Chapter 43: The Butcher Version of Kaká
Chapter 43: The Butcher Version of Kaká
As Li Ang sat on the team bus, gazing out at the towering structure of San Siro, his mind wasn't filled with images of the legends who had once graced this stadium.
His reaction was simple and honest—just like the first time he saw the Santiago Bernabéu, and again when he visited San Siro after arriving in Milan:
"No wonder they call these the 'big clubs.'"
Both the Bernabéu and San Siro were among the most iconic stadiums in Europe, each capable of holding over 80,000 fans.
The thought of stepping onto that field in front of nearly 80,000 supporters could stir anyone's blood.
And Li Ang was no exception.
If asked to pick his most unforgettable memories from his time at Real Madrid, he would definitely choose those nights playing at home in the Bernabéu.
"They'll be cheering for you today."
As Li Ang stared blankly out the window at the throng of red-and-black-clad Milan fans, a voice came from behind.
It was interim captain Gattuso, offering a few comforting words. Beside him, Pirlo gave Li Ang a knowing wink.
"Just play your normal game. You'll be fine, right?"
Li Ang looked at the fans crowded outside, waving scarves and singing the club anthem with full voices.
He grinned.
"No problem."
"Watch for their wing-backs. That's where the danger is!
Their midfield doesn't create much, so as long as we shut down Isla and Pasquale, Di Natale won't get service.
He'll be isolated and depend on Sánchez to draw defenders.
Li Ang—mark Sánchez. Cut the link between him and Di Natale. Got it?!"
In the pre-match locker room, Allegri gave his final tactical instructions.
Li Ang nodded without hesitation.
That job was his and his alone. Gattuso and Pirlo were too slow to keep up with Sánchez. All Milan's defensive success on that flank would depend on how well Li Ang could lock down Sánchez and Pasquale.
"I'll help as much as I can. Don't worry."
Left-back Antonini patted his thigh encouragingly.
Even Bonera, sitting on Li Ang's other side, leaned in with a grin.
"No sweat. If they break through once or twice, Thiago and I'll clean it up."
That immediately made Li Ang tense up, and Gattuso's face darkened.
Jokes aside, when Bonera had to "do his job," Milan usually lost.
With the final pep talk out of the way, the starters gathered around Gattuso for one last shout before taking the field.
Under the winter sun, amid the thunderous cheers of more than 70,000 Milan fans, Li Ang stepped into the spotlight of San Siro.
"Le—on——!"
"Leon——!"
The crowd, led by the stadium DJ, erupted in unified chants that left Li Ang stunned.
Trying to calm his racing heart, he raised both hands and applauded in gratitude.
The broadcast camera zoomed in.
His boyish, sunny smile lit up the screen, the midday sun catching every angle of his sharp features and neatly tied medium-length hair.
The reaction in the stands?
Electric.
Kaká had only been gone for a year and a half.
And now, here stood another handsome, bright-eyed young man with shoulder-length hair, confident and full of life—how could Milan fans not think of the young Kaká?
More than the looks, it was the presence. The optimism. The charisma.
And under that filter of nostalgia, no one in San Siro could resist liking this new "Little Lion."
Even the extreme fans who had once doubted him—those who insisted Pirlo shouldn't have to share minutes—were now cheering him on.
After the opening ceremony, the teams lined up. The captains shook hands and did the coin toss.
Around the world, commentators introduced the lineups.
Udinese came to San Siro with a 3-5-2.
Strong defense, fast counterattacks, and a lethal duo up front: Sánchez and Di Natale.
Milan stuck with their 4-4-2 diamond.
Zambrotta was rested. Abate started at right back.
Boateng replaced the slightly injured Seedorf as the attacking midfielder.
Up front: Robinho and Pato, rotating as usual.
Only Zlatan was untouchable.
Elsewhere, Milan kept the same lineup as the last match.
Nesta was still injured, so Thiago Silva and Bonera continued as the center-back pair.
Milan fans had been worried—until Li Ang showed up last game and ran over 12 kilometers, anchoring the midfield with key tackles and interceptions.
So now, as long as Bonera wasn't left completely exposed, and Silva stayed healthy, the fans were at peace.
3:00 p.m. Kickoff.
Udinese quickly pushed forward. Right wing-back Isla carried the ball past the halfway line.
That entire flank—Isla, Asamoah, and Sánchez—was loaded for attack.
Antonini stepped up to close down Isla. The ball zipped inside to Asamoah.
Before Antonini and Boateng could trap him, Asamoah chipped the ball forward for Sánchez, now charging down Milan's left side.
At just 22, the "Chilean Ronaldo" had pace, skills, and confidence.
Even though Li Ang and Pirlo were both on that side, he showed no fear.
He sprinted.
Li Ang, trailing slightly behind and trying to angle across, saw the pass coming.
"Mine!"
As Sánchez settled the ball with a perfect touch, Li Ang arrived like a missile.
Sánchez tried a quick cut to the inside, hoping to blow past him.
But Li Ang stopped short, pivoted, and slammed his body into the inside line, cutting off the angle perfectly.
"Fantastic defensive anticipation!"
The Sky Italia commentator shouted in awe.
Li Ang forced Sánchez out wide, using sheer strength to body the Chilean away from the ball.
It rolled into Milan's 30-meter zone, and Asamoah lunged forward to pick it up before Pirlo could get there.
But Li Ang wasn't done.
He pounced.
A step too late to beat Asamoah to the ball, Li Ang instead launched a clean, hard sliding tackle.
He clipped the ball first—redirecting its path—and took out Asamoah's legs in the process.
The ref waved play on—clean tackle.
Li Ang, blades of grass still stuck to his face, scrambled back to his feet and sprinted forward.
Pirlo had just received the ball and was already looking up for the next pass.
The Milan fans who had compared him to Kaká?
In that moment, watching him snap through a double challenge, spring to his feet, and follow the play…
Their illusion shattered—but they didn't care.
They roared in approval.
They were watching something better than another Kaká.
They were watching a butcher version of Kaká.
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