Chapter 200: The Christmas Tree 2.0

With Suker's transfer to AC Milan,the great talent auction of Dinamo Zagreb officially concluded.

The genius youths of Dinamo Zagreb were now setting off on their new journeys in the upcoming season.

Suker joined AC Milan!

Modrić joined Manchester United!

Mandžukić joined Borussia Dortmund!

Dujmović and Vukojević joined Lyon!

Pranjić joined West Ham United!

And Srna finally chose Juventus!

Croatia's golden generation scattered across Europe's top five leagues, each beginning their own path of growth.

Together, they burned like a fire!Separated, they scattered like stars across the sky!

Dinamo Zagreb's fans firmly believed these boys would still shine brightly in Europe's top leagues.

As for Suker, after joining AC Milan, he had spent the past month furiously studying Italian.He also never slacked off in personal training.

In the new Serie A season, Suker was determined to deliver an even stronger performance.

[Name: Suko][Height: 176 cm][Weight: 68 kg][Speed: 86 + 9][Agility: 90][Strength: 80][Explosiveness: 93]

[Diamond Card (Special) – Inzaghi's Positioning][Platinum Card (Special) – Marcelo's Ball Control][Gold Card (Special) – Bocchetti's Interception][Gold Card (Special) – Szoboszlai's Left Foot][Red Card (Special) – Andrei's Rocket Shot]

These were his physical upgrades since the Champions League.All skill cards like Rosický's tackling and Romário's toe-poke shots had already been absorbed.

Now, four new attribute cards floated before his eyes.These were his seasonal rewards – four single-use attribute cards.

As expected, a Champions League season brought plenty of card rewards.

Suker planned to use three of them all on strength.The top five leagues meant tougher physical battles – he had to be ready.

He assigned the points.

Updated Stats:[Name: Suko][Height: 176 cm][Weight: 70 kg][Speed: 86 + 9][Agility: 89][Strength: 83][Explosiveness: 94]

Suker glanced over the changes—he'd gained a little weight, and then—

"WTF?!"

Agility dropped?!

Shocked, his brain quickly processed the logic.So... more weight and strength = less agility?

Sighing, he used the final card to boost agility back up.

Sure enough, agility returned to 90 without affecting other stats.Satisfied, Suker finally relaxed.

By midday, Suker was already tinkering in the kitchen for lunch.Now that he had his own place and time, he enjoyed cooking.

His cooking skills weren't bad— though he didn't eat them all the time.He mostly followed a professional athlete's diet: quinoa, salmon, sweet potatoes, spinach, blueberries, eggs, avocado, etc.His meals varied frequently.

As he was prepping lunch—

Ding dong!

The doorbell rang.

"Right on time!"

Grinning, Suker opened the door.

It was Kaká, peeking into the house eagerly. "What's for lunch today?"

Suker rolled his eyes: "Are you trying to order off a menu?"

Kaká waved his hands frantically. "Whatever you make is perfect!"

In the month since arriving, Suker and Kaká had become fast friends.Both young, living nearby, they hung out a lot.Especially after Kaká tasted Suker's cooking—he was completely hooked.

"I should move in!" Kaká said as he sat at the dining table. "We can split rent!"

"That's the fifth time you've said that.""NO!" Suker replied flatly.

Kaká asked, "Why don't you want a roommate? It'd be fun."

"I'm not here to be someone's mom!""You absolute life noob!"

Considering Kaká could spend half an hour just washing his underwear, Suker had no desire to live with him.

Kaká just laughed. "So… training camp's starting soon. You nervous?"

"Why would I be?" Suker shrugged. "I'm always confident."

Kaká smiled. "I've got good news."

"What news?" Suker flipped the salmon in the pan.

"Shevchenko's not leaving anymore!"

Suko: "…"

He erurned. "You sure?"

Kaká nodded. "Yeah, negotiations fell through. He's staying. Great guy too—loves shopping with me. You'll like him."

Like hell I will!

