Germany, Bavaria, Munich!

As the Champions League Final approaches, the entire city is already swept up in the fervor of the event.

With the Champions League Final first, followed by the European Cup, it can be said that the football atmosphere during this period is the most intense.

Although Bayern Munich was eliminated from the Champions League, which slightly dampened the enthusiasm of German fans, it did not hinder the progress of the Champions League Final.

Even though they were eliminated, the meticulous Germans were still very detailed in their arrangements for the Champions League Final.

At entrances to Munich such as airports, train stations, and highway exits, special oversized arches were set up.

There were seven arches in a row, symbolizing that Germany had hosted the European Cup Final a total of seven times.

The meticulous Germans even painted the season and the champion team on different arches.

The last arch was exclusively for the team crests of Real Madrid and Chelsea, with one half white and the other half blue.

In addition, three football-themed parks were opened within the city.

Within the theme parks, matches for various age groups were held, with youth academy players from Borussia Dortmund, Bayern, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and others invited to compete, serving as a warm-up for the Champions League Final.

The parks also featured displays of signed match-worn jerseys from the Champions League quarter-finalists.

Inside transparent glass cases, jerseys rotated, representing iconic players from different teams.

In the front row, undoubtedly, was the star player of Real Madrid, Suker's number 9 jersey on display!

Many tourists and fans were taking photos with the jerseys; most of them hadn't managed to buy tickets for the Champions League Final, but they still came here to experience the football atmosphere.

Not far away, on a seven-a-side pitch, some retired star players also made an appearance.

For instance, Figo, Zidane, Carlos, and other retired Real Madrid stars were there.

They came here both to watch the Champions League Final and to pave the way for their post-retirement business activities through these events.

Of course, the heartthrob Beckham also attended the event with his wife.

However, Beckham was wearing a suit and did not play, opting instead to watch the game.

Croatian Football Federation President Davor Šuker was also invited to participate in the event.

As a former Real Madrid player, Davor Šuker greeted Zidane and others and chatted with them.

They were players from different eras.

Davor Šuker left Real Madrid in 1999, while Zidane only joined Real Madrid in 2001.

But this did not prevent them from communicating.

Both having played for Real Madrid, and with Suker as a common topic, they chatted very happily.

"Don't look at how excellent Suker's dribbling is now, but when he first joined Dinamo Zagreb, he and Luka were run ragged by us!"

Davor Šuker pinched his index finger and thumb, smiling with squinted eyes, "He was just that small back then!"

Upon hearing this, Zidane, Beckham, Carlos, and others around him couldn't help but laugh.

It was the first time they had heard these stories.

"However, this guy adapted very quickly," Davor Šuker shook his head and sighed, "I taught him how to play, but after only a few months, I couldn't teach him anything anymore; his growth was too rapid."

Zidane and the others nodded.

The first time they saw Suker, he was playing as a fast winger.

Besides his speed on the wing, only his shooting was decent.

But after joining AC Milan, Suker's growth began to show exaggerated, leapfrog progress.

Although Real Madrid fans chose to ignore it, Suker contributed half to Real Madrid's title of 'Champions League Round of 16 Specialist'.

"The match is about to start!"

Beckham reminded him.

Zidane turned his head, "Can your left foot still play the violin?"

Davor Šuker patted his chest, "Leave it to me!"

Zidane looked at Davor Šuker's large belly, his eyes full of suspicion.

With the presence of many retired star players, the atmosphere of the Champions League Final gradually became more enthusiastic.

On May 19th, the protagonists officially landed in Munich.

As opponents in the final, Chelsea and Real Madrid arrived at the airport one after the other.

At 10 AM, Chelsea from the Premier League, led by Head Coach Di Matteo, arrived at the airport and took a bus to their hotel.

At 11 AM, the entire Real Madrid team arrived in Munich.

And with the arrival of Real Madrid, the entire airport became boiling.

Compared to Chelsea, Real Madrid had a greater influence and support.

Their shouts for victory were also the loudest.

The team also featured a host of top stars such as Suker, Kaka, Benzema, Bale, Alonso, and Casillas. It could be said that the entire airport was filled with the flashing of camera lights and the frantic clicking of shutters.

In this atmosphere, Real Madrid took a bus to their hotel.

They still chose to stay at the same hotel they used during their Champions League Semi-Final match against Bayern Munich.

The environment there was very good, and most importantly, they could see Allianz Arena, which could add a sense of tension.

Allianz Arena resembled a giant inflatable boat, with many airbag-like structures wrapped around its white oval body. At night, with changes in external lighting, it also offered a unique aesthetic beauty.

Real Madrid still rented the training ground of Munich 1860 for their pre-match preparations.

Since Real Madrid had kicked Bayern Munich out of the Champions League, Munich 1860, to express their gratitude, decided not to charge for the use of the training ground.

Oh, Munich 1860, always so strong!

