Chapter 403: Confederations Cup! (Daily Transition)

The Confederations Cup has been held every four years since 2005.

FIFA defines it as a 'multifaceted' international tournament second only to the World Cup, a prelude to the World Cup.

The teams that qualify for the finals are the continental champions from each continent, the previous World Cup winner, and the host nation.

Another purpose of the tournament is to test the host nation's qualifications for hosting the World Cup.

Because the Confederations Cup's predecessor was the King Fahd Cup, wealthy oil-rich states greatly increased the starting prize money.

In the 2017 Confederations Cup, the total prize money was 20 million US dollars.

The group draw results were announced on November 28, 2016.

Group A: Russia, Mexico, Spain, New Zealand.

Group B: Germany, Chile, Australia, Cameroon.

Li Kang had no conflicts with Arsenal's senior management.

Arsenal did not experience any internal strife.

Due to a last-minute national team call-up, he missed the gathering date in Madrid, and after communicating with the coaching staff he decided to fly directly to the national team's training base in Kazan.

Sir Keswick personally led a group of Arsenal executives to see him off at the airport.

"Li, the sponsorship fees from advertisers and the club for contract renewals will be paid normally into your agency's account as long as they involve your image rights."

"The LED screen on the outer wall of Emirates Stadium will continuously display your jersey number."

"The Arsenal museum and hall of fame will forever remember your contributions."

Gazidis spoke calmly, completely forgetting that he had repeated these words several times already on the way.

Young Kronke took Li Kang's left hand and said, "It's a pity, Li... once certain issues are resolved, Arsenal will spare no expense to bring you back."

"Sorry."

Young Kronke's gaze was sincere, his tone earnest.

The club executives behind him remained silent.

If the Kronke father-son duo and Usmanov and the other two hundred-plus shareholders would stop their palace intrigue, why couldn't Wenger and Li stay at Arsenal and renew their glory?

Arsenal's equity struggle could fill a book: Emirates Stadium's cash flow, conspiratorial share splitting, self-interest, bloodline feuds, asset distress, Anglo-American hostility toward Soviet capital, introducing the American professional manager system, zero capital injection, and conflicts over equity dividends...

Too much, too much.

A book that couldn't be finished even with hundreds of thousands of words.

As for fighting for fourth place, selling the captain... selling the triple crown core, they are merely reflections of the equity chaos, and Wenger is nothing more than a scapegoat bearing the fans' wrath.

In a certain sense, Arsenal is no longer a football club.

The only hope is that in the future the Kronke father and son will fully own Arsenal, ending the chaos of equity struggles; even if the club is seen merely as a profit tool, at least it will begin investing in transfer funds.

"Li, sorry..."

Young Kronke sincerely repeated his apology.

Li Kang smiled.

He didn't take the other's words seriously.

The transfer process is expected to begin after the Confederations Cup ends, and the farewell ceremony will also take place during that period.

The story splits into two.

Robert is in for a rough time.

Emirates Stadium gathered a large number of protesting fans, who held up banners and posters urging Li Kang to stay.

"The photo of the 'sinner' Robert was burned..."

Extreme fans sent countless "death threat" letters, flooding the office like snowflakes.

This Arsenal sporting director, newly appointed less than two months ago, has already experienced the pressure that Wenger has endured for years.

On the other side.

Tottenham fans in bars big and small across North London launched a wild celebration...

Even more exciting than when the rivals stirred up an "anti-Wenger" wave.

"So what if we won the triple crown?"

"Next season we'll be trampling you underfoot!"

Kazan, the temporary training base of the Spanish national team.

Squirrels darted between the two oak trees, occasionally pausing, pricking up their ears, and gazing toward the distant players.

"Wasn't Germany supposed to send young players for training? Why did they send a bunch of starters like Rodri, Kroos, Boateng, and Nouri?"

"Chile is the same, fielding their full Copa América champion squad."

"Russia and Mexico are also quite troublesome."

"The weather in Kazan is really pleasant; I plan to visit the Kul Sharif Mosque and the Suyumbike Tower tomorrow."

"Those Russian girls outside the base are really annoying, asking all day why Li hasn't shown up for reporting."

"Pique, why are you spacing out again? What are you thinking about?"

The players were doing rondos on the pitch, chatting intermittently.

David Silva, Iniesta, Cazorla and a few other older players were not called up for various reasons.

De Gea's gaze swept over these teammates; he found them unreliable, especially that guy Pique.

The Golden Glove award for this Confederations Cup is up for grabs.

Muniain also worried: Spain is just one Confederations Cup title away.

In the Confederations Cup final four years ago, the bullfighting team led by Llorente was blown out by Brazil, conceding three goals and missing out on the title.

"Don't overthink it; even if eliminated in the group stage, there's still a $2 million share."

The Spanish assistant coach could only console himself in this way.

Suddenly.

He faintly heard a cheer coming from afar.

He followed the sound and looked.

Bosque and Li Kang, wrapped in bandages, were walking slowly toward them.

"Li!"

"Li!"

The teammates abandoned practice and, together with the coaching staff, eagerly went to meet them.

Bosque's small moustache lifted, his big belly protruding, he hurriedly shifted his feet to shield Li Kang ahead.

"Stay calm, don't bump into Li!"

"He just finished his physical, reapplying medicine and bandages."

"Don't swarm him like a bunch of flies—Li isn't... pah pah pah!"

"Especially you, De Gea!"

"And what are you up to, Yin Si Ke?"

Minamino blocked the player lunging at Li Kang.

He suddenly noticed something: the players' eyes had regained their spark and confidence.

It turned out Li was the spring... soul of the Bullfighters legion!

Before departure, the national team's coaching staff decided: they would rather drop a player from the roster than leave the injured Li Kang behind in Russia!

He is the helmsman of the Bullfighters fleet!

Li Kang briefly embraced everyone.

A system prompt sounded in his mind.

【Ding! Main quest triggered: Confederations Cup champion!】

【Quest brief: A light and enjoyable journey—use your performance to conquer Russia's fans... What! Chile and Germany have fielded their starting lineups!】

【Quest reward: Confederations Cup legendary chest!】

They didn't linger long on pleasantries.

Minamino then led him to the dormitory, all the while concerned about his injury.

At this Confederations Cup, according to the plan, Li Kang, as the mascot, will not be fielded by the coaching staff.

After settling Li Kang's lodging,

Minamino returned to the training ground.

Two team doctors suddenly jogged over and handed over the medical report.

The coaching staff took it, looked, and were stunned.

"What?"

"Li's hand injury isn't serious? He's not Messi—how could he recover so quickly!"

"You must be mistaken—do you think Arsenal's medical staff are veterinarians?"

"No, we can't take the risk."