Football: My AI System Provides Max-Level Predictions

Chapter 891 - 613: Turkish Super League Star Striker + Premier League Cast-Off! Tang Long and Berni's Cross-Border Pursuit!

Obviously, Berni's persuasion for Tang Long's return played a significant role.

A few days ago, Berni went alone to Madrid to visit Tang Long's home.

Gracie prepared a sumptuous Italian meal for Berni, who was touched to the point of almost breaking down in tears. He said:

"Girl, why does your Italian food taste exactly like my grandma's? I'd rather believe you are an Italian's daughter."

Gracie smiled, glanced at Tang Long, and said softly, "Uncle Ben, didn't you know? Tang Long hasn't been able to get used to Spanish paella during his years in Madrid. He says he still prefers Italian food, just like he did back in Manchester."

At that dinner, it was natural for Tang Long to maintain his long-standing habit of not touching any alcohol, while Berni drank one glass after another, getting himself thoroughly drunk.

He slurred his words as he talked about his unforgettable time as a professional player at Inter, and he specifically mentioned Tang Long's debut at Inter.

"Kid, you really had some dumb luck! A rookie from the youth team who got roped in by chance, actually came on as a substitute for Gualin, haha. You have no idea, Gualin's expression in the locker room when he heard Manci say you were substituting him, his face, tsk tsk, turned green instantly!"

"Of course, you did great! Assisting Icardi on your debut."

"Back then, we all thought you were lucky, that the assist was a fluke. Now, it seems we just weren't skilled enough to see through your foresight."

Berni wiped the tomato sauce off his beard with the back of his hand and continued to shovel a large portion of pasta into his mouth, repeatedly saying how delicious it was.

"Gualin was a good guy. Had his father not passed away early, leaving him mentally troubled and drinking excessively, he wouldn't have retired four years ago."

Tang Long couldn't help but interject, "But didn't you also like drinking? When you were a goalkeeper at Inter, you drank quite a bit, didn't you? You turned into an alcoholic."

Berni laughed heartily and downed the glass of red wine.

"I just love drinking heartily. Anyway, as a third goalie, it wasn't my turn to play. Earning 300,000 to 400,000 euros a year, watching games for free from the bench every day, such good fortune, it must have been a blessing from God landing on me."

Tang Long laughed, "So you were also lucky."

Berni nodded, "I indeed had a fortunate life. After retiring and leaving Inter, I went to a night band in New York, toured three continents, but one day I suddenly realized I preferred football to rock music. Even if it meant waving towels and cursing at opponents from the bench, I was happy."

His drunken breath carried a hint of nostalgia for the past;

Tang Long stood with arms crossed, watching him, while Gracie sat to the side, elbows propped on the floral tablecloth, smiling at the bearded man reminiscing.

"When I said I wanted to return to football, Chiwo was the first to contact me. However, he said with my state, I shouldn't think about being a player, but as a goalkeeping coach, I could go to Palermo with him."

"I agreed immediately. Anyway, I wouldn't get to play. What's the difference between being a player and a goalkeeper? Both involve watching the game for free from the sidelines, the same."

In fact, after returning to Italy, Berni had been following Chiwo.

From Palermo to Rome, then to Inter, Berni's role progressed from goalkeeping coach to assistant coach, becoming Chiwo's right-hand man.

But his bad habits of drinking and smoking didn't change, instead, becoming worse. Although Chiwo had reservations about it, Berni was not a player, and given their many years of friendship, he let it slide, only requiring that Berni not smell of alcohol during training.

Berni drank more and more, his face redder than a monkey's bottom, revealing the truth after drinking.

"Tang, I am sure you've guessed it, the purpose of my visit is to hope you'll return to Inter."

"Despite being injured for a season, you're only 29 and a free agent. Returning to Inter is still promising. The fans remember you; they all look forward to your return, so we can defeat Juventus together again!"

Tang Long's eyes brightened at the words "defeat Juventus," nodding slightly.

Ten years ago, when he played for Inter, Juventus was already the dominant force in Serie A.

Even during the season when Tang Long shone at Inter, winning the UEFA Europa League and Coppa Italia titles, they still couldn't shake Juventus's stronghold on Serie A.

