Chapter 425: Community Shield Eve (Daily Transition)

Madrid, Espino Training Base.

"Diego, sorry, we did our best."

"Next summer transfer window, Atlético Madrid will definitely bring you home."

"You have to go back to Chelsea and play another season; I understand your feelings."

Simeone firmly patted Diego Costa's shoulder, his voice full of reluctance and regret.

He looked utterly bewildered.

He had made a great decision to return to La Liga, bringing his whole family to Madrid, preparing to devote the twilight of his career entirely to Atlético Madrid.

The Vicente Calderón Stadium, where he witnessed his own rise, vanished in the flow of history.

The Wanda Metropolitano Stadium is the stage where he will once again cross swords with Messi and Ronaldo.

"You fucking tell me now to go back to Chelsea?"

"And this is a good thing?"

Diego Costa rubbed his face, putting on a sad expression, and tightly embraced Simeone.

"Boss, I will definitely come back."

July 30.

The transfer negotiations between Atlético Madrid and Chelsea concluded.

The reason is simple: the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected their appeal, and the transfer ban on Atlético Madrid will continue to last until January 2018.

Originally set to be cleared out by Conte's team, Diego Costa was instead retained by Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's new head coach said in an interview: "Morata and Batshuayi are still young; many details are handled somewhat immaturely, Chelsea needs a mature centre-forward."

Just like that.

Diego Costa packed his luggage and returned to London with his family.

Public opinion also gradually shifted: shameless tumor, foul-mouthed conspirator, filthy and ugly insider, scum without sportsmanship... the true Blue Army striker, heavy metal killer, indomitable beast, DC Emperor.

On the other side.

Emirates Stadium.

Fireworks blazed, salute guns roared in unison.

The joining ceremony was of extremely high specification.

Arsenal welcomed their old friend: Özil.

Islington fans weren't too thrilled about this transfer: last summer window they sold this guy for 75 million, this summer window they bought him back for 90 million... whatever, the club has money anyway.

Enrique was full of confidence.

Facing the camera, his tone was full of pride: "The Community Shield is the start of a fine season; Arsenal will continue last season's dominance."

August 2: Chelsea lost the subsequent match of the ICC International Champions Cup.

The whole team returned to London's Cobham Training Base.

Without immediate training, Tuchel gave the players three days off.

"Li, are you going home?"

"I'm not going back to France either; I haven't even saved your phone number."

Kanté smiled as he pulled out an old mobile phone he'd used for who-knows-how-many years.

Not entirely out of simplicity.

Possibly a kind of alternative, a "self-psychological protection" that has no effect.

This silly fellow is being "bled dry" by a bunch of relatives, friends, and agents.

Fans often tease: Kanté must join Juventus, the mafia (crossed out)... the Agnelli family will cleanly resolve all his troubles for him.

Does this seem to be the fate of most black players?

The barrier pole swayed gently in the breeze.

"Li!"

Li Kang suddenly heard a familiar voice, turned his head, and saw: Čech!

Removing his tank cap, Čech in a suit and leather shoes.

He is now Chelsea's club technical director.

Morata scratched his head: just two months ago he was still a "triple champion" teammate, now he's become a club official?

Courtois wore an embarrassed expression, silently walking away: the relationship between the two generations of Chelsea's goalkeepers is complicated; originally it was fair competition for the position, but this guy stubbornly crafted his own image into a villainous little man.

Čech remained just as enthusiastic, chatting briefly about the club's summer transfer progress, letting Li Kang know he could approach him anytime with any issues.

"Can you take off your suit, put on a jersey, and play in the match?"

Everyone burst out laughing.

Time flew by.

August 6.

The Community Shield is upon us.

Wembley Stadium, a huge balloon emblazoned with the English Football Association logo rose into the air.

Ninety thousand English fans arrived at the scene.

This great building never lacks vitality: in 2007 the English Football Association launched a "ten-year package" for the rebuilt Wembley Stadium; this year is the final year, and experts predict that attendance in 2018 will plummet dramatically.

"ESPN! ESPN! Good evening, viewers!"

"Now broadcasting live to you is the 2017 English Community Shield!"

"Arsenal versus Chelsea."

"Triple champions versus Premier League runners-up."

Heavenly thunder hooks earth fire.

Mars collides with Earth.

Can the post-Wenger Gunners continue to dominate the Premier League?

Can Tuchel, who favors a three-center-back system, spark a tactical revolution like Conte?

Let's wait and see!

Player tunnel.

Li Kang and Xhaka shared a brief hug.

He scanned the Arsenal lineup, seeing many unfamiliar faces.

Such is the world of football, ever-changing.

Morata grabbed Koscielny and said seriously, 'If I score, I won't celebrate.'

Koscielny quickly pushed him away: 'Kid, talk after you score.'

Morata laughed and tapped his forehead.

The referee crew led the players out of the tunnel.

The thunderous sound erupting from the stands made Wembley Stadium tremble slightly.

Half red, half blue.

Li Kang suddenly heard a system notification sound.

【Ding, mission triggered: Guns and Fire.】

【Mission brief: Don't underestimate this rebuilding Arsenal; when facing your former club, give it your all and respect the opponent.】

【Mission reward: Arsenal Legend Platinum Chest.】

Tuchel and Enrique stood in their respective technical areas, both managers wearing solemn expressions.

Both are newly appointed officials.

Both have reasons they cannot afford to lose.

The wind ruffled Enrique's curly hair.

And Tuchel?

He's bald.

"Now let's introduce the starting lineups for both sides!"

"Arsenal lines up in a 3-5-2 formation!"

"Goalkeeper: Ospina!"

"Defenders: Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal."

"Midfielders: Yin Wobi, La Mu Sai, Er Dayan, Za Ka, Kelaxinaci."

"Forwards: Aubameyang, Lacazette."

ESPN livestream.

-【Without the professor's armory, always feeling something missing.】

-【This lineup is not bad, the front line is even stronger than last season: Bundesliga Golden Boot + Ligue 1 Golden Boot.】

-【Chelsea has the Klopp monster, fears no big eye.】

-【Sigh! The triple crown core is actually on the opposing side.】

"Chelsea lines up in a 4-3-3 formation!"

"Goalkeeper: Courtois!"

"Defenders: Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill, Rudiger."

"Midfielders: Li Kang, Kante, Fabregas."

"Forwards: Hazard, Morata, William."

-【Tuchel not playing three center-backs? Is this match going to be wild?】

-【The playmaker should be Fabregas, Li Kang's attacking attribute will be maxed out.】

-【Chelsea's bench depth is terrifying; just throwing out a 4-3-3 is a championship lineup.】

-【Brothers, keep up; this match is definitely a big one!】