Chapter 79 Reimbursement For The Season? Su Luo Is The Next Michael Owen?
Duan Xuan's commentary seemed to set a high benchmark for Union Berlin. They defeated Borussia 3-1 in the league, followed by a commanding 4-0 victory over Leverkusen and a thrilling 3-2 comeback against Frankfurt. In the cup, they triumphed over Wolfsburg again with a close 3-2 win. Three of these four opponents hold significant stature—second, third, and fourth in the league from last season—making them formidable adversaries alongside Bayern!
Given their consecutive victories, Union Berlin appeared unstoppable. Their next game away against Hoffenheim was expected to mark their fifth consecutive win. However, after a full 90 minutes, the atmosphere at the Rhein-Neckar Arena was electric.
In this Bundesliga clash, Hoffenheim's Tian Blue players embraced each other in celebration, as if they had clinched the championship.
"Union Berlin, who started the season so dominantly, surprisingly goes down!!"
"With Hoffenheim's fierce determination, they secure a 1-0 home win over Union Berlin!"
"The newly promoted team suffers their first Bundesliga defeat."
"Though losing a match isn't critical. What everyone truly worries about is Inlo's injury."
The Bundesliga campaign began routinely, with both sides testing each other. However, Hoffenheim's play turned rougher as the match progressed. The referee's leniency with penalties left many fouls unpunished, escalating tensions.
In the 36th minute, Hoffenheim pressed aggressively. Union Berlin seized an opportunity during a counterattack. Su Luo exploited the opponent's defensive gap, executing continuous dribbles into Hoffenheim's penalty area.
Desperate, the Hoffenheim goalkeeper abandoned the goal to confront Su Luo's solo effort. Despite attempts to dribble past the keeper, Su Luo was struck unexpectedly from behind by Hoffenheim defender Abraham's reckless tackle. The collision left Su Luo writhing in pain on the ground, clutching his knee.
In that moment, Su Luo felt a chill. Was this his fate, carrying Da Luo's burden at twenty?
Union Berlin erupted into panic. Coach Neuhaus anxiously urged his team, "No mistakes!"
The team doctor swiftly assessed Su Luo and signaled for a substitution. Su Luo was stretchered off, staring blankly at the sky. The Steel King of the League had Union Berlin fans fearing the worst.
In the stands, Uncle Hans and others fell silent, praying for Su Luo. Little Anya and numerous female fans, watching on TV, couldn't hold back tears. Seeing Su Luo's desperate expression on the stretcher was heart-wrenching.
With Su Luo sidelined, Silvio substituted as striker. Union Berlin's attacking prowess diminished, failing to break through Hoffenheim's defense. The team's morale sagged, allowing Hoffenheim to score.
After a hard-fought 90 minutes, Hoffenheim secured a 1-0 victory at home, halting Union Berlin's four-game winning streak.
After the match, teammates anxiously crowded the bench, inquiring about Su Luo's condition.
"How's Su?"
"Is he okay?"
"Any news on his injury?"
Assistant coach Hofstadter could only shake his head wryly. "He's at the hospital for examination. We should have updates tonight."
In the post-match press conference, Hoffenheim coach Markus Guisdor expressed sympathy for Su Luo. "Such a talented young man shouldn't be sidelined by injuries. I hope he recovers swiftly and returns to the pitch soon."
"We gained from this match, but it's regrettable we couldn't face Union Berlin at their peak form."
Union Berlin coach Neuhaus brushed aside questions about the game. "I'm only concerned about Su Luo's injury. He's at the hospital, and we're hoping for positive news."
Abraham, who fouled Su Luo, defended himself, "I never intended to injure him. I just wanted to stop his attack. The yellow card was the referee's decision; I was prepared for a red."
Infuriated Union Berlin fans took to social media, questioning the referee's leniency. "Did the ref take bribes? Is this the gold-dollar football they talk about?"
"A last-defender foul like that should have been a straight red card! How did the ref ignore it?"
Union Berlin appealed to the German Football Association, but no action was taken against the referee. However, fans' primary concern remained Su Luo's condition.
Everyone asked the same question: How is Su Luo?
Su Luo found himself dreaming again—of a previous life, a life caught in a dead-end job, aimlessly going through the motions. During Chinese New Year visits, pressured by his parents to settle down, he awkwardly endured blind dates and movies.
During one movie, a blonde beauty leaned against him, reminiscent of Erica Schmidt, the "Most Beautiful Internet Celebrity Athlete."
Suddenly, the screen transformed into a stage where Taylor Swift serenaded him. Josephine's cold, handsome face appeared on his left.
"Were you involved with her?" she demanded, clutching his neck.
"Lo, Lo... are you okay?"
Su Luo woke to see Josephine's worried face, still dressed in unusual attire, her makeup smudged, eyes red and tired.
Glancing at the wall clock—5 a.m.—he realized she'd stayed the night.
"You stayed all night?"
"Just wanted to ensure you were okay... How do you feel?"
Su Luo tentatively moved his legs, feeling a dull ache in his right knee. Pain was a good sign; it meant it likely wasn't too serious.
"I'm okay."
Recalling the hospital, where doctors, amidst gossip, assured him it wasn't dire.
Soon, the attending physician arrived, examining Su Luo's knee and taking notes.
"It's not severe. The surgery went well, and you'll walk and run normally. However..."
"What is it?"
Josephine looked more anxious than Su Luo.
"Watching your games, I fear you may have to retire from football."
His words struck them both deeply.
"It's an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Not severe, but recovery will take at least six months. You're strongly advised against intense sports."
As the doctor left, Su Luo sat in stunned silence. Josephine held him, tears streaming. She knew what football meant to him. If he had to leave the game, she couldn't bear to think how it would affect him.
