing could still win a championship. At 37, why couldn’t he play one more time?’
But before he could finish, Batty cut him off.
"Chen, first, I have to thank you. Really, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You’ll always be my friend, and I’ll always be grateful to you." Batty smiled, his eyes filled with relief. "I know what you want to say, but I think this is enough."
A smile still lingered on his face, but his tone became somber and deep. "They call me the War God, say I’m invincible. But how is that possible? In my heart, I’ve never thought of myself as any War God; I’m just an ordinary person. I do enjoy fighting and winning like a War God, and I love it when everyone cheers for me, love the process of defeating opponents."
"But I also know I can’t win forever. Besides, I’m tired."
Batty’s gaze was serene. With that simple phrase, "I’m tired," only Chen Yu knew what kind of torment and pain he had endured over the years just to stay on the field, just to continue basking in the glory of the War God.
Many people probably only ever saw the bright, glamorous side of the War God, never noticing how many scars were left on his back in the pursuit of those victories.
"That’s good too." Chen Yu understood. He smiled and nodded.
This curtain call may not have been perfect, but for Batty, perhaps it was enough. It allowed him to calmly say goodbye to the past, to cast off the responsibility the title of War God represented, and to move on with his life.
For him, the name War God was both a glory and a shackle.
Batty waved, turned, and walked away with a carefree stride, disappearing at the end of the tunnel.
Chen Yu stood there for a long while before composing himself and preparing to leave.
Tonight, there would undoubtedly be a wild celebration.
Just then, his phone rang.
It was Brian.
’Shouldn’t that guy be worrying about the draft? Why is he calling me?’
After answering the call and hearing Brian’s explanation, Chen Yu said with some surprise, "You’re saying O’Neal went to Phoenix, to my clinic?"
’Why didn’t Lexi tell me?’
After a moment’s thought, Chen Yu understood why. O’Neal had gone to the clinic on the afternoon of the 25th in the United States. At that time, it was the morning in Japan. Lexi knew he was busy helping Brazil prepare for the semifinals, so she probably didn’t contact him for that reason.
’There’s a 14-hour time difference, so it should be the morning of the 26th in the United States right now.’
"It’s this late and you still haven’t left for New York?" Chen Yu asked.
Brian replied with a wry smile, "I was planning to go, but now I don’t know if I should."
’After all, he’s only going there to pick Yao Ming. There won’t be any surprises, so it doesn’t really matter if he doesn’t go. Skiles can handle it.’
"Chen, the news got out last night. I’m sure the Lakers know by now. They haven’t made a move yet, and I don’t know if it’s because they’re too shocked or what. The main thing is, on our end, I don’t know what to do. Should I go and meet with O’Neal?" Brian’s voice was troubled.
Logically, with O’Neal in Phoenix and the Phoenix Suns having been interested in him for a while, he, the general manager, should seize the opportunity to meet with him.
But Brian was conflicted. After all, the Lakers hadn’t said whether they would trade O’Neal. Going in unprepared like this could just mess things up.
"And you’re asking me?" Chen Yu retorted, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. ’I’m just a team doctor. Shouldn’t you be discussing this with your old man?’
Brian explained sheepishly, "You’re a psychology expert. I’m facing a dilemma right now. Isn’t it perfectly reasonable to discuss it with you?"
This was, of course, just an excuse. The main reason was that he had a good relationship with Chen Yu and was willing to talk things over with him.
"So you’re admitting you have psychological problems now, are you?" Chen Yu teased.
But since Brian had put it that way, Chen Yu decided to approach the conversation from a psychological angle.
"Actually, I think you already have the answer in your heart. You’re just afraid of making another mistake, and that’s why you’re conflicted," Chen Yu analyzed.
Chen Yu even pinpointed the root cause of this mentality.
Gugliotta!
Years ago, a lapse in judgment led him to give Gugliotta that massive contract, which ended up screwing over the Phoenix Suns. He took a lot of flak from Phoenix Suns fans, who said Brian had a poor eye for talent.
It was because he’d been burned before that Brian was so conflicted when faced with such a major decision, terrified of making another mistake.
Even if that person was O’Neal.
And at a time like this, all he really needed was for someone to give him a little push from behind.
On the phone, Brian didn’t say anything, which was a tacit admission.
Chen Yu continued, "Since that’s the case, just go with your gut. You’ve made mistakes, yes, but we still won a championship. Who would dare say you don’t know what you’re doing now? You’re the team’s general manager. As long as you think it’s the right move and it benefits the team, then just do it."
A single championship trophy was more than enough to make up for all of Brian’s past blunders.
Over the phone, Brian thought for a moment, then said, "Chen, I think you’d be a great psychologist too."
Chen Yu laughed. "You know, when I get old, my hands start shaking, and I can’t set bones anymore, I’m planning to switch careers and become a psychologist."
After the joke, Chen Yu asked, "So, any more problems now?"
"Nope."
Brian’s tone was firm. "Chen, just wait for the news. Don’t worry, it’s going to be a big one!"
"I’ll be looking forward to it." Chen Yu hung up the phone.
Shaking his head slightly, Chen Yu put the matter out of his mind and prepared to meet up with the Brazil Team. Tonight, after all, was a night for celebration.

Comments

Loading...