Chapter 144: The Jersey Worn by Maradona

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"Robert needs to rest for two weeks?" Leia asked the team doctor.

"After two weeks, he should be able to play again," the doctor nodded. "It's the old injury, but if you need him sooner, maybe he could be ready in a week."

"No," Leia shook his head. "Let Robert rest properly and fully recover. I don't want to see a Sosa who gets injured, recovers, then gets injured again, only able to play sporadically. The upcoming opponents aren’t too strong, I think we can manage."

"Wise decision," the doctor complimented Leia, though in his heart he looked down on the coach—if Leia hadn’t kept pushing Sosa to play early, would it have come to this? Leia saw through the doctor’s thoughts and sneered inwardly—you're not the coach; you don't understand the pressure! If Sosa hadn’t played injured in those crucial matches, how could we have won?

"If that kid can somewhat make up for Robert’s absence on the field, then let Robert rest well... Our lead has expanded to six points now, so losing a few points seems acceptable."

“Robert out for two weeks... Aaron, now you have a chance to be a starter,” Chu Ran smiled at Long Bisheng in his room, not worried about teammates overhearing.

"There are other forwards on the team, so it might not be me," Long Bisheng laughed, shaking his head. He admitted Sosa’s injury was an opportunity, but besides himself, there were Pia and two other forwards. Why should it be him?

"Our coach’s tactics? I’ve figured them out," Chu Ran smiled mysteriously. "A classic 4-4-2 formation; the captain handles defense through the center, Fontana leads attack and distribution, most offense comes from the wings. There’s an attacker and a playmaker; this strategy needs a forward with strong impact and excellent heading skills in the penalty area. Besides you, no forward can replace Sosa’s role. Carajo is good at positioning, Pia is skillful but lacks impact. The other two hardly play. You clearly showed your worth as a substitute last game—if not you, then who? Don’t worry, the coach might announce your start soon."

"If that’s true, then 21 really is my lucky number," Long Bisheng stroked his chin.

"How so?" Chu Ran was surprised.

"When I was in Qingdao, I became a starter after coming on as substitute in the 21st round. Last match was also round 21. Looks like I should pick number 21 from now on," Long Bisheng said superstitiously.

Chu Ran didn’t mock him—many players choose a lucky number. "Well, try for that number next season... It’s a large number, so no one will fight you for it. Speaking of jerseys..." Chu Ran suddenly chuckled, "Aaron, if you play next match, you might faint from happiness!"

"What?" Long Bisheng was puzzled. Chu Ran only said, "You’ll see when you’re on the field."

Then Long Bisheng finally understood the surprise Chu Ran meant!

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February 17, Friday.

As usual, when there’s a weekend match, Leia announces the weekend lineup after Friday’s training. This is always the most nerve-wracking and eagerly awaited moment for fringe players hoping to appear in the match.

"Now, I’ll announce the lineup and squad for the next game," Leia surveyed the players who had finished showering. "Goalkeeper: Chu Ran."

Chu Ran nodded calmly. This season, he had become the team’s undisputed starter, pushing veteran keeper Yezo to the bench. Though not tall, his incredible reflexes, excellent jumping, and skill at saving one-on-ones made him Leia’s first-choice goalkeeper.

"Defenders: Grava, Maldonado, Romito, Gibilato. Midfielders: Montevino, Fontana, Trotta, Pia," Leia continued. Chu Ran’s eyes lit up—this match Leia assigned Pia to left midfield, so Long Bisheng’s starting spot was secure unless Leia surprisingly started the two forwards who had barely made the squad all season...

Sure enough, Leia immediately named Long Bisheng and Carajo. Hearing his name from the coach made Long Bisheng’s heart race!

His first appearance for Napoli was finally here!

As he thrilled, teammates shouted, "Long! You lucky guy!" Several patted his shoulder, envy on their faces.

Long Bisheng was stunned and stammered, "Wha... what’s going on?"

"Haven’t you figured it out yet? You’re slow!" Chu Ran laughed. "What number did Robert wear in previous games?"

"Number 10, why..." Long Bisheng said instinctively, then realized, "Wait, wasn’t Napoli’s number 10 retired? How come it’s back..."

"The Serie C rules say players on the field must wear numbers 1 to 11, so Maradona’s number 10 jersey was brought back this season! Previously, Sosa wore it. This match, you’ll wear it! I’m so jealous—I should have chosen to be a forward, then this chance wouldn’t be yours," Chu Ran shouted excitedly.

Long Bisheng was stunned.

Since Napoli retired Maradona’s number 10 jersey in August 2000, no one had worn the legendary jersey. If Napoli hadn’t been relegated to Serie C, no one would have worn number 10 again. But with relegation, the number was worn by another Argentine, Sosa. Now, it was to be worn by Long Bisheng.

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"Why me?" After training, Long Bisheng caught up to Chu Ran. "Others could wear it too, right? Why does a rookie like me get number 10? Fontana is the midfield core; isn’t it normal for him to have number 10?"

"Because number 10 is traditionally a forward’s number," Chu Ran laughed. "In old football matches, players wore fixed numbers 1 to 11: 1 goalkeeper, 2 right back... 9 right winger, 11 left winger, and 10 the forward. So Fontana wears 8, Carajo 11... If you don’t wear 10, then who will?" Chu Ran looked at Long Bisheng teasingly.

"I see... this is huge!" Long Bisheng said excitedly. "If I tell my father, he won’t believe it—wearing Maradona’s number..." Chu Ran continued, "Aaron, take some good photos before the next match—this is truly memorable! And if you’re lucky to play in the last match of the season, you might become the last player to wear Maradona’s Napoli number 10! Because next season we’ll be in Serie B, unlikely to return to Serie C, and then number 10 will be retired again. You must seize this chance."

"That’s easier said than done. By then Sosa will be back healthy, so I might not even get the chance," Long Bisheng smiled.

"That’s why you have to perform well," Chu Ran waved. "Try to take Sosa’s starting spot... You know Maradona’s status in football history. Being the last player to wear Napoli’s number 10, and a Chinese player at that, with the media hype on European players back home, you’d be famous for sure!"

Long Bisheng was moved by Chu Ran’s words—this temptation was irresistible, especially for an unestablished player. It was the perfect path to fame!

"Next few matches, score more goals to secure your spot. Last game you had many assists but few shots. You need to shoot more and score more to stabilize your place!" Chu Ran continued.

Long Bisheng thought for a moment and shook his head. "I don’t agree. I’m no match for Sosa, especially in experience. If I act too independently on the field, teammates will lose trust. I have to do what’s expected of me, not just chase goals. A tactical center forward’s role isn’t only to score."

Chu Ran nodded secretly, then suddenly said, "You’re right... How about this? Before the last match, I’ll find a way to get Sosa injured in training, then you can wear number 10... How’s that?"

"Brother Chu Ran!" Long Bisheng shouted angrily. "How can you say that! Injuring a teammate for a hollow honor? What kind of thing is that!"

Long Bisheng glared at Chu Ran, who stared back silently. For a moment, both fell silent.