I AM the Football Star-Chapter 435 - 122: Brit Awards and the England-Italy Showdown (Part 3)
Later that day, Lu Yang got in touch with Sofia. After discussing, Sofia responded on behalf of Lu Yang to the Brit Awards’ nomination and invitation.
With flashing lights, Sofia faced dozens of reporters without fear. She smiled gracefully and appropriately: "Thank you all for your attention to Lu Yang. He has received the praise from the England media and is grateful for it."
"He is currently preparing for the next match and cannot afford to be distracted for other reasons, so I’m holding this press conference on his behalf. I will convey a few of Lu Yang’s thoughts."
"First, Lu Yang loves football more than music. He does not mind experimenting more during the offseason, but if there is an official football match, all activities will make way for the match, and he will not be distracted by anything else."
The media below had subtle smiles. They knew what Lu Yang wanted to express, but could Lu Yang really remain undistracted?
The impact has already been made, hasn’t it?
Otherwise, how did today’s press conference come about?
"Second, Lu Yang is certain. Regardless of the European Youth Championship schedule, on July 25th, he will not attend the Brit Awards." Sofia’s tone was firm, finally giving the answer the Italian media wanted.
Never back down!
In fact, exposing Lu Yang’s music award nomination at such a critical moment was partly England media’s attempt to disrupt the Italy National Youth Team.
But on the other hand, there was a deeper implication, intentionally guiding people to make associations.
Could it be that if Lu Yang performed poorly against England in the European Youth Championship, the Brit Awards would give him an actual trophy, instead of just a nomination?
No one from the Brit Awards has ever said such a thing, but such associations will not stop.
Therefore, the Italian media wanted to hear a firm response from Lu Yang, not an ambiguous, fence-sitting reply that pleases both sides.
At such a critical time, the latter would already be seen by the public as a kind of betrayal.
This is similar to domestic incidents where after any defamatory remarks against the national flag, certain celebrities who are clearly stakeholders pretend to be dead silent, turn a blind eye, and disappoint.
"Third, instead of so eagerly inviting Lu Yang to the Brit Awards, the English media should focus more on their own youth, like considering inviting players from the England Youth Team to events," Sofia said. "After all, I heard that the players from the England Youth Team are all English stars."
"Their arrival will surely bring a wave of attention to the Brit Awards!"
After Sofia finished speaking, her smile remained.
But the media below collectively gasped.
What does that mean?
Just like the English media hoping Lu Yang would appear at the Brit Awards, because it would mean the Italy team was eliminated from the group stage.
Similarly, Sofia’s words just told everyone that Lu Yang hoped the England team would be eliminated at the group stage.
Considering that the England team is currently at the top of Team A’s standings, this nearly straightforwardly tells everyone that in the next match, Italy will definitely fight for the win and will definitely beat England!
This level of statement, not to mention the English media, even the Italian media present felt a bit awkward and embarrassed.
Though it’s powerful, that’s the England Youth Team!
The value of just their forward players exceeds one hundred million euros, with almost every position filled with star players. Most players are part of the Five Major Leagues and are either mainstays or rotations in top clubs.
You could say, before the match with the England Youth Team, there is no team on earth daring enough to claim they can definitely beat them.
Even this year’s second seed, Spain, doesn’t dare to say such words.
Luckily, Spain didn’t say it, because they even lost to England.
Moreover, Italy was previously considered the lowest-ranked team in this European Youth Championship!
"Sofia, is this a provocation from Lu Yang to the England Youth Team?" An indignant English reporter proactively asked.
Sofia, full of charm and confidence, said: "You can’t really say it’s provocation..."
"Then how dare he say that? I think you need to explain it clearly, or else people might easily assume Lu Yang is an ignorant, arrogant young man!" The reporter was very angry.
Sofia nodded, mimicking Lu Yang’s tone: "Sofia, don’t worry, it’s just England. Their defense is not as strong as everyone thinks, at least not much stronger than Poland!"
"I feel I’m in great form, and in the next match, I won’t score fewer goals than I did against Poland, I promise! We have a great chance of winning!"
Then, Sofia commented: "In fact, I believe rather than saying provocation, contempt might be more accurate. Yes, that’s exactly what our Lu Yang said, he wants to crush the England team!"
"Of course, this is not because Lu has any grudge against England. It’s just a small, humble contribution he’s making for the Brit Awards. By the way, Brit Awards, remember to send invitations to the England Youth Team players."
The press conference concluded.
The European media exploded instantly.
Listen, did that boy just say what’s expected?
He actually said he wants to crush England in the next match?
He thinks England’s defense is on par with Poland’s? Does that mean the Italy team is preparing to score four goals against England in the next match?
