Chapter 537 - 24: It’s Broken, I’m Broken!
In the post-match press conference, Allegri did not hesitate to praise Chen Zhong when facing the cameras, first affirming Chen Zhong’s contribution to Milan in the 08-09 season.
"Real Madrid is lucky because they have a player like Chen."
"Milan is also grateful for the two championships he brought to the team in the 08-09 season. It was a wonderful season. It’s a pity that when I was coaching the team, he had already returned to Real Madrid, but I can understand."
"He is a product of local youth training, the team captain, with a strong physique, astonishing talent, and very high loyalty to the team."
"He can unite the teammates around him, is a leadership figure, and in this match, he helped Real Madrid’s midfield control the situation."
"Players like Chen, in any team, as long as they are willing to build around him, can achieve some success."
Allegri praised Chen Zhong and didn’t talk much about the loss in this match.
Actually, there isn’t much to say, other than the midfield being completely suppressed by Real Madrid, whether in attack, organization, or defense, Milan’s midfield fell short.
Seedorf, Gattuso, Boateng’s midfield combination against Chen Zhong, Alonso, Khedira’s midfield combination didn’t fall apart, which is already quite good.
Moreover, the value of the opponent’s midfield far exceeds Milan’s midfield.
Real Madrid alone, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Chen Zhong, and Kaka, has a combined value of over 200 million euros, while the entire Milan team in 2010 is only just above 300 million euros.
Among them, Ibrahimovic’s 46 million euro is the most, Seedorf ranks second with 35 million euros, followed by Pato, Nesta, Ronaldinho, whose values are around 30 million euros.
And Real Madrid?
Among the top ten most valued players in the world, three are playing for them.
The first is Messi, valued at 100 million euros, the second is Chen Zhong, valued at 90 million euros, the third is C. Ronaldo, valued at 80 million euros, the fourth is Xavi, valued at 65 million euros, then Iniesta and Kaka both valued at 60 million euros.
This also proves the value of La Liga as the world’s number one league because the top five most valued players are all playing in La Liga.
Then there’s Premier League’s most valued Fabregas and Rooney, both valued at 55 million euros, followed by Villa from Barcelona in La Liga, valued similarly to Torres, Ribery, and Gerrard, all around 50 million euros.
Among the top 25 most valued players in the world, Real Madrid occupies 6 spots.
Higuain, Alonso, Benzema are all listed among them.
Although Benzema has seen very little playing time in Real Madrid, this player, known as "White Ronaldo," still holds great expectations.
Now, quite a few voices are calling on Real Madrid’s No. 9 Negredo, hoping he would wisely step down and make way.
Allegri did not directly address the issues of this match, and the confident Mourinho naturally had no intention of belittling Milan, instead discussing plans for the team’s future.
At this time, a reporter from the United Kingdom’s Sky TV asked: "Recently, Ferguson revealed that Rooney has rejected a contract renewal with Manchester United and hopes to transfer."
"Regarding Wayne Rooney, what do you think about this matter?"
"If possible, I would hope he could join Real Madrid." Mourinho joked as he looked at the camera: "I have always appreciated this player, his physique is strong, and he can achieve a lot on the pitch."
"I look forward to working with him. Of course, his best home is still at Manchester United."
Mourinho paused to emphasize: "Every big club wants to get Rooney, just like no one can refuse Chen’s joining."
"I respect Ferguson and Manchester United, and I hope they can handle it properly."
Mourinho perhaps carries a different sentiment for Manchester United in his heart. After pondering, he unprecedentedly said: "I think he will still stay at Manchester United."
"There might be various reasons for him wanting to leave Manchester United, but I believe he belongs to Manchester United, belongs to Manchester United fans, belongs to Old Trafford. I believe he will still stay at Manchester United."
"But if Manchester United decides to sell eventually, remember to give me a call."
"I really want to cooperate with him."
After hearing Mourinho say this, the reporter pursued further: "Is Real Madrid interested in Rooney?"
In the new season, many say Mourinho has gained the power of transfer at Real Madrid. This time the reporter asked this question, obviously aiming for an in-depth exploration of this matter.
"Everyone is interested in Rooney, but again, I think he will not leave Manchester United, this is how I feel, and this is also my hope, because I like him, like Ferguson, like Manchester United, for him, the best thing is to stay at Manchester United."
After defeating Milan, Mourinho was clearly very satisfied with the team’s performance, as from the post-match data, Real Madrid clearly held the upper hand.
