champion godfather

Chapter 840 The Fate of the Heart of the Seven Lion Kings
"Nottingham Forest, the defending champion of the Premier League, has been in trouble recently. They have lost three rounds in the league, and the gap with No.1 Arsenal has widened to seven points. These are not the most troublesome things for Tony Twain. The reporters who haunt Wilford's training base are afraid to interview him now. He is in a bad mood because his favorite player, Freddy Twain Eastwood had another knee injury in the last round of the league..."

In the No.11 round of the league on November 4, Nottingham Forest challenged Tottenham Hotspur away. At [-] minutes, Eastwood was hit and fell to the ground in a fight with Michael Dawson, and he couldn't get up again.Although Dawson successfully broke Eastwood's ball, he kicked the football out of the sideline after discovering the situation around him to facilitate the Forest team's team doctors to play.

Dawson still wanted to comfort Eastwood, but was pushed away by the Forest players who rushed over.Although he used to be the captain of Nottingham Forest, in the eyes of these Forest players, he is an out-and-out enemy.

Fleming rushed onto the stage with two assistants to check on Eastwood, who was lying on the ground and moaning in pain.

"Okay, okay, it's okay, it's okay!" Fleming didn't check Eastwood's knee first, the first thing he saw were the tearful eyes of the gypsy, and he was taken aback.As a team doctor, he often sees the injured faces of players at the closest distance, saying that his body knows best, so most of the time he can know the general state of a player's injury just by looking at these expressions.

He cried out when he was injured. He knew that there was a living example-Ronaldo who fell on the court for the second time.

Eastwood opened his mouth wide, as if he wanted to moan, but he couldn't make any sound, like a fish out of water.

"Stretcher stretcher." Fleming called for a stretcher and carefully put Eastwood on it.

"You'll be fine, trust me, you'll be fine..." As he followed the stretcher down, Fleming leaned over and lay next to Eastwood's ear, murmuring as if chanting a spell.

After the end, Fleming looked up and saw Tang En's questioning gaze, and he shook his head gloomyly.He also clearly saw Tang En swearing.

The worse news came the next day. Eastwood was seriously injured and required a four-month truce, and he had to undergo another operation.

"...it's really unfortunate that this is the third major surgery he has had on the same part since he was shoveled into by George Wood in a youth game against Nottingham Forest on behalf of the West Ham youth team. Two days ago He just celebrated his 30th birthday, and he didn't expect that the 'birthday gift' he got was this..."

"The 30-year-old Eastwood's career is legendary. He was once a promising player in the West Ham youth team. In the end, he was seriously injured in the game against the Nottingham Forest youth team. After being abandoned by West Ham Playing in the amateur league for a while, and working part-time as a used car salesman..." The TV host's remark seemed to be a biographical retrospective at Eastwood's mourning memorial service. "Afterwards he was brought to the City Stadium by Tony Twain, and he found his chance again. He scored the winning goals twice in the Champions League final, making him a legendary shooter in the history of the Forest team. In Tony Twain In the season after returning to the team from heart disease treatment, he became the bronze boot scorer in the Premier League. Although he has been plagued by injuries, he can guarantee the number of goals every season in double digits... This injury may be the heaviest blow to him, and he may even retire early... According to Richard Steadman, the American doctor who operated on him, Eastwood's right knee is like It’s a bunch of tattered cotton stuffed together indiscriminately, and it’s likely to be injured again after surgery…”

※ ※ ※

"Bastard!" Tang En slapped the desk, and Chris Lak next to him didn't dare to take a breath.

Tang En was not scolding Chris Rack, nor was he scolding anyone, he was scolding this bad fate.He hasn't had a healthy striker since bringing Gypsies back from his amateur pitch in east London.

Eastwood, who was not injured, is definitely an excellent striker. Tang En firmly believed that with his strength, he could be squeezed into the ranks of the top strikers in Europe. Can't run freely.

This was the most regrettable and helpless thing for Tang En.

One thing that made Tang En even more angry was that just an hour ago, Eastwood personally told Tang En that he planned to retire directly after undergoing surgery.

There was a heated argument between the two on the phone...or "argument" whatever.Tang En disagreed with Eastwood's choice to retire. He didn't even want to hear the word "retirement".But Eastwood was also determined this time, and risked contradicting the king by arguing with Tang En on the phone.

"Let me tell you, Freddie! I don't allow you to say 'retire'! I don't allow you to retire either! You're only 30 years old, why retire? Give me the surgery honestly, rest for four months, and come back Keep scoring goals for me on the field! Why are you playing sad?"

"Boss, I know my body best! I really can't hold on anymore...Nine years ago, you advised me to persevere in the hospital and choose the path I want to take. I listen to you. Nine years of walking on the road I like... Nine years, boss, the time is not short. I really can't walk anymore..."

