Chapter 356: The Focus of Europe

Suker's consistently brilliant performances have drawn the attention of all of Europe to him.

Not only is the Italian media going wild, but media outlets across Europe are also frantically reprinting stories about Suker.

The London Sports Daily (UK):"Croatian Super Striker! The New Era Suker is Even More Terrifying!"

Marca (Spain):"He is the Ronaldo of a New Era! Unmatched in explosiveness!"

Kicker (Germany):"Twelve goals in eleven league games, six goals in four Champions League matches—he's the hottest striker in Europe right now!"

Apennine Evening News (Italy):"Just a pure striker? No! He's a multifunctional forward—he's all-around!"

Among these reports, Gazzetta Milanese even published a detailed piece on Suker's career.

"A star who emerged from the flames of war, rising from the third division in Bosnia to the lead striker of a European powerhouse—Suker's journey to chase his dream has never been an easy one!"

"In 1990, a church-run orphanage in Croatia took in a child named Suker."

"According to the old director of the orphanage, the moment he saw Suker, he knew this child was destined for something special."

Suker looked at the article in his hand, titled "The Star Who Walked Out of the Warzone."

He turned to Zorancic and said, "This was your doing, wasn't it?"

Zorancic nodded.

Suker grinned and pointed at the paper. "The old director actually said that? I remember him being really against me playing football. Thought I should work in a factory—that'd be more stable."

Zorancic shrugged. "What the old director said doesn't matter. What matters is the kind of story people want to hear. My job is to shape that story."

Suker's image and reputation were currently excellent.

On one hand, Zorancic had spared no effort in media promotion. On the other, Suker staying at AC Milan had earned him massive praise.

Even non-Milan fans viewed Suker as a loyal and principled player.

Supermodel Gisele Bündchen was also constantly singing Suker's praises, further enhancing his marketability.

A few brand endorsement deals had been finalized, and Zorancic was currently filtering through the best options.

Although Suker didn't love having his past overexploited, the fact that it made money changed things.

Besides these articles, Suker also came across another report—this time, a comment from Real Madrid legend Ronaldo.

Ronaldo still commanded massive influence, even in the twilight of his career.

And in multiple interviews, he gave Suker glowing praise—going so far as to say that Suker could become a historic-level footballer.

That was a big deal.

Even Suker was stunned by the compliment.

"Did you set this up?"

Suker remembered that Zorancic had some connections at Real Madrid.

Zorancic shook his head. "Nope."

Suker thought about it. Maybe Ronaldo really did say it of his own accord.

After all, rumors had him potentially transferring to AC Milan in the winter window.

Might as well build a good relationship ahead of time—no harm in some flattery.

Ronaldo knew his competitive edge was no longer what it used to be. He was past the age where performance alone could speak for him. Still, thanks to his fame and fan base, few dared criticize him.

But if he wanted to have a good time at Milan, buttering up key players was a smart move.

That was how Suker chose to interpret it.

He certainly didn't believe he had "conquered" Ronaldo with his skills.

After all, in his prime, Ronaldo was on a whole different level.

Manchester, Carrington No. 9

Inside the Manchester United training facility's locker room, Luka Modrić looked at the article about Suker, full of emotion.

That little kid who used to train with him, who he once led—Suker—had now become the absolute center of Europe's attention.

"This guy's growing up way too fast…"

Seeing Suker now tower over him in height made Modrić a little sad.

He used to look down at Suker—literally.

But Modrić's growth had stalled early.

He shook his head and set the paper aside, then began wrapping his injured ankle with training tape.

In the last match, Modrić had suffered a sprain and was now ruled out of the next Euro qualifier.

He needed recovery time.

He was genuinely disappointed, but he trusted his teammates to win without him.

Just as he was wrapping up, the door opened.

Cristiano Ronaldo walked in.

"Morning, Luka!"

Modrić greeted him with a smile. The two got along well, or rather, Modrić generally had good relationships with everyone at Manchester United.

Suker had taught him a lot about how to interact with people.

"How's the injury?"

Ronaldo asked.

Modrić shrugged. "Doctor says three weeks."

Ronaldo nodded. "Don't worry. We'll win the next Champions League match—for you."

Ronaldo's sharp eyes spotted the newspaper by Modrić's side.

"Suker again?"

Modrić didn't hide it and nodded.

"That guy's really stealing the spotlight these days."

Leading the scoring charts in both the league and Champions League.

His form was ridiculous.

Ronaldo, competitive as always, had been itching for revenge ever since losing to Dinamo Zagreb.

Especially now that Suker was considered the top young player in the world.

To take the crown, Ronaldo had to beat him.

Modrić didn't respond.

He didn't want to discuss Suker with Ronaldo. If he did, he knew Ronaldo would eventually ask: "Who's better, me or Suker?"

Modrić always answered vaguely.

He leaned toward Suker in his heart, but as Ronaldo's teammate, he couldn't publicly deny Ronaldo either.

So, better to say nothing.

Soon, the locker room door opened again.

Wayne Rooney walked in, buzz cut and all.

"Morning, Luka!"

"Morning, Wayne!"

Rooney ignored Ronaldo completely, walking straight over to greet Modrić.

Their relationship had hit rock bottom since the World Cup incident. Despite being teammates, they now barely acknowledged each other.

Ronaldo had the same attitude.

Both had once tried to recruit Modrić to their side, asking where his loyalty lay.

Modrić's answer—"I listen to the gaffer"—shut them both down.

At United, Sir Alex Ferguson was the ultimate authority.

And Modrić's reply made it clear he didn't want to be involved in their feud.

Besides, Ferguson highly valued Modrić, even planning to hand him full control of the midfield next season.

Ronaldo and Rooney might be stars, but they didn't dare mess with Modrić.

Better to stay friendly.

Modrić quickly finished taping his ankle and left the locker room.

The atmosphere inside was too heavy for his liking.

Outside, he let out a slow breath.

"Still feels better being with Suker…"

Zagreb, Croatia – National Training Center

After returning home, Suker found out about Modrić's injury.

He could only sigh helplessly.

It was the Premier League, after all—more physical, more injuries.

Sometimes the injury list looked like a starting lineup.

Without Modrić, Croatia's midfield would definitely take a hit.

"Why worry? I'm here!"

Rakitic was visibly excited.

Modrić's injury was his chance.

At Dinamo Zagreb, he was the midfield maestro. But on the national team, Modrić pushed him out to the wing.

Now, a new opportunity had arrived.

Rakitic was fired up.

Watching Rakitic get so hyped, Suker couldn't help but mutter:

"Did he forget how Luka made him look like a fool in last year's UCL qualifiers?"

Suker pulled out his phone to text:

[Luka, your spot's in danger!]

A few moments later, Modrić replied:

[Tell Rakitic he better enjoy this one—he's going back to the wing right after!]