What about my striker spot?!Ancelotti lied to me!

Ding dong!

Another doorbell ring.

Kaká went to answer it.

Standing at the door: Carlo Ancelotti.

"Coach?" Kaká was surprised.

"Is Suker home?" Ancelotti asked, rubbing his nose awkwardly.

Kaká nodded, and Suker appeared from the kitchen.

"You head out," Suker said. "We need to talk."

Noticing the tension, Kaká made himself scarce.

The two sat on the sofa.

Suker got straight to the point. "I need an explanation."

Ancelotti sighed. "That's exactly why I'm here."

"Shevchenko's transfer talks fell through. He's staying. That's the truth."

Suker frowned, but stayed silent.

"This was unexpected, but his staying strengthens the team. That said, my promise to you still stands."

"You mean I'm not a starter anymore?" Suker raised an eyebrow.

"Of course you are!" Ancelotti smiled. "We paid over €30 million for you. You're not here to sit on the bench."

"So what's my position this season?"

"Attacking midfielder," said Ancelotti. "Heard of my Christmas Tree Formation? You and Kaká will be dual attacking midfielders—two No. 10s! Alongside Seedorf and Pirlo—four No. 10s controlling the midfield. And you'll have more tactical weight than ever."

Suker looked at him in surprise.

The legendary Christmas Tree Formation!

After losing to Deportivo de La Coruña in 03/04, Ancelotti had shelved it—but clearly, he missed it.

Now, with Suker and Kaká's explosive abilities, the revamped formation would be even deadlier.

Even in other formations, Suker had higher priority than Inzaghi.

Satisfied, Suker relaxed.

After all, Shevchenko's status in Serie A was unshakable, but Inzaghi was clearly losing his place.

Ancelotti planned to relaunch the Christmas Tree Formation, with:

Shevchenko as the striker

Suker and Kaká as dual attacking mids

Seedorf and Pirlo pulling strings from deep

This was the Christmas Tree 2.0.

"And," Ancelotti added, "we'll offer you a salary and bonus adjustment as compensation for the broken promise."

Suker was surprised.

Honestly, nothing about this was written into the contract—Ancelotti could've been tough and walked away.

But his approach made Suker feel a lot better.

"We're going to be working together. No need for misunderstandings," Ancelotti said. "It's our fault—so we'll make it right."

Suker scratched his head. "Well… you don't have to add salary…"

"Oh?" Ancelotti raised a brow.

"Deal! One-time offer—no takebacks. Coach, want some fish?"

Ancelotti chuckled. "You cheeky brat…"

"I'll pass this time," he said, standing. "First training is in two days. Get ready."

Suker nodded.

Though he lost the striker position, the attacking mid role wasn't bad—especially with a pay bump and tactical prominence.A fair trade.

As soon as Ancelotti left, Kaká returned.They finished lunch and kicked a ball around the yard before parting ways.

Suer went to bed early to prepare for his first AC Milan training.

The 2005/2006 Serie A season would kick off on August 28th.AC Milan would begin training on July 20th.

Last season, AC Milan failed in all three competitions:

Juve won the league

Milan crashed out mid-cup

And they were humiliated in the Champions League final—the infamous "Istanbul Tragedy."

A painful season, filled with missteps.No trophies, and worse, global ridicule.

Now, they were ready for revenge.

On his first day, Suker was picked up by the captain, Maldini, and the two walked into the locker room.

It was already buzzing inside.

As Suker stepped in, cheers broke out.

No need for introductions—they all knew him.

The starters welcomed him warmly.A few backup players, sensing competition, were more reserved.

Some even waited to see him fail.

But with Maldini around, all that tension stayed buried.

"Suker, sit here!"

Kaká waved him over to the seat next to his.

Suker's locker was arranged between Kaká and Inzaghi.

He greeted Inzaghi, who responded coolly.

They were rivals, after all—and Suker was younger.

Inzaghi wasn't ready to be replaced, so while he wasn't hostile, he wasn't friendly either.