A New Path Unfolds

Jean Dupont left the Vismara Sports Center.

Louis stayed behind to train.

It's the offseason.

But for the players of the U19 echelon at Vismara, the holidays of the first team bosses have nothing to do with them. They still have to strive for an opportunity: the chance to participate in a series of preseason games with AC Milan's first team.

As usual, every preseason, alongside first-team players, a significant number of youth academy players are promoted to participate. A strong performance could mean staying with the first team, earning a professional contract, and becoming a true professional player.

In reality, even though Vismara is highly prestigious—considered one of the top youth academies in Italy and Europe—the elimination rate is high. Even at the U19 level, nearly half of the players won't make it in professional football. Those who do often start in lower leagues and gradually work their way up. If two or three players from a U19 team manage to secure stable positions in top leagues like Serie A, it's considered successful.

Historically, golden generations like Barcelona's La Masia or Manchester United's Class of '92, which brought clubs to their peak with one or two exceptional talents, are like fairy tales—rare and extraordinary.

"Louis, did you know? The first team will assemble next week, and then Mr. Allegri will lead the team to the United States! This time, like before, he'll bring a dozen U19 members! This is our chance!"

Louis had just entered the training ground when his best friend and childhood buddy, Andrea Petagna, who is also a forward, approached him with the news that everyone in U19 already knew.

Every preseason, many young talents at Vismara are given opportunities. Whether they can seize the opportunity depends on their performance.

From his perspective in 2023, Louis knew that Vismara's recent results had been lackluster. U19 members rarely made it to Serie A. Louis had never heard of Andrea Petagna in his previous life.

He patted Andrea on the shoulder, "Andrea, don't get your hopes too high. Mr. Allegri probably isn't looking to give many opportunities to our echelon right now."

AC Milan is indeed in troubled times. The media frequently reports conflicts between the head coach and the club's top management. Allegri complains daily about the lack of substantial signings. Despite being one of Europe's elite clubs, AC Milan, like many Italian clubs, is struggling financially post-economic crisis.

Even a club as wealthy as AC Milan can only target veterans whose contracts are expiring. Until the team's performance improves, Louis doubted Allegri would focus on nurturing young talents—especially since Allegri's own position was unstable.

Upon hearing this, Andrea showed a bit of helplessness. A loyal supporter of Milan, playing for the team was his dream.

"No matter what, we'll get some playing time with the first team in this preseason. Louis, this is our opportunity. If we perform well, even if we can't stay with the first team next season, we can still attract attention from other clubs," Andrea said.

This made sense. Andrea was 18, and it was time to seek professional league opportunities. Although Louis was only 17, he wouldn't pass up the chance to play in a professional league. The intensity of competition in the youth league wasn't enough for young talents aged 17-19. This age group is crucial for a player's future in professional leagues.

While they were chatting, Louis was suddenly stunned.

"Ding! [Football Bond System] is triggered, you have obtained a new module. Please check the fusion training plan!"

A character attribute panel like those in online games appeared in Louis's mind.

Friendly Bonds: Andrea Petagna's Close Friend

Obtain Module: Dominant Foot Module

Fusion Difficulty: B

Fusion Progress: 50% (What does it mean to become smaller?)

Estimated time for full integration: 5 days

First phase of the integration training program: Complete 1,000 shots using Andrea Petagna's dominant foot (left foot).

Description: Completing the fusion of [Andrea Petagna's dominant foot module] will trigger the next bond module.

Note: Completing the integration of three modules can trigger the first system upgrade!

Petagna's dominant foot is his left foot, while Louis's dominant foot is his right. Completing this integration would allow Louis to use both feet equally well!

Louis took a deep breath. Compared to acquiring his uncle's goal-scoring instincts, integrating Petagna's dominant foot ability would only take five days. In five days, he could become ambidextrous.

"Although I can't run fast now, and my balance and pace are off, in five days, I'll be a taller version of Inzaghi who can use both feet!"

"Vismara is no longer suitable for me. I have to leave here and get a chance to play in the professional league!" Louis resolved.

Next season, he wants to appear in the professional league. Whether it's AC Milan or another team, he knew Milan wouldn't give him many opportunities. Thus, he didn't mind being loaned out or even leaving the Milan club altogether. Even playing in a lower division would be better than staying at Vismara.