In just two Serie A matches, Suker managed to draw three Black Cards:
[Black Card (Special)] Firmino's Interception
[Black Card (Skill)] Lampard's Long Shot - [45%]
[Black Card (Skill)] Suárez's Dribbling
These three Black Cards were extremely useful.They further enhanced Suker's all-around abilities.
Firmino's Interception could directly replace Boschenodi's Interception, which had become almost useless.Firmino, as a prototype of the "shield striker", had excellent front-line interception skills, making him a great fit for Suker.
Of course, AC Milan didn't typically play a high-pressing style, but if Suker caught a chance, he could instantly intercept and launch a counterattack.
Lampard's Long Shot gave him more threat outside the box.
As for Suárez's Dribbling—it was more of a nice bonus.After all, Suker's "shaking" skill (note: likely a nickname or move) was already very strong, and especially with his improved physique and back-to-goal play, it became even more powerful.
In addition, he also had some Yellow and Red Cards.But they were like [Cavani's One-on-One Finish]—skills that might just turn him into a serial chance-misser.So, the key was to absorb high-quality cards.
The Champions League was on the horizon—great news for Suker.Because in the knockout stages of the Champions League, Platinum Cards were guaranteed.That had been proven.
Maybe they occasionally appeared in the league too, but not with the same certainty as the Champions League.
And what Suker really wanted—was a Diamond Card!
He never had the opportunity before, but now that he'd joined AC Milan, he had a real shot.At the very least, the team was already booked for that legendary 06–07 run.
Suker's goal was to go as far as possible in the Champions League.While these old veterans could still run, he hoped they'd win it all.
After the 06–07 season, players like Inzaghi would experience a sharp decline.Serie A would become a retirement league, with players like Ronaldo, Beckham, Ronaldinho, and other aging stars coming in.
At that point, chasing a Champions League title would be much harder for Suker.
"One step at a time—let's start with a strong opener!"
Suker stretched lazily and walked toward the gym area in his villa.
The left wing of his luxury villa had been fully converted into a training area.Treadmills, exercise bikes, bench presses—all kinds of equipment filled the space.
Above was a mounted TV cabinet, letting him watch the news while working out.Behind the area was about 10 square meters of space, connected to a bathroom and a steam room to help his muscles recover.
The only pity—was that the pool in the courtyard had always been unused.
Suker considered throwing a pool party and inviting some beauties over.But he had no "resources"!
Inzaghi kept everything to himself and didn't share.Kaká was a devout Christian and faithful in love—he wouldn't mess around.Maldini, Gattuso, and others all had families—none of them would take him out partying.
Sometimes, Suker thought: "If only Ronaldinho came earlier..."That guy had connections and loved to party—he could've brought Suker along.
Besides, Suker had Recovery Cards.He wouldn't be ruined by a few women.
Even if there were a lot of women—
Hmm?
Suker froze.
Women?
Recovery Card?
Holy crap—what a combo!
With the Champions League returning, all of Milan was buzzing with excitement.This city lived and breathed football—and it was split in two:Red and Black vs Blue and Black.
Most locals chose between these two and remained loyal to their side.For AC Milan fans,Milan belongs only to the red and black.The red and black were their faith.
September 14th—Milan was painted in Rossoneri colors.This was the beginning of AC Milan's new Champions League campaign.
Despite their recent struggles in Europe—Despite being branded with shame—Despite suffering the "Istanbul Disaster"—Their loyalty and love remained unshaken.
As kickoff approached, planes flew overhead, releasing red and black smoke.The trails stretched across Milan's sky like banners of war.On the ground, hordes of Rossoneri faithful marched toward their sacred ground: San Siro.
Champions League nights were more intense than league matches.San Siro was completely overrun by AC Milan fans.
Especially in the south stand—rows of fans held up red and black boards to form a giant mosaic.On the first and second tiers hung a massive banner:
"TU SEI TUTTA LA MIA VITA"("You are my whole life!" in Italian)
At the center of the second tier stood a massive AC Milan crest.