Over the years, Juventus continued to dominate Serie A, and fans would say, "The least interesting thing about Serie A, anyway, is that Juventus is always the champion!"

Berni continued, "Look, your little brother Bonazzoli is back, Santon is now the head coach of the youth team, and that Di Marco, wow, he's getting stronger, can hold his own on the left wing."

"Most importantly, Mr. Chiwo is now the head coach of Inter, you know? His first year at Inter was tough. If it weren't for his legendary status, he would've been let go for achieving only ninth in Serie A this season!"

"Since Real Madrid doesn't plan to renew your contract, you might as well return to Inter to support Mr. Chiwo, he really needs experienced veterans like you to stabilize the team."

Tang Long nodded slightly, sinking into contemplation.

Berni's words made sense.

Back at home, Inter would be a good choice.

His knee suffered a serious injury, and in Serie A, where the pace is slower and tactics are emphasized, a veteran's career can be well-extended.

C Luo is a good example.

In 2018, after joining Juventus from Real Madrid, C Luo scored 101 goals in 134 matches over three years, conquering Serie A, before returning to Manchester United, where his scoring efficiency declined significantly.

Back when Tang Long left Inter, he envisioned his choices towards the end of his career, "Half a season is really too short. If one day I return to Serie A, I won't join any team other than Inter."

This also involved Tang Long's affection for Inter!

It was here that he met his lifelong friends Chiwo and Berni, who greatly aided his football start;

He also met Ranocchia and Bonazzoli, two future teammates at Manchester City, with whom Tang Long spent three and a half years.

And Gualin, Handanovic, Yuto Nagatomo, Podolski, in 2015, also joined Premier League teams from Serie A, maintaining a friendly relationship with Tang Long—opponents on the field, friends off the field.

At 29, Tang Long is now a free agent, at the most crucial crossroads of his career.

At this point, the old club extended an olive branch, and Tang Long did not want to refuse.

He wanted to lend a hand to mentor Chiwo and also prove himself again at Inter—the club where his career began.

"Gracie, do you want to live in Milan with me?" Tang Long asked his wife.

Though they haven't had children, once married, Tang Long was not alone; he needed to consult Gracie on this matter.

Gracie's answer was straightforward, filled with humor.

"Why don't you ask Mr. Chiwo if he wants to return to his old job as a team doctor? Having been a housewife for several years, I really miss the working days."

Tang Long was startled, not yet reacting, when Berni spat out a mouthful of his wine.

"Hey, don't scare me, you even sobered me up."

"The daughter of a British prime minister working as a small team doctor for us, hahaha, if you're willing, you come on over!"

Gracie laughed too, quickly explaining that she was joking and expressing that although she'd forgotten her professional knowledge from years of not working, she was willing to go to Milan with her husband to take care of him.

Seeing Gracie had expressed her stance, Tang Long nodded with comfort.

Over the past five years, his wife had fully supported his career, and for that, Tang Long was grateful.

"Uncle Ben, I'm willing to return to Inter, but you have to bring two people back as well." Tang Long made his condition.

"You name it, if you are willing to return, I'd even bring Messi for you!" Berni said excitedly, rubbing his hands, and this time his intoxication truly dispelled.

Tang Long said, "Icardi, Gualin."

Berni exclaimed, "Ah," and said, "Icardi is possible; he's currently playing for Galatasaray in the Turkish Super League, and this season he's the top scorer. In terms of prowess compared to his peak, he's still about 60-70% there. But Gualin, why on earth him? He retired long ago. Back then, not even Tottenham, let alone Championship clubs, were interested in him. Alas, we haven't contacted him for years. I heard he's now in Colombia, spending his time drinking with childhood friends in the slums, squandering most of the salary he earned during his career. He's in a very poor mental state. I doubt he could even run 1,000 meters, let alone play."

Berni stopped midway, noticing Tang Long's determined gaze, halting his words.

"Alright, since you've set your condition, I'll handle it. I'll head to Turkey tomorrow, then Colombia. You just stay home and wait for my news."

Tang Long waved his hand and said to Gracie, "Help me pack a bit, and I'll depart with Uncle Ben tomorrow."