Knock, knock, knock!!
Early morning, on the empty training field.
Suker stood on the edge of the pitch, juggling the ball over and over.
His feet moved non-stop, occasionally juggling the ball with his forehead, shoulders, and even the heel of his foot.
Through these repeated motions, Suker felt as if the ball had become an extension of his body.
That feeling of complete control was immensely satisfying.
He flicked the ball up with his toe, swung his leg over it in a flowing motion, and continued juggling it seamlessly.
Throughout the process, his movements were minimal, smooth, and fluid—completely devoid of stiffness.
Thud!Suker kicked the ball high into the sky. As it fell, he tracked its descent and lifted his toe just at the right moment.
Without lifting his sole off the ground, he used only his toe to perfectly cushion the ball at his feet.
"Nice!"
Suker grinned with joy.
He opened his system panel.
[Platinum Card (Special Type) – Marcelo's Ball Control]
He had earned this Platinum Card after the match against Manchester United.
As a Brazilian player, Marcelo's ball control was top-tier. Though primarily a full-back, his technique and touch allowed him to surge forward like an extra attacker.
Suker's ball control had been decent, but not at an elite level.
This meant that whenever he received a long pass, he often needed extra time to control it, and couldn't always bring it to the desired spot effortlessly.
For a striker—especially a center forward—the first touch is crucial.
Just like Davor Šuker, who could stop and redirect a ball in one smooth motion, immediately creating space for a shot and threatening the goal.
This not only enhanced counterattack efficiency but massively boosted the team's overall attacking power.
Marcelo's ball feel gave Suker that kind of instinctive, fluid control.
This was Suker's second Platinum Card, and a special one at that—extremely useful.
Suker even started to fantasize about someone like Ronaldinho, the "Wizard"—how outrageous must his ball control be?
That level was clearly in the realm of Diamond Cards.
Suker's face lit up with excitement.
Clearly, every extra Champions League match was a golden opportunity for growth.
As long as he kept earning cards, Suker could rapidly level up.
After tidying up the scattered balls on the field, Suker jogged over to the cafeteria.
"One hot milk, two sausages, two sandwiches."
At the counter, the cafeteria auntie smiled as she handed over the tray—adding an extra sausage for him.
"Little Suerk's growing up!"
She had watched Suker grow taller little by little. She was kind to all the Dinamo Zagreb players, but especially fond of Suker.
Suker always gave off the vibe of a boy who hadn't quite grown up yet.
That made the auntie want to take extra care of him.
"I'll grow to 180 cm!"
Suker beamed proudly.
The auntie patted his head and said, "Good luck in the next match."
Suker nodded and walked to the corner where Mandžukić was sitting.
"You're always up so early!"
Suker jabbed a sausage with his fork and took a bite.
Mandžukić replied, "I've been training since 5 AM. Lately, my body feels sluggish. I need to train harder."
"You're overtraining," Suker grumbled. "Take a break."
Mandžukić shook his head. "I know my body. I can still handle it. Plus, Jelavić is improving fast. Last match, Bešić had me benched the entire game. I can't let a sub outshine me."
"Bešić wants you to focus on the Champions League. I'm not playing much in the league either!"
Mandžukić: "Still can't let a sub get ahead of me."
Suker rolled his eyes. This guy was as stubborn as they came.
At Dinamo Zagreb, the substitutes were starting to come into their own.
All of them were top talents from various places, and their adaptation and growth were rapid.
Jelavić, for instance, had serious potential. In the future, he'd even surpass Mandžukić in the national team and wear the No. 9 shirt.
Mandžukić's pressure was understandable.
But currently, neither of them had a chance at Croatia's No. 9.
Not just because of Suker's outstanding form—
But also due to his symbolic connection to Davor Šuker.
Croatian fans almost unanimously believed that the national team's future No. 9 belonged to Suker.
Of course, Mandžukić wasn't gunning for that number. He might argue with anyone else—but with Suker, he accepted it.
Before long, more players trickled in.
One of them was Dujmović, on crutches.
He grabbed a tray and sat next to Suk.
"Morning!"
Suker turned to him. "Aren't you going home?"
Dujmović had crashed in their dorm the night before.
"It's too cold at home. Your dorm's warmer with that wood heater," Dujmović grinned. "I'll crash for a few more nights."
"Get lost!" Mandžukić growled. "You snore like a bear. I couldn't sleep at all. Go home!"
"Let me stay a few more days, and I'll steal Suker's match-worn Ronaldo jersey for you!"
Mandžukić instantly raised his hand. "Deal!"
Suker: "You little—"
"Stop cussing so much," Modrić yawned, sitting across from Suker. "It's a bad habit."
Sukerer pointed at Dujmović. "He wants to steal my Ronaldo match jersey."
Modrić paused.
"Did he get it?"
Suk: "..."
The first leg of the UCL Round of 16 ended with Dinamo Zagreb defeating Manchester United 2–1 at Old Trafford.
Regarding Roy Keane's red card, Ferguson didn't comment much publicly—he didn't even get angry, which was unusual.
That led many to speculate that the rift between Ferguson and Keane had finally reached a breaking point.
Some media even predicted a major squad overhaul for United at season's end.
Fans were also nervous about the second leg.
With Van Nistelrooy injured and Rooney suspended, United seemed to be in a tight spot.
Though suspension rules meant Rooney could still play in Europe, since his red card was from a league match.
Without Keane and Van Nistelrooy, more weight would fall on Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney.
Suk had a feeling—this might not be a good thing.
With a more youthful, dynamic core, United might become more dangerous.
Perhaps this was Ferguson's experiment. If Ronaldo and Rooney could carry the attack, Ferguson might push for a locker room reset.
March 8th, the entire United squad, led by Ferguson, landed in Zagreb, Croatia's capital.
Media confirmed that Van Nistelrooy wasn't on the team sheet—he was indeed injured.
But fans were thrilled to see the return of Rio Ferdinand to shore up the defense.
Ronaldo and Rooney, of course, drew massive attention.
As the new Red Devils duo, both had shined at the club, and their bromance—still intact—made them even more appealing.
During interviews, captain Ryan Giggs stated:
"We're here to win and advance. Manchester United won't fall here."
His words fired up the traveling fans.
The airport echoed with cheers and chants from United supporters.
As United arrived at their hotel, the players of Dinamo Zagreb watched the coverage on TV.
"They act like we're pushovers," Srna scoffed. He was annoyed by United's arrogance.
This was their turf—how dare United come in acting all high and mighty?
But Dinamo Zagreb wasn't nervous. Far from it, they were fired up.
They had grown not only in skill, but also mentally.
They were eager to knock out Manchester United and reach the UCL quarterfinals.
At United's hotel, Ronaldo and Rooney entered the dining hall together.
"Pass me the ball next match. I'm going to destroy that number 9, Suker!" Ronaldo said eagerly.
His face was glowing with anticipation.
In the first leg, Roy Keane's red card ruined his spotlight.
They'd played passively, and Ronaldo had to defend far too much.
His performance had been outshone by Suker.
He wanted redemption.
Rooney glanced at Ronaldo but said nothing.
Asking one striker to feed another striker? Was that a joke?
Rooney was clearly annoyed but kept quiet—for now.
When the time came, whether he passed or not would depend entirely on his own mood.
Ronaldo wanted the spotlight.
But so did Rooney.
After a brilliant Euro performance, Rooney's value had soared—perhaps even surpassing Ronaldo's.
Who was the real star? Who was the support? That was still up for debate.
Rooney wasn't giving up any shooting chances.
So, he didn't take Ronaldo's request seriously at all.