Their own capital chain was in trouble, and they couldn't even repay their loans, yet they were still doing these things.

The club's operation was poor!

They didn't even know how to be frugal!

Although the cost of renting the venue was not high, every little bit counts; saving a little here and there adds up.

At Munich 1860's training ground, Suker met Davor Šuker.

Before Davor Šuker joined Dinamo Zagreb to retire, his team was Munich 1860, so he was familiar with the place.

Looking at Suker in front of him, Davor Šuker was full of emotion.

Sixty goals in a single season!

Initially, he just wanted to cultivate a successor for Croatia, but he didn't expect to produce a monster!

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Suker frowned, "Did you cause trouble again?"

"Bullshit!"

Davor Šuker cursed angrily, "Do you think I'm a troublemaker?!"

Suker shrugged, "I didn't think that, but you're easily tricked by Mamić!"

"Mamić isn't as bad as you think!" Davor Šuker frowned.

Suker grinned, "See! All those messes you got into before were all orchestrated by that guy. You were sold out and even counted money for him! Besides, did he share any money with you?"

Davor Šuker blinked, "No!"

Suker wanted to continue nagging, but Davor Šuker kicked him in the butt.

Suker smiled and stopped talking. He knew Davor Šuker cared about his pride and he couldn't truly anger the old man.

"How are the preparations going? Are you nervous?" Davor Šuker rubbed his hands and asked.

Suker, "A final! I've never lost one!"

Davor Šuker grinned.

This damn confidence!

But Suker was right, he had never lost a final.

"For this European Cup, UEFA has established a Tournament Fairness Committee, where each National Team in the main competition sends a representative to supervise the fairness of the tournament, including draws, penalties, and other aspects."

After the controversial officiating in the 2010 World Cup, FIFA and UEFA specifically formed this Tournament Fairness Committee to prevent such incidents from happening again and to provide an explanation to the fans.

"UEFA is piloting it, and if the feedback is good, the 2014 World Cup will also continue to use it," Davor Šuker paused, "I plan to send Boban as Croatia's representative to the committee!"

"Boban?" Suker blinked, then stroked his chin, "Indeed, not bad!"

Boban had many shortcomings, but also many strengths.

For example, he would certainly not choose to accept bribes, especially with Croatia as the premise.

Therefore, Boban was indeed a good choice.

Suker nodded, "I understand!"

After a pause, Suker asked, "How is Bilić doing?"

Davor Šuker, "He's still the Head Coach in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the results are very good. I heard he's about to coach Sarajevo Football Club!"

Sarajevo Football Club is considered a powerhouse in Bosnia and Herzegovina football.

Although Mostar Zrinjski also had its glorious moments.

But that relationship is more like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund!

Sarajevo Football Club has always been strong, with numerous championship titles.

As for Mostar Zrinjski, they occasionally surprise, just like during the Suker and Modrić era.

Davor Šuker didn't stay long; he couldn't interfere with Real Madrid's normal training.

This time, he just came to see Suker and chat.

After Davor Šuker left, Suker continued to immerse himself in training.

Inside a cafe in Germany.

Zorancic held Sukic in his arms, and Sukic curiously looked at the bustling crowd and various football elements around them.

On the street, small flags with various Champions League elements were hung on ropes connecting the two sides of the road.

From time to time, some fans would parade through the streets, and some of those wearing white Real Madrid jerseys even loudly chanted Suker's name.

Since Suker had to participate in group activities and had no time to look after Sukic, Zorancic once again took on the role of nanny.

Three people sat opposite them.

Two tall, one short.

They were Mandžukić, Dujmović, and Modrić.

The three stared intently at Sukic without blinking.

They knew Suker had a child, and this was their first time seeing him.

"Ah~~~ It always feel so unreal!" Dujmović rubbed his head: "Suker actually has a child!"

In his impression, Suker was still that arrogant, annoying friend!

He thought Suker would be like him, dedicating their lives to football, but this guy secretly had a child!

"He's exactly like Suker!" Mandžukić exclaimed as he looked at Sukic; "No need for a DNA test!"

"That's right! That cunning *cough cough*" Dujmović cleared his throat; "Those lively eyes, exactly like Suker's!"

Hearing this, the other three all burst out laughing.

"Aren't you going to the training camp?" Zorancic asked.

Modrić: "We had already gone back, but the coach gave us three days off, which conveniently coincided with the Champions League, so we came to watch the match!"

Mandžukić: "It's so comfortable to have a private jet!"

Zorancic said in surprise: "You bought a plane? Where did you get the money!"

"Who are you looking down on?" Mandžukić rolled his eyes.

Although his salary wasn't particularly high, he was still a Bayern Munich player, so he could afford a private jet if he really squeezed his budget.

Of course, it wasn't his plane, but Modrić's.

"I bought it. Roni was getting a new plane, so he was selling his old one. I got this plane at a relatively cheap price!" Modrić smiled; "In the future, I'll always be flying around for National Team matches, so having a plane is indeed much more convenient!"

