I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 890: Chapter 5: Mastery and Retirement_2

"But if I were a coach, I would want to be Emery. Emery has had a great influence on my career. I worked with him in Almeria and Sevilla, and he’s a coach who’s won many championships and leaves his mark wherever he goes. My time with him left a deep impression on me; he is a role model."

The reporter then asked Negredo why he wanted to retire, when he decided to retire, and how long he thought Chen Zhong’s career would last.

After a brief moment of thought, Chen Zhong’s close friend spoke up: "This wasn’t a decision made overnight; it’s something that happened gradually. You’re no longer a starter, your playing time is decreasing, and your body tells you the answer. I wanted to continue, but couldn’t find any appealing options. I thought it over carefully and realized my body couldn’t keep up with the pace of the rising young players."

"It’s hard for me; it’s a difficult time."

"And after retiring, I suddenly found waking up in the morning and realizing I don’t need to train is painful. Time will find its way, but the adaptation process is complicated."

"As for Chen, he is much younger than me; he still has time left in his career. I think he will retire at Real Madrid, after all, he is truly a legend."

The reporter continued to inquire: "In the farewell video, you said ’Thank you football’. Specifically, what are you thanking?"

"Thanks for everything football has given me. It’s my way of life, it makes me happy, it gave me friends, and it allowed me to see the world. I must be very grateful."

"Do you think the 2012 European Cup was your most successful moment?"

"Yes." Negredo became increasingly at ease, speaking: "From a professional standpoint, it was impressive. Few can have such a title. Since I was young, I played wearing my country’s colors, participated in matches, and realized my dreams."

Questions from the two of them came up more frequently, and soon it moved to the part about Real Madrid.

The reporter asked: "In these twenty years, when were you happiest?"

"In many places." Negredo hesitated: "If I have to name one, I would say Sevilla, because I grew in many aspects, and I was very happy."

"Of course, also at Real Madrid, supported by Chen, Guti, and Raul."

"I have always been thankful to them. Raul and Guti are the ones who care most for the young players. They love us deeply, encourage us, push us forward, and provide help when we need it. They are people very close to me."

"Chen is a very good friend. At that time, I faced a lot of competition and challenges at the center forward position. Some said it’s because of him that I could secure the starting position, and I think that statement is half true!"

"He did indeed sway the team in considering and leaning towards me, but I also truly was a puzzle piece in the front court. It’s just a pity, not having won the Triple Crown with the team."

"Which Real Madrid player surprised you?"

When the reporter asked this question, Negredo showed a knowing smile, looked at the reporter, and said: "You know, I really want to say Chen, but I still want to say Ronaldo, whom I trained with."

"I was lucky to train with my idol Ronaldo. Experiencing it firsthand was truly amazing. Even before I saw him up close, he was my idol, and even more so afterward."

"Of course, if you mean teammates I played with, I would undoubtedly say Chen."

"Was it sad to leave Real Madrid?"

Negredo turned his head to glance at the reporter and said: "Actually, I was sad, but I don’t regret leaving."

"When I played alongside Chen, I was truly happy, and later, someone sought me out, so I left."

"I left Real Madrid because it is a club with high demands, and I couldn’t play in the way I wanted."

"I needed more than occasional appearances, and I don’t regret leaving. I’m grateful for Real Madrid’s training and values, but later, I had to follow my own path."

When Negredo played for Real Madrid, he dressed as a supporting character in the team, and on the field, his goal-scoring efficiency significantly declined, which is someone who enjoys scoring goals. When he left, he communicated with Chen Zhong, and ultimately, Chen Zhong chose to respect Negredo’s decision.

"Which teammate left the deepest impression on you on the field?"

"Oh~"

Negredo looked at the reporter as if saying, why are you like this?

He spoke: "There are many."

"Besides Ronaldo, I can say Kanoute, Jesus Navas, Aguero, and David Silva. If I must choose, I might pick between Chen and Silva. I got along well with Silva during my time at Manchester City."

"As for Chen, well! I still choose Chen, and I hope Silva can forgive me."

"Have you ever cried for football?"

Negredo’s smile faded, he looked at the reporter, and said: "Yes, especially in the final stages."

"I’ve always wanted to participate in matches; when the game couldn’t proceed, when I couldn’t play, the anger inside me expressed itself in this way. Those were helpless tears."

"Anyway, very few people saw me cry. In the locker room, I put on a good face and kept my frustration inside."

"Would a psychologist be helpful to you?"

"Of course, yes. Now, while working with the kids at Sevilla C, I realize you need a professional who knows how to manage disappointment and teach you how to solve problems. When you need help, you must seek help."

"Was the most painful moment when you couldn’t participate in the 2010 World Cup?"

"Without a doubt." When Negredo mentioned this, the frustration on his face was clearly visible, he spoke: "I was on the provisional list, participated in the first training camp, and I really anticipated it."

"I admit, I was really disappointed."

"Watching the match on TV was painful, even though when we won, my teammates and my country were extremely happy."

Not only Negredo, but Juan Mata also retired. However, it was in 2024, and Callejon will also retire this year; however, the 38-year-old Callejon retired earlier than Negredo.

He announced it at the end of the season, and Negredo did so two months later. Clearly, during this period, he tried to see if he could play again.

38-year-old Callejon came from Real Madrid’s youth training, and after three years at the Spanish team, he returned to his mother club and then transferred to Naples two years later.

Naples became the most significant Chapter in Callejon’s career, where he appeared a total of 349 times. Subsequently, he played for Fiorentina and Granada, and last summer, he arrived at Marbella, marking the last stop of his career.

The major honors in Callejon’s career were from Real Madrid and Naples.

In 2024, Mata, though a free agent, did not retire immediately; he wanted to endure a bit longer, but unfortunately, couldn’t find a position that needed him. However, he later succeeded in joining the Australian Super League, and after spending a joyous last period, he chose to retire.

While Chen Zhong was still feeling melancholic, Granero found Chen Zhong, who also retired and achieved remarkable success in business post-retirement.

Time has left its mark on both of their faces, but friendship won’t fade with time.

He gave Chen Zhong a big hug, then said: "They are all waiting for you!"

"Now you are the only seedling left!"

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