Chapter 812: Chapter 197: Playing Football for Peace, the European Cup Opener!

Lu Yang sat opposite Morici: "This is the problem, only peace can truly solve this issue!"

Morici shook his head: "How can peace be achieved? Who can bring peace to Croatia?"

"You!"

Lu Yang spoke.

Morici was taken aback and temporarily stopped crying.

"Football in Europe is definitely not just a mere entertainment project; it holds many other meanings. The Premier League has managed to attract large amounts of Golden Yuan not only because it can be profitable, but also because it carries many other nuances." Lu Yang explained, "Even during important meetings of leaders, they often discuss football."

"If Croatia can produce a player with significant influence in the football world, then this person’s voice in the international community can bring more attention and assistance to Croatia to some extent."

"Manzuyovich was actually very close to this step, but he was too low-key. His career statistics weren’t impressive, and his team status has always been low."

"But you’re different! You’re almost the assist king in most competitions you participate in and have always been the team’s core. You’re one of the most promising young players in Europe."

"You’ll have this kind of influence in the future."

Morici’s mood finally improved somewhat, and he shook his head, saying: "But how long will this take? Five years? Ten years? How many clashes will happen during this period? How many more lives will be lost because of it?"

"Then..." Lu Yang furrowed his brows and pointed outside to the training ground, "Then perhaps, only it can help you expand your influence sooner."

Beside the training ground was the logo of the European Cup.

"Are you saying?" Morici’s eyes lit up, recalling the image of Lu Yang draped in the red flag at the European Youth Championship.

If possible...

Then... could he also emulate Lu Yang... calling for more attention from the international community toward Croatia’s situation, letting the international community intervene, and addressing different regional interests through peaceful means?

At this moment, Morici finally found the meaning of playing football this summer.

He couldn’t go back to see off his godfather’s family for the last time.

But he believed that his godfather’s family in heaven would support his decision.

Champion interview?

Semi-final interview?

Qualifying interview?

Man of the match interview?

Even... just a single assist, followed by post-match interview statements, could already be very impactful!

Morici returned to the training ground.

This surprised the other players.

Because everyone knew Morici was going to leave the National Team.

They understood and respected Morici’s decision.

After the day’s training ended, Lu Yang privately spoke to each teammate and told them about Morici’s idea.

"Croatia and Morici need help right now, and for him, he’s no longer just fighting for the National Team’s honor. He has a more important mission." Lu Yang said, "And I hope everyone will show their international spirit while competing for Italy’s honor, and fight to bring peace to Croatia!"

Lu Yang’s words made his National Team teammates feel extremely honored.

They are professional players, and the simple truth of their playing football is that it’s a job.

But one day, if someone tells you that your job is actually helping a large group of people achieve peace, then you would reconsider this work.

This injects new motivation into your work.

Asking a hardworking person to do something for the sake of peace is somewhat demanding.

But when reaching out can help countless people, most people won’t begrudge this moment of extending a hand.

"I am proud that I might help Croatia in this matter!" Bernulin was the first to respond.

After all, it was a request from Brother Lu, and it’s for Momo; how could Bernulin not support his own?

"We will definitely deliver victory to Croatia!" Praxedes greatly admires Lu Yang, and no one at AC Milan does not respect Lu Yang, so whatever Lu Yang says, they are willing to support.

"Fight for Croatia!" Italy National Team Captain Audi spoke solemnly.

He’s a defensive player, and he has an immense love for players like Lu Yang who can score goals.

"We will absolutely go all out!" Chiavich followed suit.

Bernulin and Audi, his two close friends and older brothers, had spoken; how could he remain silent?

"Hmm!" The club teammates all spoke out, and Ancelotti couldn’t avoid speaking, but he didn’t express too much enthusiasm.

It’s not that he isn’t willing to help Croatia and Morici; he simply doesn’t quite like the one who proposed this, Lu Yang.

A simple matter of love and hate.

"Peace and love, this is a new power that wasn’t present in the previous Italy Team!" Drake, always direct, and who admires the assertive and scoring Lu Yang, commented.

Soon afterward, Ameluci, Perrotta, Scamacca, Pellegrini, and others all voiced their support.

After they finished talking, the substitute national players from San Remo immediately supported again.

At this moment, the atmosphere within the National Team was unprecedentedly good.

Everyone was full of energy, determined to use victory and qualification to express their support for peace.

And upon learning this matter, Martivini was shocked.

"This... this is definitely a good opportunity to further change the image of Italian Football!" Martivini slammed the table, "Peace and love! International friendship! This transcends the richer connotations of commercial football!"