Modrić's income was the highest in the entire Croatia National Team, apart from Suker.

Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson were also extremely generous to him.

Salary was one part, and commercial income was another.

He could completely afford the maintenance costs of a private jet.

"Chelsea is in a tough spot!" Mandžukić shook his head.

Modrić: "Chelsea has been very resilient in the League, and their form at the end of the season has been excellent!"

"It's different!" Mandžukić shook his head; "This season, you haven't played against Real Madrid, have you? That feeling was simply awful. There are no weaknesses at all. It's the first time I've seen our two wingers struggle to get the ball out."

Modrić: "Robben and Franck Ribéry were restricted, but Real Madrid's Head Coach is Mourinho, and their defense is indeed very solid. If it were Roni..."

Modrić quickly closed his mouth.

Currently, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern Munich are still in contact, and although it's close to being finalized, they need to make the official announcement first.

"Don't hide it!" Mandžukić said impatiently; "Do you think we don't know?"

"Because of this, Franck Ribéry and Robben are incredibly nervous!" Mandžukić shook his head; "We've also heard some news that Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival will take away a starting spot from either Franck Ribéry or Robben, so those two guys are very nervous now!"

Modrić asked: "What's the team's view on this?"

"What else can we think!" Mandžukić shrugged: "After losing in the Champions League Semi-Final, we've been constantly watching that match. We clearly know why we lost the match: our goal scoring efficiency was too low, and we lacked players who could seize opportunities at critical moments."

"Have you never thought that Cristiano Ronaldo is coming to play as a center forward?" Dujmović said.

Mandžukić turned his head; "If he had any ambition, he wouldn't aim for the center forward position!"

It's not that the center forward isn't important enough.

It's just that the role played in the team is relatively singular, unlike wingers who have more touches, tactical importance, etc.

Therefore, Mandžukić was sure that Cristiano Ronaldo was coming to play as a winger.

If he wanted to compete with Suker and Messi, he could only play on the wing.

Didn't Suker, the guy who always clamored to play as a center forward, compromise now!

No way!

The current stage of center forwards has shifted from the 'big center forward' era to 'functional' ones.

Center forwards dropping back to act as a pivot, or organize.

False nine!

Number ten!

These roles are prevalent; they are no longer purely offensive roles!

The reason Mandžukić was able to establish himself at Bayern Munich was largely due to his pivot role.

However, his goal tally might drop significantly next season.

After all, with Cristiano Ronaldo, a highly efficient scorer, coming, he would be a pure pivot!

"By the way, didn't Bayern want to sign two Borussia Dortmund players before? I remember it was Götze and Robert Lewandowski, why is there no news now?" Dujmović asked curiously.

This matter caused a huge stir at the time.

Borussia Dortmund repeatedly issued statements condemning Bayern Munich's poaching behavior, and they were furious.

But from a certain point in time, it suddenly went quiet.

"They ran out of money!" Zorancic took the drink from the waiter, inserted the straw, and Sukic started sipping again. Only then did he say; "I heard that Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer will break records."

Modrić didn't speak, but he smiled.

Mandžukić: "This time the club has made a firm decision, directly using all of the new season's transfer funds. It can be said that this is a huge gamble! If it fails, everything is lost. If they win, honor, funds, etc., will quickly flow back!"

"Thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo, I'm also much more relaxed!"

If Robert Lewandowski had come, he would have had to compete with Robert Lewandowski for a starting spot!

"Don't get pushed to the bench!" Dujmović said with a laugh.

"I won't stand for that. If I really get pushed to the bench, I'll transfer and leave!" Mandžukić said.

"That's right! Go to Real Madrid and find Suker!" Dujmović laughed loudly.

Mandžukić grinned; "Real Madrid is out of the question. Although Lewandowski is good, do you think Benzema isn't good?"

Just with his role as a pivot striker, Benzema has already outshone him.

This season, Suker scored 60 goals, and Benzema alone contributed 10 assists, plus assists to others.

This guy is currently Real Madrid's assist king, with a total of 19 assists this season.

Even when he had a chance to score, he wouldn't shoot; his eyes were full of Suker.

Mandžukić thought he couldn't outshine Benzema!

If he went to Real Madrid, he would only be a substitute!

And the kind of substitute that Suker wouldn't even bother with.

"If they win the Champions League this time, it'll be Suker's fourth title, right?" Mandžukić grinned.

He hadn't even won one yet!

"Srna will have three too!" Modrić reminded him.

"That big freeloader!" Mandžukić said with a look of jealousy.

Of course, Srna was definitely not a freeloader, but he was just so incredibly envious.

Purely from a Champions League perspective, being a substitute at Real Madrid wasn't out of the question!

However, Mandžukić also had ambitions; he still hoped to play a more important role, rather than just collecting titles!

After all, club matches are one thing, but National Team competitions are also very crucial!