The All-Around Center Forward

Amsterdam, Netherlands.

This is a port city and also the capital of the Netherlands.

The most famous "scenery" here naturally is the industrial area along the Amstel River illuminated by two pink lights.

After the entire AC Milan team arrived at their hotel in Amsterdam, they saw Ronaldinho unable to contain his excitement.

Ronaldinho was currently in a phase of complete laziness.

No ambition left, let alone self-discipline.

He no longer cared about football or championships.

His mind was filled every day with how to enjoy the nightlife, rather than "waste" energy on the pitch.

Now Milan deeply regretted recruiting Ronaldinho.

As Guardiola openly said, this guy was a cancer in the locker room.

Not only was he undisciplined himself, but he also corrupted his teammates.

Pato almost got caught up in Ronaldinho's bad influence—a gifted player almost ruined by him. This made the Milan coaching staff very concerned.

Though Tassotti repeatedly warned Ronaldinho not to go to nightclubs, warnings had no effect.

Ronaldinho didn't fear punishment and continued doing as he pleased, often stumbling drunk to training the next day, sometimes skipping training outright—just pay the fine if needed!

Ronaldinho lived a reckless life, but he was very happy every day.

However, his behavior gradually clashed with the entire Milan team.

At first, some were willing to hang out with him.

But soon, they realized it wasn't right.

Not that they didn't want to have fun, but they just couldn't keep up.

Who could go to nightclubs every day and hang around the bar daily?

Occasional indulgence was relaxation, but constant partying was torture.

Of course, some young and ambitious substitutes, eager to climb the ranks, thought cozying up to Ronaldinho might earn them chances.

After all, Ronaldinho's name was big enough to attract those substitutes.

Also, compared to other key players, Ronaldinho was willing to bring them along.

This formed a nightclub clique.

When they arrived in Amsterdam that evening, those guys sneaked out secretly.

"They really have a lot of energy," Suker came through the corridor and pointed behind him, "Out again!"

Kaká sighed lying on the bed.

He had tried to persuade Ronaldinho since they were national teammates—if Ronaldinho recovered form, it would help them perform better internationally.

If not for the club, then at least the national team should manage him.

Moreover, with the European Championship over, the 2010 World Cup European qualifiers were about to begin.

But Ronaldinho didn't listen at all; there was nothing they could do.

"Feels good!" Suker plopped onto the bed. After a busy day of travel, check-in, and training, lying down was a relief.

"Tomorrow's match is a bunch of youngsters!" Suker said, turning his head.

Kaká nodded, "The Netherlands is famous for youth training, and Ajax mainly fields a youth team. They have many excellent players, like Suárez, Vertonghen, Nigel De Jong, and Vermaelen."

No kidding!

Those players Kaká mentioned were the future stars.

Suárez, later part of Barcelona's famed MSN trio, and at Liverpool took over Torres' role, becoming a symbol during the Reds' decline.

Vertonghen's highlight was at Tottenham, destined to be the future captain of the 'Spurs'.

Vermaelen took over as Arsenal captain after Fabregas left.

And many others.

So Ajax's star-making factory is truly unparalleled.

Though young, each is gifted.

Meanwhile, inside Ajax's dormitory.

A group of youngsters gathered.

About to face AC Milan, they found it hard to sleep.

Not because of nerves but excitement.

Ajax's last glory was during Ibrahimović's time.

Though they hadn't stirred a youth storm across Europe recently, their strength was still considerable.

Last season, due to poor performance, they only qualified for the Europa League, not the Champions League.

But they never expected to get a chance to face AC Milan.

Ajax is one of Europe's ancient football powers; they've appeared in the Champions League more times than some emerging giants.

Yet Ajax's current role is as a talent factory.

Their squad is mostly young, so when facing top stars, they can feel intimidated.

Milan's players are famous across Europe and the world.

Ajax's youngsters have yet to make their name.

But tomorrow, they will show their talent against AC Milan.

"You think if I can stop Suker, will I get noticed by a European big club?" Vertonghen asked eagerly.

Vermaelen rolled his eyes, "If you could stop Suker, you wouldn't be playing here."

"Who knows? Maybe Suker's going to fall for my defensive tactics?"

"Stop dreaming and focus on team defense!" Vermaelen said seriously. "If we can't stop Suker, we're done for."

"Not that bad, we have Luis!"

Vertonghen smiled, patting Suárez beside him.

Suárez smiled shyly, his buck teeth showing faintly.

At this time, Suárez was still young and naive. He had just joined Ajax last year and showed incredible scoring talent, earning a starting spot after only three games.

Now, Suárez was Ajax's number one scorer.

"Actually, I'm really looking forward to the match against AC Milan," Suárez rubbed his head. "I want to know how far I am from being a top player."

Vertonghen laughed, "Don't worry, Luis, you're already great. You are a top player."

"That's right, Luis, you have to be confident. After all, if you don't score, we really have no chance to break Milan's defense."

"I'll do my best!" Suárez smiled happily.

The three chatted excitedly, filled with anticipation for tomorrow's match.

That night, they fell asleep slowly with excitement.

The next day, before dawn, Suárez got up early.

The excitement from last night affected his sleep quality. He was already awake and didn't want to go back to sleep, so he washed up and put on his sportswear for a morning jog.

Suárez ran along the main road all the way to the docks.

Though it was early morning, the docks were bustling.

Huge cargo ships and merchant vessels docked, trucks hurriedly moved goods, and crowds crossed paths.

As Suárez passed by, many recognized him.

"Hey! Luis, keep it up!"

"Today, we'll thrash AC Milan!"

"We'll be cheering for you!"

"Go, Luis!"

Amid the cheers of vendors and residents, Suárez happily waved and continued his run.

Unconsciously, he reached a park.

Looking up, he saw a tall building.

That was the hotel where AC Milan players stayed. He subconsciously ran toward it.

Suárez looked up at the tall building as if admiring those top stars.

To Milan's stars, young Suárez was undoubtedly a challenger.

"Come on!" Suárez quietly encouraged himself.

He turned and entered the park behind to continue jogging.

The park was nearly empty, with crisp morning bird calls.

After a while, footsteps sounded behind him.

The footsteps grew closer.

Suárez was surprised. His pace was already quite fast, yet someone caught up.

He turned to see a figure in a black-and-white tracksuit rushing past him.

Suárez blinked.

"Su su-Ker?"

Suker didn't slow down and accelerated as he passed.

Suárez's eyes lit up. He immediately gave chase.

Suker ran ahead, Suárez chased behind.

Suker sped up; Suárez struggled to keep up.

After half an hour of running, Suárez felt winded.

He thought his stamina was good but couldn't keep up with Suker's pace.

The moment Suárez stopped, Suker stopped and looked back.

Suárez stiffened slightly.

Suker tilted his head and asked, "Not running anymore?"