But now it was Su Luo who comforted her.
"Don't worry. I'll be back on the field in less than two months."
"Take care of yourself first."
Looking up at Su Luo, Josephine's eyes were red.
"Su, focus on your recovery. The team and I are here for you."
Morning brought visits from Coach Neuhaus, assistant Matushka, Glarish, and the team. Without Su Luo, Union Berlin's strength plummeted, but everyone wanted his recovery undisturbed, knowing ACL injuries were prone to recurrence.
Ronaldo, Del Piero, Baggio, Michael Owen, Falcao, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and NBA stars like Derrick Rose and Klay Thompson—many had faced career setbacks from similar injuries.
Especially Michael Owen, once a prodigy, whose career spiraled after serious injuries.
A minor misstep could leave Su Luo vulnerable to recurring injuries.
Su Luo, clearly a peerless genius poised to rival Melo, now faced a devastating setback. Neuhaus and his teammates were deeply saddened.
"If he can't return to his previous form..."
"It's a loss not just for Union Berlin, but for the entire football world!"
"Su, we're waiting for your comeback!"
"Yes, everyone's eagerly awaiting your return!"
Teammates rallied around Su Luo with encouraging words.
Since Su Luo needed rest, they soon left after some casual chat.
Shortly after, hardcore fans Uncle Hans, Bud, Hogan, and others arrived in Su Luo's ward along with Anya.
Anya burst into tears upon seeing Su Luo, still wearing a woolen cap, looking fragile.
At just 15 years old and still in school, she'd taken the day off to visit Su Luo.
"Su, I hope you recover soon. We'll welcome you back with grand celebrations at the stadium."
"Yes, your health is all that matters. The team's in good hands; focus on your recovery."
Uncle Hans and the others comforted Su Luo, treating him like family.
"The 17-year-old Chinese player is like family to us."
"Brother Su Luo, this is for you," Anya handed him a red wool bracelet, matching the Union Berlin fans' scarves.
"I made it myself. I hope you get well soon."
"Thank you, I'll treasure it." Su Luo took the bracelet, gently ruffling Anya's hair.
Anya blushed.
After Uncle Hans and the others left, Josephine took Anya aside for a chat outside the door.
Meanwhile, Su Luo rested his arms on his head, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Despite his injury, he felt surprisingly calm. Could it be the influence of the illusion enhancing his physical recovery?
But what about his injury? Would it heal quickly too?
It seemed he'd need to visit a nightclub soon. After all, he hadn't cared about Wolfeburg's last game.
How was the fifth player's progress coming along?
He hoped for an ironman player, like "Professor Bu" Busquets.
The Barcelona midfield engine was a true ironman, missing only 14 games due to injury in his decade-long career, and playing over 700 consecutive matches for Barcelona!
He wasn't made of glass like some other players; his subconscious protected him during fouls.
Professor Bu's intelligence, positional sense, and passing abilities would greatly benefit Su Luo.
Compared to De Bruyne's active style, Professor Bu could provide a passive skill, akin to Inzaghi.
Of course, it didn't have to be Professor Bu. Players like Reiss Bell or Mbappe, extreme speed forwards, would also suit Su Luo.
In short, it was time to plan his nightclub visit.
That same day, Union Berlin officially announced the grim news: Su Luo would be out for at least six months with a cruciate ligament injury. If severe, he might miss the entire season.
Union Berlin fans were devastated. Just when the team seemed on track for a miraculous season, Su Luo's absence threatened their top-four ambitions.
It was a relief for teams like Wolfesburg, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen—the absence of Union Berlin's dynamic offensive force, the "agitator," guaranteed their positions were safe.
Even Bayern Munich's coach, Pep Guardiola, breathed easier. After the sensational 4-4 draw at Union Berlin, losing Su Luo for the season meant one less major challenge.
Lewandowski, Kisling, Aubameyang, and other forwards also felt relieved. Su Luo's 18 goals in 7 games overshadowed them all.
But now, fans began questioning their abilities.
On the Bayern forum, some criticized Lewandowski, noting, "At 17, he scores hat-tricks. What's Lewandowski done? Only four goals so far?"
Lewandowski had been overshadowed by Su Luo all season. Now, finally, he saw a chance to shine.
"I hope that troublemaker takes a longer break. It might give me a chance to overtake him."
Kevin De Bruyne, upon hearing the news, felt regretful. He'd planned to face Su Luo again on the pitch.
"Why now, of all times?"
De Bruyne wished he had Su Luo's contact information, eager for a rematch once Su Luo recovered.
After a day of consolations, the night brought peace.
"I'll head home, change, and come back in fresh clothes."
Josephine, concerned for Su Luo, rushed from Milan, only stopping to remove her makeup in the ward's bathroom.
She intended to stay and care for Su Luo.
"What do you need? I'll fetch it from your villa."
"Just rest well. Go to my place and take a bath in the jacuzzi."
Su Luo embraced her.
"Go on, be serious."
Josephine tried to resist his playful advances. "I'm serious. You haven't slept properly since you got back from Lanlan?"
"But..."
"Is there anything I can't do? Call a nurse if you need. Focus on getting some rest."
"I... okay."
"Good. Be good. I'll go back and get some sleep. I'll return early tomorrow."
"Okay. And don't forget my 3DS."
"Sure, no problem."
Josephine kissed Su Luo lightly before leaving, clearly tired and in need of rest.
After she left, with no nurse in sight, Su Luo gritted his teeth, propped himself in a wheelchair, threw on a coat over his hospital gown, and took the electric wheelchair straight to the Berghan night market base.
"Going to a nightclub with an injured leg. Probably not many people do this."
Su Luo chuckled self-deprecatingly.
"This time, I'm truly convinced I'm the 'Little Prince of Nightclubs.'"
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