Tang En heard the sound of crying coming from the phone.He was silent, not knowing what to say to comfort him.If he was in front of Freddy at this moment, he would not hesitate to hold him in his arms.But separated by the cold phone and the ethereal radio waves, he couldn't do anything.

After sobbing for a while, Eastwood seemed to calm down. He continued in a hoarse voice: "Actually, I am running a lot less on the court now. Even if I continue to return to the court after the operation, I have no problem with the ball. The contribution of the team is very little... I'm tired, boss. Do you know what my biggest dream is every day now? Taking care of my horses and children, being with Serim... It's as simple as that. This The road is not easy to walk, I am so tired from holding on, I want to rest now..."

"Freddie..."

"Stop trying to persuade me, boss. This time I made up my mind. I..."

Tang En interrupted Eastwood's words savagely, and raised the volume, "Do you still remember our agreement? I am a legendary coach, and you are a legendary shooter! Freddy, do you still remember!"

"I'm sorry, boss, I'm sorry..." Eastwood's voice was low and choked with sobs.

Upon hearing this, Tang En suddenly raised his head and took the phone away from his ear.He pursed his lips tightly to keep the tears from actually sliding down.Fortunately, at this time, there was only one person in the office, and there would be no second person to see the strong king of Nottingham Forest lose his composure.

Tang En managed to hold back his tears. He picked up the phone again, and the connection was not disconnected.

"Freddy."

"Boss?"

"Come to Wilford again after the operation is successful, and say goodbye to everyone. I won't tell them about it."

"Ah."

"Call me when you're coming."

"Ok."

"Have a good rest, Freddy..." Dunn hung up the phone hastily.He was really afraid that if he continued like this, he would really cry on the phone.His voice trembled by the end.

Damn, just retire, just retire!I want to give you a fucking farewell match, Freddie!How the hell did you choose to retire directly?

Tang En was circling in his head coach's office, his chest heaving violently, and his emotions couldn't be calmed down for a long time.

Deep down in his heart, he regards every player who has been with him for many years as his friend, and the departure of any friend will make him very sad.From Hierro, Albertini, Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy... to Eastwood now, the last thing he wants to see may be a player retiring before his eyes.It's okay to transfer and leave, no matter what the reason is, he can always see those familiar faces in other places.But retirement is another matter...

Whenever he saw Albertini in a suit and leather shoes appearing in front of him as an official of the Italian Football Association, he would always feel a little dazed.years...

※ ※ ※

Except for Twain and Eastwood, no one knew that the Gypsies were about to retire.But the media can still smell something sensitively from some wind.

After the Champions League group match against Lyon, a reporter at the press conference asked about Eastwood's injury, "... Judging from a lot of news, is it possible for Eastwood to retire?"

Tang En's face immediately darkened: "I don't know, I'm not a professional doctor, so I can't comment on his injury."

Another reporter stood up with his hand raised. Before he could speak, Tang En pointed at him and said, "If the question is still about Eastwood, I'm sorry, but I refuse to answer it. It has nothing to do with this game."

The reporter opened his mouth and sat down again.

Apparently that's exactly what he meant to ask.

"Let's talk about the game." Tang En took the initiative to change the subject, "We defeated Lyon in the away game and qualified two rounds ahead of schedule. I am very happy. Thank you for the unity of the team."

How could such words be what the reporters wanted to hear?

It's a pity that Dunn didn't give the reporters a chance throughout the press conference.As for the consequences of Eastwood's injury, no one knows at present.

The reporters couldn't find anything of value from Gao Twain, so they all went to ask the players.

"Freddy? We all hope that he recovers as soon as possible and comes back. When he is away, the locker room is not so lively, ha!" Pepe laughed.

"Of course I hope he recovers as soon as possible, but don't be too anxious. It's better to come back after recovering from the injury. That's safer." Thiago, who is older, looks very cautious.

"Come on, Freddie!" Ibisevic, who scored in the game, clenched his fists and yelled at the shot.While celebrating that goal, he lifted his top to reveal a T-shirt underneath which read: "This goal is for Freddie".

Interviewing George Wood was the most difficult.Especially on this subject.Because everyone knows why Eastwood has such a bumpy career, and everything is thanks to his teammate and captain.The knee that Eastwood had undergone three surgeries was the right knee that Wood kicked first.

"I...I think he will come back..." Wood said a little bit without confidence, with some doubts in his tone. "Should be... Will be back."

After saying this, he left in a hurry, feeling like running away.

The team is still very optimistic about Eastwood's return to the team.

※ ※ ※

Three days later, Freddie Eastwood underwent the third right knee surgery of his career in the United States.After the operation was completed, the chief surgeon told him that the situation was not optimistic, and he could not guarantee that this operation would allow him to return to the court.

Eastwood smiled at the bad news.It's as if he didn't take it to heart at all.

After a week recuperating in the US, he flew back to the UK accompanied by his wife.Then he called Tang En.

"Boss, I want to come back and see everyone."

Tang En knew that it was time to say goodbye.

