Regret? What the hell could you possibly regret?

You've won every honor imaginable—club, national team, even individual—and now you're telling me you have regrets about your career? A Premier League title, huh?!

This was Li Shiguang's first reaction after hearing Rivaldo's words.

So he couldn't hold back any longer and started complaining to Rivaldo: "Dude, you have regrets too? You've won more accolades than everyone on our team combined! Tell me, what regrets do you have that you need my help to achieve?"

Rivaldo realized Li Shiguang had misunderstood and waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "No, no, boss, it's not about those regrets you mentioned! I just want to start at Camp Nou, and that's what you need to help me make it happen."

? ? ?

No, bro! What kind of regret is that?!

Have you never started at Camp Nou? You've been in Barcelona for so many years, the Camp Nou pitch should smell like you by now!

Seeing that Li Shiguang didn't seem to understand what he meant, Rivaldo continued to explain, though his tone sounded a little disappointed: "Boss, do you know why I left Barcelona back then?"

Um?

Under Simone's influence, Li Shiguang keenly sensed the gossip. He subconsciously moved his body forward, perked up his ears, and stared intently at Rivaldo with his bright eyes.

"Hey..." Seeing Li Shiguang's expression, Rivaldo couldn't help but laugh. "Don't be like that, boss! Actually, there are only two reasons. You should know about the conflict between me and Van Gaal, so I won't go into details."

Holy crap? I don't know!

I'd only ever seen rumors online that you liked playing centrally, and that Van Gaal insisted you play on the left, which eventually led to a conflict between you two. But that's all just what's circulating online! I have absolutely no idea what the real situation is!

However, Rivaldo did not give Li Shiguang a chance to ask questions, and continued: "Another aspect is that the Barcelona fans and management really disappointed me. In 2002, the year I won the World Cup with the Brazilian team, I was quite happy, but before I even returned to Camp Nou, I had already heard many Barcelona fans criticizing me for not putting in enough effort at the club, but for being full of energy at the World Cup."

Rivaldo became more and more excited as he spoke, and even started gesturing with his hands.

"But do you know what? That season I was plagued by injuries, but I still did my best to score more than a dozen goals in my limited playing time. Barcelona even got a Champions League qualifying spot that year because of my hat-trick!"

"But the fans didn't accept it. During that time, I didn't know what I should do to make the fans feel that I was valuable to Barcelona. This was completely different from when I came to Leeds United! I did everything I could for Barcelona at the time, but I couldn't see the passion and encouragement from the Barcelona fans! As for the Barcelona management, not only did they not defend me, but after bringing back Van Gaal, they also took the initiative to find me and wanted to terminate my contract!"

"Why···"

After listening to these complaints, Li Shiguang sighed heavily. He knew where Rivaldo's resentment came from, but to be honest, it really couldn't be blamed on the Barcelona fans.

This Brazilian guy is a bit different from the other Brazilian players.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a Brazilian player as serious as Rivaldo! Aside from celebrating goals and team victories, he almost always has a long face, giving the impression that he's constantly unhappy. Moreover, in many public settings, Rivaldo is an extremely serious and aloof person; he neither puts on airs nor promotes himself, which makes him less popular with fans and the media.

Actually, Li Shiguang noticed this as soon as Rivaldo arrived at Leeds United! After watching Rivaldo's entire interview once, Allen even came to ask Li Shiguang if Rivaldo had something on his mind lately, because he didn't seem very happy during the interview!

After understanding Rivaldo's thoughts, Li Shiguang patted the Brazilian on the shoulder: "Ferreira, sometimes smiling more will improve your image among fans and the media."

Rivaldo shook his head: "No, boss, that's just my personality! And as a player from South America and from a poor family, it's this seriousness that made me who I am, and I don't think it's a flaw."

Actually, now that he's nearing retirement, he doesn't care about these things anymore.

Overall, my time at Leeds United has been happy. The fans here don't care who you are; they only care how many goals you score and how many assists you provide for Leeds United. As long as you have a great performance, the Elland Road fans have never been stingy with their applause and praise.

"Boss, you haven't said yet whether I can start in the game at Camp Nou."

"Your physical fitness?"

"Playing most of the game shouldn't be a problem!"

"Okay, I'll think about it..."

····

On February 21, the first leg of the 2006-2007 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 kicked off.

Li Shiguang, who had already led his team to Barcelona that morning, was watching the game with Simeone in their hotel room.

Today, Manchester United and Arsenal will be the first to play as representatives of the Premier League. Perhaps because I know them well enough, or perhaps because their opponents are not too strong, Li Shiguang, who only has one TV, chose the match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

If they can successfully overcome Barcelona, ​​both of these teams could become Leeds United's quarter-final opponents. So it's good to get to know them first; knowing your enemy is half the battle.

To Li Shiguang's surprise, in the 10th minute of the match, Raul received a brilliant pass from Van Nistelrooy in the penalty area, dribbled past Kahn, and sent the ball into the empty net, making it 1-0 to Real Madrid at home!

Just 13 minutes later, Bayern Munich capitalized on a free kick opportunity in the attacking third. Brazilian center-back Lucio leaped high in the penalty area and headed the ball over the bar, scoring an extremely valuable away goal and leveling the score.

But their joy was short-lived. In the 27th and 33rd minutes, Raul and Van Nistelrooy scored two goals in quick succession, giving Real Madrid a 3-1 lead at home.

The two sides then entered a long period of silence until the 87th minute when Bayern Munich pulled one back through a long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area by Van Bommel.

Real Madrid ultimately defeated Bayern Munich 3-2 at home.

In Li Shiguang's view, this result should be acceptable to both sides. Real Madrid won, while Bayern Munich took away two crucial away goals...