Before the match, La Gazzetta dello Sport dropped a bombshell:
"AC Milan is in decline, with competitiveness slipping year by year. Coupled with the Calciopoli scandal and star player departures, this downward trend is accelerating. Milan's current strong performance largely depends on the brilliant play of Suker and Kaká. Without these two, Milan's problems become obvious!"
"Insiders reveal Suker is frustrated with the team's situation. Despite his many goals, Milan concedes even more. Ignoring finances, Milan's recent transfer market moves have been poor."
"Simunic, Oddo, Ronaldo—none have truly delivered what Milan or Suker need. This is why Suker's mood has soured."
"If things don't improve, Suker might leave to pursue more glory elsewhere!"
This report caused an earthquake in Milan.
Suker, as Milan's key player, directly influences their results.If he really is disillusioned, leaving would be possible.
The report also revealed that captain Paolo Maldini was likely to miss the next match due to injury.
These leaks made Milan uneasy.
Ancelotti immediately ordered a full investigation.He needed to find out how the reports leaked and how news of Maldini's injury spread.
Clearly, there was a mole inside Milan—maybe a player, coach, or staff member.
Ancelotti also called Suker in for a private talk.
Whether the report was true or not, it unsettled both Milan and Ancelotti.
"I never thought about leaving Milan!" Suker shook his head and sighed."At least not now."
"If you have any issues, talk to me. Don't bottle it up. I believe the future will be better, and I hope you'll give Milan—and me—more confidence," Ancelotti urged earnestly.
Suker was no longer the invisible young player from two years ago.As Milan's attacking core, he was one of the club's most important players.
Ancelotti and Milan could not afford to lose him.
So when the report broke, Ancelotti immediately sought Suker out.
"I really never thought about leaving. They're just spreading rumors," Suker sighed again."My mind is fully on the next match. Our results are decent, we're still competing for the league and the Champions League. During the season, I haven't even considered these rumors."
Suker still had many honors to chase in Serie A:Golden Boot, league title, Italian Cup, Super Cup—all goals he aimed for to enrich his legacy.
Even if he were to leave, it wouldn't be like this.
He had said before he didn't want to become an enemy of Milan.
Hearing Suker's words, Ancelotti finally relaxed.
"Looks like the media are just making things up. I'll warn them. But I also hope you can give Milan more patience," Ancelotti said seriously."We will get better."
Suker smiled faintly.He understood the future situation clearly.
If Milan won back-to-back Champions League titles, it would certainly help their transfer market position.
But transfers needed more than just reputation—they needed money.
Berlusconi's wallet was now closed, no intention to inject more funds.
And after the Calciopoli scandal, Milan's finances had only worsened.
Stabilizing was already good.
As for the future, Suker dared not be certain, but Milan's decline was a trend hard to stop.
Even Suker and Kaká's brilliance could only postpone it for a few years.
Even if they defended the Champions League title, it might only improve things for a year or two, then the slide would resume.
No one knew what next season would hold.
Suker had joined Milan to fight for the Champions League these two seasons.
Next season, he would focus more on the league and the national team—especially the upcoming European Championship.
Regarding next season's Champions League, Suker would try if possible—but hopes were slim.
This season Milan was already struggling to hold on.
And the condition of veterans like Maldini and Nesta was uncertain—could worsen.
Suker didn't say all this out loud.
After leaving Ancelotti's office, Suker was called by Maldini.
Seeing Maldini's awkward expression, Suker sighed:
"Boss, don't believe the media—they're just making things up."
Maldini finally relaxed.
"I'm sorry," Maldini sighed.
To be honest, Maldini was unhappy with his current state.
He was getting old—not the young man he once was.
Though he still wanted to compete, his body couldn't keep up.
When Suker chose to stay, Maldini and Milan felt they owed him a lot.
Seeing La Gazzetta's report, even if suspecting it was false, still made Maldini uneasy.
Suker was just too important.
"If one day you want to leave, please tell me first," Maldini sighed."If things really get that bad, I won't stop you."
Suker looked surprised.
Compared to Suker, Maldini had more access to inside info and the club's higher-ups.
He was very worried about Milan's future—not only on the field but financially.
Suker's salary was Milan's top pay—but Inter Milan had offered Ibrahimović better terms.
Suker had the right to choose where to play and to earn more money.
When Suker stayed, Maldini was already very grateful.
If Milan's situation worsened and Suker insisted on leaving, Maldini wouldn't block him.
But as he said, he wanted to be told first and hoped no hard feelings would come between them.
Maldini truly liked Suker and hoped to groom him as Milan's next iconic figure.
But Suker might not share that vision.
Back in the locker room, things returned to normal.
Though La Gazzetta's report caused some ripples, the players focused on the upcoming match.
They were about to face strong Manchester United.
In the first leg, Milan had drawn at Old Trafford.
Back at home, Milan must perform even better.
They needed the win to advance to the Champions League final.
And on that final stage, they would raise the sword of revenge against Liverpool!
May 2: The sky was gray and overcast.
Light rain drizzled softly.
Raindrops washed over the city; puddles formed on the roads.
Plop!A drop slid down the eaves and fell into a puddle, sending out ripples.
Next moment, a big foot stomped down, splashing water everywhere.
Huff! Huff!In the chilly rain of the early morning, Suker jogged slowly, hooded in a raincoat.
He had gotten up very early.
Facing tonight's critical match, Suker had already immersed himself in the tense atmosphere.
He needed to loosen up his body, especially on the slippery rainy day.
After jogging a while, feeling his body warm, Suker turned and headed back to his villa.
Inside, Gisele Bündchen was busy in the kitchen.
"Rare sight!" Suker teased with a smile.
Gisele wore a loose T-shirt, her straight legs showing.
She smiled and said, "Today's an important day!"Raising her fist seriously, she said, "Come on! Win the game!"
Suker smiled, sat at the table.
On the plate were three sausages, an egg sandwich, and a glass of milk.
He raised an eyebrow. "Not bad!"
Gisele pointed at the sausages: "This is the key—three sausages, each representing a goal. Hope you score a hat-trick."
Suker laughed out loud, hugging Gisele and taking a bite.
"I really love you!"
Then he devoured his meal, packed his bag, and said, "I'm off."
"Good luck!" Gisele pumped her fist hard."I'll cheer for you tonight!"
Suker blew a flying kiss and turned away.