The Sun newspaper was a cancer in the media world, nicknamed the "toilet paper."
It never reported anything rigorous or accurate, only twisting others' words to stir up public opinion.
As the Sun frantically published their distorted reports, Wenger's intentions were once again misrepresented.
This sparked a fresh escalation in the insults and arguments between Milan and Arsenal fans, even reaching the point of real-life confrontations.
Regarding who was better—Suker or Fabregas—the fans from both sides engaged in "intense discussions" and "friendly exchanges."
Of course, Suker also saw these reports but didn't take them seriously.
On one hand, he believed Wenger wasn't that kind of person. Although they had met only a few times, Suker was convinced Wenger wouldn't say such things.
On the other hand—could you really trust the Sun?
Regardless of belief or not, Suker knew he had to perform in this match.
"We'll pass to you more, kill that Cesc!" Gattuso punched Suker in the stomach and shouted, "Come on!"
Holding his stomach, Suker complained, "I'd appreciate it more if your way of cheering was a bit gentler."
Pirlo laughed, "That's just how he is. But we've all got your back!"
Suker sighed.
Milan fans were like this.
Milan players were like this too.
He was completely surrounded!
Winning the match was one thing; the confrontation between Suker and Fabregas was another.
Suker never intended to compete against Fabregas.
Or rather, he didn't even regard Fabregas as a rival.
That guy was impressive early on but soon began to ruin himself by making bad decisions.
Suker's eyes were fixed on the two great stars, working hard to improve.
Who had time to bother with him?
But now, it was impossible to ignore.
The plane carrying Milan players landed in London.
This was Suker's first time in London.
Previously, when playing for Zagreb Dinamo, he had traveled to Manchester.
But London and Manchester felt completely different.
Though in the same country, the architecture and overall atmosphere were distinct.
London was a dazzling modern city, bustling and lively.
Manchester retained more of England's early architectural style.
Suker couldn't pinpoint exactly where the difference was but could clearly feel it.
Upon arriving at the airport, a huge crowd of reporters gathered.
As the hot topic at the center of attention, Suker naturally became the focus.
Walking through the throng, he finally got onto the team bus.
"Microphones almost shoved in my mouth. If not for security, those bastards would've ripped it open," Suker said frustrated.
Shevchenko winked beside him, smiling: "That's the life of a star."
The bus sped towards North London.
The two most famous North London teams were Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Their matches were known as the North London Derby.
Currently, Tottenham wasn't yet strong and was dominated by Arsenal.
Arsenal still played in their old stadium, the legendary Highbury.
They would move to a new stadium next year.
The first leg of the Champions League semifinal would be held at Highbury.
Milan's hotel was less than three kilometers from the stadium.
From the hotel's upper floors, they could see the London skyline and the historic stadium.
"This is where we'll fight tomorrow!" Gattuso said, arms crossed, staring at Highbury.
A real sense of battle-ready troops.
Suddenly—
His shorts were yanked down.
Gattuso didn't react but slowly bent over to pull them back up.
He knew that when dealing with Suker and Pirlo's pranks, he needed to remain calm to make them lose interest and stop.
Gattuso turned—
Splash!
Pirlo poured a basin of water over Gattuso's head.
Holding back his anger, Gattuso wiped his face.
"Can you two act a little more mature?"
Whoosh!
His shorts were pulled down again.
"Damn it!!"
Gattuso yelled.
Pulling up his shorts, he charged after them.
Suker and Pirlo's wild screams echoed down the hallway.
"Gattuso's going beast mode!"
"Run!"
"You two, stand still!"
Maldini stormed out, shouting, "You three, shut up!"
For tomorrow's match and to ensure Gattuso got enough rest,
Maldini forcibly rearranged the room assignments.
Pirlo was sent to share a room with Shevchenko.
Suker was dragged into Maldini's room.
Maldini lay on the bed reading.
Suker tossed and turned on the other bed.
"Too hot, huh?" Maldini teased.
Suker turned with a forced grin: "Boss, let me go."
sleeping with Maldini was stressful.
"No way! You're going to mess with Tusso again once you go back."
Suker immediately got up: "I promise I'll sleep quietly tonight, no pranks!"
"Really?" Maldini raised an eyebrow.
Suker nodded vigorously.
"Go on, then!" Maldini laughed and scolded.
Suker grabbed his luggage and dashed toward Kaka's room.
"Why are you back again?" Kaka asked.
"Too much pressure!" Suker shook his head. "Can't sleep."
Kaka laughed: "You're supposed to prank Tusso."
"Go away, you!" Suk put down his luggage and collapsed on the bed.
Stretching fully, he sighed in comfort.
"Feels good~~~~"
Kaka shook his head amusedly and went back to his own bed.
Kaka said, "Tomorrow…"
Suddenly—
Suker had already fallen asleep on the bed.
Kaka shook his head, took off his glasses, and turned off the light.
The night passed quietly.
The next morning, Suker woke early.
"Time to get up!"
After washing, Suker began his wake-up service.
Kaka was a notorious oversleeper; Suker called him repeatedly before he finally woke.
Kaka yawned.
"Why get up so early?"
Suker said, "Warm up jog, then breakfast."
Kaka flopped down.
"I want to sleep more!"
"Early bird catches the worm. Get up, lazybones!"
Kaka reluctantly got up, and the two headed to the gym.
As they entered, they saw Maldini, Costacurta, Stam, Cafu, and others already there.
Suker was surprised.
"Good morning!" He greeted them.
They smiled and returned the greeting.
Suker whispered, "The old guys look really motivated."
Kaka nodded: "It's the Champions League semifinals. This might be their closest shot at the title near the end of their careers. They cherish it more."
Suker agreed.
After breakfast, the players went to the training ground for warm-ups.
In the afternoon, the whole Milan team went to Highbury to familiarize themselves with the pitch.
The stadium was empty and quiet at this time.
But at night, it would be packed with Arsenal fans.
This was the Champions League semifinals!
Arsenal's best historical achievement.
Compared to Milan's six Champions League titles, Arsenal was relatively poor.
But that made them treasure this moment all the more.
Tonight would be a fierce battle!
Night fell, and London buzzed with fervor.
North London, Arsenal fans poured around Highbury, shouting and chanting for victory.
On the other side, Milan's traveling fans gathered, ready.
Highbury's bright floodlights illuminated the pitch.
Managers Wenger and Ancelotti stood at their respective benches.
In the players' tunnel, both teams lined up.
The giant screen displayed the starting lineups.
Wenger frowned sharply.
Starting Lineups:
Arsenal (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Lehmann
Defenders: Eboue, Campbell, Toure, Ashley Cole
Midfielders: Hleb, Gilberto, Pirès, Fabregas, Walcott
Forward: Henry
AC Milan (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Dida
Defenders: Cafu, Nesta, Stam, Maldini
Midfielders: Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf
Forwards: Kaka, Shevchenko, Suker
Milan didn't use their usual Christmas tree (4-3-1-2) formation but opted for a more cautious 4-3-3.
Wenger turned to Ancelotti.
Ancelotti, chewing gum, raised his eyebrows.
Wenger's frown deepened.
"Let's go!" Suker shouted before the match.
As the referee led both teams onto the pitch,
The stadium erupted with roaring cheers like a fierce storm.
Now, Highbury was no longer the "London Library."
It was alive!