Chapter 198 – I Don’t Understand

Zorancic took a red-eye flight to Milan that night.

He had initially planned to scold Suker thoroughly, but seeing Suker calmly going through the medical procedures step by step, he couldn't find the right moment and had to accompany him with a sour expression.

"I heard from fans that there's a famous pasta place in Milan. Want to try it out?"

"Is that the Rainbow Tower?"

"Wow!! That must be the Milan Cathedral!"

Zorancic frowned. "No, the Milan Cathedral isn't that short!"

Suker leaned in.

"You cooled off yet?"

"Cool off, my ass!"

Zorancic snapped angrily, "Didn't you say you were going to stay in Bosnia for a week?"

Suker nodded. "Yeah, I originally planned to stay a week, but after just one day I realized I'd had enough—wasn't very fun."

"Then why didn't you let me know earlier?"

Suker grinned. "I didn't want to tire you out. You were still in Germany discussing endorsement deals. If I suddenly asked you to come here, wouldn't that mess up your schedule?"

Zorancic turned his head. "Well, thanks so much for that."

"Hahahahaha!!"

Suker clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't be mad, don't be mad. I'm all good now. So, pasta for lunch? Milan fans recommend it—it must be good."

Zorancic rolled his eyes. "Let's just eat something simple at noon. You've got the press conference this afternoon. We'll eat properly tonight."

Suker nodded. "Fair enough."

"How's things going with Luka?"

Zorancic replied, "Much smoother than with you. I already rented a place and got them settled in. Luka's official announcement is done. He's just waiting for preseason now."

Suker asked, "What about my place?"

Zorancic said, "Already handled. Boban agreed to rent his mansion to you at a low price."

Suker gave a thumbs-up. "Classy move!"

Milan in Shock!

Suker's transfer to AC Milan sent shockwaves across Europe, drawing the attention of journalists everywhere.

This wasn't just any young star—this was the Champions League Golden Boot joining AC Milan.

And everyone had seen what he did in the Champions League.

Especially AC Milan fans—Suker's performance during the game against Dinamo Zagreb at San Siro was unforgettable.

Now this Croatian wonderkid had joined their club. It was an electrifying moment.

Even the bitter taste of the "Istanbul disaster" had begun to fade.

That day, reporters from all over Europe descended on Milan.

Italian TV stations sent live trucks to broadcast the high-profile signing.

Outside Milan's training facility, crowds of reporters and fans gathered.

For Milan fans, this week had been full of disappointment—but now they finally had a reason to celebrate.

Amid the anticipation, a black van slowly pulled up.

Instantly, deafening cheers erupted.

Milan fans went wild.

The brightest star of the Champions League had become their player.

Next season, Suk would don the red and black and fight for them.

As the van turned into the training grounds, the crowd roared louder.

When Suker stepped out of the van wearing the AC Milan training kit, photographers snapped away furiously.

The flashes nearly blinded him.

Soon, under the guidance of AC Milan's sporting director Dip, Suk entered the press conference venue.

The backdrop bore the Serie A logo.

A long table had three microphones in front.

Front and center—a No. 99 AC Milan jersey.

That's right.

Since he couldn't choose No. 9, Suker opted for No. 99.

Under the eager eyes of the press, Suker sat in the center, flanked by a translator and director Araujo.

Araujo looked proud.

Unlike Kaka's transfer, Araujo had personally overseen every part of this—from recruitment to signing.

This was his achievement.

Once seated, the room quieted.

Araujo cleared his throat and leaned toward the mic:

"First of all, we're proud to announce that the Champions League top scorer from last season, Suker, has chosen to join AC Milan!"

Waaahhh!!!!!! —Clap clap clap clap clap!!

The Milan-based journalists burst into cheers and applause.

Others from around Europe looked a bit disappointed.

After all, they didn't manage to sign the wonderkid.

"Suker is a tremendously gifted player. That's clear to everyone. We believe he will grow stronger through this partnership."

"He will thrive in Milan!"

