Chapter 254: Chapter 254

Tang Long lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy on the night of victory at the Berlin Olympic Stadium. It was already 5:30 a.m. in China, with the first light of dawn appearing.

On any other day, most people would still be deeply asleep.

But tonight, China was wide awake!

Social media had never been so lively at 5:30 in the morning on any day.

A multitude of football celebrities extended their sincerest congratulations to Tang Long.

He Wei, who had just finished commentating on this match, showed no trace of sleepiness as he posted on social media:

"I have been a football commentator for nearly 20 years, but never has a match excited and thrilled me one!"

"I believe many viewers heard a thud, haha, that was the sound of my fist heavily hitting the table after the referee blew the final whistle of the match!"

"Many viewers were waiting for me to describe in splendid language the scene after Tang Long’s victory."

"But at that moment, honestly, even with the script laid in front of me, I couldn’t utter a single word."

"I don’t know why, but at that moment, I felt that all words paled before Tang Long’s monumental achievements, which confirms that sometimes silence is more powerful than words!"

As a former flagship Chinese footballer in the Premier League,

Former Manchester City player Sun Jihai uploaded a picture of Tang Long hoisting the UEFA Europa League trophy, accompanied by three thumbs-up emojis.

"It’s hard to describe my feelings at this moment!"

"I remember I once said that we Chinese are not suited for the sport of football."

"But right now, I wish to apologize to all the football fans across the country for my past words, and bow deeply."

"Tang Long’s anticipation, strategic vision, and passing skills on the field have reached world-class levels; I stand by my words."

"During my Premier League days, Manchester United was the top team, and I’ve played against them. I genuinely feel that Tang Long could have been a regular starter for Manchester United back then. In some aspects, even Carrick and Scholes were not necessarily better than Tang Long!"

"His success demonstrates that what foreign players can achieve, our Chinese players can accomplish too, and perhaps even better!"

Another flag-bearer of Chinese players’ success in the Bundesliga, posted a picture of himself wearing Inter Milan’s No. 99 Tang Long jersey.

Time has not been kind to Shao Jiayi in the photo.

His temples are slightly graying.

The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes reveal the hardships he has endured.

"Congratulations to Tang Long for winning the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Europa League this season. It’s simply a perfect season!"

"I’m a loyal fan of Tang Long!"

"Since Tang Long joined Inter Milan last November, I have watched nearly every match of Inter without missing one."

"Before Tang Long came to Inter Milan, I mostly watched the Bundesliga and Premier League, rarely paying attention to the traditional Serie A."

"But over these past 7 months, I have not only witnessed Tang Long’s growth but also seriously appreciated the tactical intricacies of Serie A."

"I read Jihai’s commentary, saying Tang Long could have started in his era’s Manchester United. I’ll say, having played against Bayern several times with Cottbus, I feel Tang Long could also start for that Bundesliga giant!"

"The only regret is not having seen a match of Tang Long live."

"Next season, no matter how busy I am, I must personally go to the Meazza Stadium to cheer for Tang Long!"

Fans left comments, replies, and shared posts behind these Chinese football legends.

Both Sun Jihai and Shao Jiayi have left beautiful impressions on Chinese fans.

Once representing Chinese football in the Premier League and Bundesliga, the two had countless fans captivated by the charm of football during weekend nights.

Ma Mingyu, a Chinese star who had a stint in Serie A but never made any appearances,

now, Tang Long has finally filled the void of Chinese players in Serie A and elevated Chinese players on the European stage to an unprecedented height!

In addition to Sun Jihai and Shao Jiayi, other Chinese stars have also extended their blessings to Tang Long.

However, one star’s congratulations were met with ridicule and satire from fans.

That person was Dong Fangzhuo.

Dong Fangzhuo posted a photo of himself holding the 07-08 Champions League medal and tagged Tang Long:

"Congratulations, Tang Long! Seven years ago, I won the Champions League trophy with Manchester United, and seven years later, Tang Long wins the UEFA Europa League with Inter Milan!"

"Now as Chinese, we can finally proudly say that both the Champions League and Europa League trophies have been won by a Chinese!"

Dong Fangzhuo is quite adept at jumping on the bandwagon.

Though his time at Manchester United is well-known, and he has now fallen to playing in the Chinese second division, Dong Fangzhuo, who is skilled at marketing, never misses a chance to glorify himself.

In various meetings and programs, he often boasts about his time at Manchester United, claiming who he knows, and the good relationship he had with Sir Ferguson, among other things.

However, Dong Fangzhuo is in trouble this time!

"Oh my, Brother Dong, could you please stop embarrassing yourself?"

"You’ve only played 4 matches for Manchester United, totaling less than 90 minutes, and didn’t score a single goal. What makes you compare yourself to Tang Long?"

"We all know how you got that Champions League medal; do you think we’re unaware?"

"No denying, back in the day, you were among the best domestic players, even winning a Golden Boot in the Belgian Second Division, all of which are a testament to your talent."

"But today is Tang Long’s night of glory, and here you are trying to ride on his coattails, which is just boring!"

"If you’re at a loose end, I suggest you watch highlights of Tang Long’s matches; it might help you."

"666, I’m about to die from laughter; you still dare show off your Champions League medal."

"Hasn’t Dong Fangzhuo retired yet? Look at how much he’s let himself go. As a professional player, being so undisciplined, sigh, is he like an unfulfilled prodigy?"

"There’s absolutely no comparison to be made! Tang Long won the UEFA Europa League as a key player for Inter Milan, so what was Dong Fangzhuo’s role at Manchester United? We all know without saying."

"Sun Jihai and Shao Jiayi didn’t brag about their Premier League and Bundesliga resumes, yet Dong Fangzhuo keeps harping on about Manchester United; the difference between them is stark!"

Besides insiders within the football circle, people from other sports fields also extended their congratulations to Tang Long.

Liu Xiang shared a picture of himself in his living room watching the game with friends:

"Congratulations to Chinese player Tang Long representing Inter Milan at the European Summit! Whether on the athletics track or the football field, we Asians can be world number one!"

Two-time Grand Slam singles champion, tennis player Li Na, also voiced her thoughts on social media:

"I don’t understand football and have almost never watched it. Today, the UEFA Europa League final between Inter Milan and Seville was the first football match I watched in my life, and I witnessed Chinese player Tang Long’s victory. Congratulations to Tang Long!"

The athletics world, tennis world, shooting, diving, table tennis, artistic gymnastics...

The entire Chinese sports scene is delighted and excited for Tang Long!

Among them are many Chinese athletes who have won gold medals at the Olympics.

They all expressed their sincere congratulations on Tang Long representing Inter Milan at the European Summit.

Tang Long, far away in Berlin, had just boarded a flight back to Milan.

On the plane, he hadn’t had the chance to look at these domestic praises for him.

His mind had already flown to the upcoming Champions League final.

Juventus against Barça!

Winning the UEFA Europa League representing Inter naturally made Tang Long incredibly proud.

But as a professional player, Tang Long understood that the Champions League represents the highest honor a European club can achieve.

Tang Long had already asked his agent Ronaldo to buy a ticket for the Champions League final.

He definitely wants to be there on site to witness what a clash between Europe’s top clubs looks like.

As for his professional career.

Tang Long harbors greater ambitions...