This was how the Rossoneri faithful told their players:
We stand with you.
"Wow, it's really lively today!"
Suker passed the ball to Kaká and looked up at the massive TIFO in the south stand.
"Because it's the Champions League. And the opponent's from Istanbul," Kaká replied calmly, but his nerves were evident.
The name Istanbul still stung the club deeply.It wasn't just Kaká—everyone looked tense.Compared to usual games, this one felt far more serious.
Suker hadn't been part of Istanbul.But even imagining it felt horrible.
"Relax, man," Suker comforted him.
Kaká smiled faintly in response.
Back in the locker room, Ancelotti laid out the tactics.Due to Champions League rules, Suker and Shevchenko were both counted as European players, so they didn't count against the foreign player limit.Kaká, Cafu, and Dida took the three foreign slots.
Tonight, Shevchenko started.Ancelotti believed this was the most balanced setup.
Inzaghi had been doing well in the league, but it wouldn't be fair to bench Shevchenko completely.They needed fair competition.Whoever was in better form—would start.
Starting Lineups:
AC Milan (4-3-2-1):GK: DidaDefenders: Cafu, Nesta, Stam, MaldiniMidfielders: Gattuso, Pirlo, AmbrosiniForwards: Kaká, Shevchenko, Suker
Fenerbahçe (4-3-2-1):GK: Volkan DemirelDefenders: Serkan, Servet, Önder, DenizMidfielders: Selçuk, Osert, AppiahForwards: Yozgatlı, Anelka, Volkan Şanlı
In the tunnel, both teams lined up.
Suker suddenly asked,"Boss, don't we have a chant?"
Maldini turned and smiled,"Like you guys back in Zagreb?"
He remembered the strange chant Dinamo Zagreb used before matches.
"Wanna try one?" Suker asked enthusiastically.
Maldini thought for a second. Yelling together could really pump up morale.
"What should we say?"
Suker grinned:"You shout 'Forza!' and we all shout ''Milan!"
Then he added:"Whoever shouts the quietest—treats everyone to Chinese food!"
"Why Chinese?" Gattuso frowned.
"Because I love it!" Suker pointed to himself.
WHACK!Suker got punched in the gut again—no surprise.
"Only I can shout 'I' like that! Let's go kick ass!" Gattuso growled.
Suker clutched his belly and mumbled,"Butcher! Ugly butcher!"
Pffft!Pirlo was the first to burst into laughter.
The others followed.
Maldini clapped and shouted,"Alright—let's do it!"
He took a deep breath and roared:"FORZA!!—"
"MILAN!!—" everyone roared back in unison.
Gattuso:"LET'S KILL 'EM!"
In that instant—AC Milan's morale skyrocketed.
WHOOOOOAAAAAAAAA—
San Siro exploded in deafening cheers.
Both teams walked out hand-in-hand with their mascots.The young mascots looked around in awe.
A chubby kid stood in front of Suker.Suker poked his chubby cheek with a finger.
The boy looked up, confused.
"Your family must be rich," Suker said.
"How do you know?"
"Because you're not from the youth team."
Ball boy spots were either for youth players or were bought—and AC Milan's were in high demand.Given the boy's size, he clearly wasn't from the youth team.
"I like Kaká. Can you get me his shirt?" the boy asked.
"Want mine?" Suker asked.
"Depends on how you play." the boy said coolly.
Suker patted his head."Forget it then!"
The boy snorted.
A moment later, he turned back."Kaká's shirt!" he pleaded.
"Cheer for me today, and maybe you'll get it." Suker replied.
"That's not fair!" the boy frowned.
He wanted to cheer for Kaká—he was a Kaká fan!
After the ceremony, the players shook hands.
Kaká noticed the chubby kid looking at him with longing.
"What's up?" he asked.
"Nothing. Just don't give your shirt away after the game," Suker said.
"Why?"
"A little fan wants it. But today—he'll be cheering for me!" Suker grinned.
Kaká blinked, then chuckled."You're so evil!"