"Yes! We chose Suker, and Suker chose us—that's a mutual understanding!"

Clap clap clap clap clap!!

The applause continued.

Araujo patted Suker's shoulder, signaling it was his turn to speak.

Suker took a deep breath and pulled out a piece of paper.

He leaned into the mic and said:

"Sorry, my Italian isn't great, but I'd still like to introduce myself in Italian."

Waaahhhhhh!!!

Even louder cheers now.

Though Suker's Italian was imperfect, his effort showed real sincerity.

Compared to players who played for years in Italy and still couldn't speak the language, Suker instantly won hearts.

Even fans watching on TV applauded.

Respect goes both ways.

Suker showed respect to them, and they returned it.

"First of all, I'm thrilled to join AC Milan. This is a great club. Wearing the red and black jersey is a dream for many. I'm proud to now be a part of Milan."

"I've been a Milan fan since I was young. Through countless nights, I followed this great club!"

"From the days of the Milan trio to the legendary captain Maldini, I've always dreamed…"

Inside a Milan mansion, Gattuso, Maldini, Pirlo, Kaka, and others were watching the press conference together.

Gattuso watched the screen intently, looking a bit emotional.

"He's a good kid."

Pirlo smirked.

"Can't you tell he's flattering us?"

Maldini chuckled. "He knows how to win over the fans."

Nesta tilted his head. "…a bit too much, maybe."

On TV, Suker said: "And the handsome Nesta…"

Nesta patted Gattuso's shoulder. "I like him!"

Kaka kept smiling, his eyes on Suker's baby-faced cheeks.

"I kind of want to pinch him."

Kaka reached out and pinched Gattuso's cheek.

Wham!Gattuso retaliated with a hook to the gut.

They all kept watching the press conference. Maldini said, "Holding a signing event now isn't the best timing."

Sure enough, after Suker's speech—

European journalists started raising their hands furiously to ask questions.

Suker answered the friendly ones with patience.

He stuck to Italian, even when he stumbled on words—he gestured and smiled through it.

Watching this, Maldini said, "I think I'm starting to like him too."

But soon, hostile questions arrived.

A clearly antagonistic Italian journalist asked:

"How do you view the 'Istanbul disaster'? Any comments?"

Instant silence.

A fresh wound reopened for the Milan legends.

Everyone's face turned dark.

Just then, the translator suddenly clutched their stomach and rushed out.

Once the translator left, Suker looked confused. "What did you say?"

The reporter repeated the question.

Suker still looked confused. "Sorry, I don't understand. My Italian is… really bad!"

The reporter, frustrated, sat back down to wait for the translator.

But the translator didn't return.

Another reporter asked, "What are your goals for the season?"

Suk replied in Italian: "To score more goals and help the team."

The hostile reporter jumped up.

"You do understand!"

Suker instantly reverted to a confused expression. "What are you saying?"

"You understand!"

"I don't understand!"

"Look! You clearly do!"

"I really don't understand!"

The reporter turned red with rage.

Suker kept up his innocent act.

Pfft!

Kaka couldn't help but laugh.

Soon, the whole room burst out laughing.

"He totally gets it!!!"

Gattuso was clutching his stomach, laughing hard.

"That reporter is going to explode!!"

Pirlo was rolling with laughter.

Watching the reporter tremble with fury—it was both hilarious and satisfying.

The hostile journalist gritted his teeth. "Fine, new question—what did you think of Kaka's performance in Istanbul?"

"Kaka?" Suker scrunched up his nose. "Then you better head to the bathroom."

(Note: "Kaka" sounds the same as "poop" in Italian.)

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Pirlo nearly laughed himself unconscious, slapping the floor as he howled.

Kaka rubbed his nose in embarrassment.

Everyone else was laughing so hard they had tears in their eyes.

The entire press room was filled with laughter.

Suker glanced sideways at the journalist.

You think I read "Totti's Joke Book" for nothing?

I've got zingers for days.

Try me.