So in the training session the next morning, the players of Nottingham Forest saw Freddie Eastwood, whom they had not seen for a long time. Although he was still on crutches, he finally showed up in front of everyone.

"Hey Freddie, long time no see! How's the sunshine in America?"

"I heard that the operation was successful? Do you still need to rest for three months?"

"Heal your injury quickly and come back! Everyone misses you very much."

The teammates surrounded him enthusiastically, patted Eastwood on the shoulder and head, and greeted him.

Chris Lark was also very happy to watch this scene, and did not make a sound to stop it.Only Tang En stood beside him wearing sunglasses, with a gloomy expression on his face.

Even George Wood, who seldom talked together, came up for the first time and stood in front of Eastwood: "We...uh, we are all waiting for you to come back."

The "culprit" who caused his current situation, Eastwood has never given him any good looks.It's just that George Wood is also a proud person, he would never take the initiative to admit his mistakes to Eastwood face to face.So the relationship between the two has always been a little stiff, and it was once hyped up by the media.

But now that I'm about to retire, it's too boring to be entangled in such things.

Eastwood smiled at Wood for the first time: "Thank you."

Someone next to them whistled excitedly, booing them to shake hands and hug.This is big news. The two people who have a deep hatred in the team actually have a day when they will let go of their past!
However, they did not shake hands and hug in the end.

Seeing that everyone was almost talking, Tang En stood up. He coughed and motioned for everyone to be quiet.Then he pointed to Eastwood and said, "Freddie is here this time, and he has something to tell everyone." Then he stepped aside and motioned for the gypsy to stand up.

Eastwood slowly moved out on crutches, and everyone looked at him with some doubts, not knowing what he was going to say.

"Uh... um... I almost changed my mind just now." Eastwood tucked his cane under his arm and rubbed his nose with his hand, "I really want to come back and play football with everyone. But I know it's not It's very possible..."

There was an uproar among the team.

"Hey Freddie, what are you talking about?"

"I'm so sorry, Freddie. Your English is not up to standard. You still speak so fast that I can't catch you at all!"

"It ain't April [-]st, Freddie!"

After everyone quieted down a bit, Eastwood continued: "I'm not lying, guys. The doctor told me after the operation that my knee may not be able to withstand the impact of professional football. If I If you don't want to keep walking like this..." He patted the two crutches he was holding, "It's best to give up."

"Don't talk yet, let me finish." He saw that someone wanted to say something again, and quickly gestured to stop it. "I've thought about it for a long time... I've also talked to the boss." He glanced back at Tang En, who wore sunglasses with no expression on his face, as if he was playing cool.

"I decided to retire like this." He finally said the most important sentence.

Chris Rack looked at him with a surprised face, and then turned to look at Tang En next to him.Dunn had already lowered his head.

The reaction of the players was even more intense. They yelled one after another, and they were so excited that they even asked Eastwood to retract his last sentence on the spot.

"Eastwood! You boy... do you know what you're talking about?"

"All of us are waiting for you to come back, how can you choose to escape?"

"Hey, everyone, calm down..."

"Calm down! He had three operations on his knee, and he persisted in the first two times. Why didn't he persist? You are only 30 years old, why are you retiring!"

For a moment, various excited voices hit Eastwood's eardrums and heart. He just leaned on the crutches and looked at the angry teammates with a smile on his face.

Seeing the scene getting more and more chaotic, Tang En finally couldn't hold back and said, "Shut up!"

Everyone shut their mouths obediently, but their eyes were still a little bit annoyed.

"If you treat Freddy as a brother, then respect his decision!" Tang En's face was dark and his expression was quite ugly. "He knows his body best, what are you calling here?" After admonishing the players, he turned to Eastwood and said, "You said that your ideal is to take care of horses and children, and be with Serim. But it's a pity, I have prepared another gift for you, I hope you can accept it..."

Eastwood was a little surprised.

"Everyone here..." Tang En turned and pointed at the players and coaches, "No one wants you to leave."

Everyone nodded.

"So, I don't want to let you go either. I gave you a new contract..."

Eastwood's eyes widened, why didn't he know?Isn't he going to retire?Why is there a new contract?
"Would you like to be the team's coach after you retire?"

After Tang En said this, the stunned players blew their whistles one after another, insisting that Eastwood accept the contract.

"Coach Eastwood!" Someone below took the lead in booing, and everyone followed suit.The coaches of the coaching staff also laughed.

In this way, the hurt and parting turned into a joy for all.

Eastwood looked at Tang En, and then turned to look at the booing teammates around him.The expression on his face changed several times, and finally settled on a smile.

"I'm afraid I'm not capable, boss..." he said with a smile.

"Take your time, you weren't born to be a professional player, were you?"

"I... well, I accept."

Cheers rang out.

The cheering people didn't pay attention, only George Wood looked preoccupied, without a smile on his face.

(End of this chapter)