The whole city of Athens was like a powder keg about to explode.
Both AC Milan and Liverpool had settled into their stadiums, and the fans of the two teams were clashing fiercely across the city.
There was barely a few minutes between small fights, with full-scale brawls breaking out almost every hour.
Police cars and ambulances rushed back and forth, and it was even rumored that Athens had borrowed police reinforcements from nearby cities to maintain order.
The city was in utter chaos.
Besides the explosive atmosphere, only the thick scent of gunpowder lingered.
At Milan's training ground, the sounds of sirens from police and ambulances outside echoed, clearly another fight had broken out.
Listening to the urgent bells, Suker dribbled the ball under his foot and complained, "They've hosted two Champions League finals already, how come it's still such a mess?"
Kaká replied, "It's different this time. Back then, the teams didn't have such big grudges, and the fans weren't this hostile. But you know why this time."
It was still because of Istanbul.
So the influence of that match was still deep, even after two years — Milan fans still bore a deep grudge.
Liverpool fans shouted to crush Milan.
Milan fans wanted revenge.
From online disputes to offline brawls, the fans of the two teams almost contributed the most intense prelude to a Champions League final ever seen.
Sure, Athens had hosted two Champions League finals before, but they'd never seen such a scene.
In the past, the city's police force could handle the order themselves, but now everything was out of control.
Reinforcements had to be borrowed and ringleaders arrested and deported.
"I heard Bob got arrested again!"
Suker grinned.
No wonder he was the leader of Milan's South Stand!
Truly the first to charge, leading two attacks on Liverpool fan bars, escalating the events.
After the third offense, they just arrested and deported him.
Suker suspected this guy came to Athens just for fights.
"I heard he got beaten badly too," Kaká sighed.
Suker was surprised, "British fans that strong?"
They shouldn't be, right?
"He led fifty people, charging into their street riot formation. It's lucky he wasn't killed."
Upon hearing this, Suker couldn't help but grin.
A street riot formation!
That's thousands, even tens of thousands.
Suker silently gave Bob a thumbs up — damn brave.
"Now it's a bit calmer. Those who should be arrested have been, and those who should be deported sent away. On match day, there'll be massive security deployed. Should be more stable."
Suker shook his head and sighed, "Please don't let a riot break out!"
Riots at football matches are very dangerous.
There can be fatal stampedes.
Some of the most notorious riots and stampedes happened in the UK.
That indirectly forced top British teams to break away from the Football Association and form the Premier League.
British fans' fighting spirit is hard to judge, but this guy definitely stirs trouble!
Halfway through training, Suker, Maldini, and Kaká were called away.
They were to cooperate with officials for pre-match interviews.
It was a kind of warm-up.
Milan refused interviews from other media, but UEFA's request couldn't be refused.
Both Milan and Liverpool had to do pre-match interviews.
Especially Milan's side, naming Suker to participate.
Suker was the most watched player this match, so more exposure meant higher ratings.
One camera, one host.
Suker, Maldini, and Kaká sat opposite the host.
The interview was very simple.
The host explained the interview segment and asked a few questions.
All three nodded in understanding.
"First question: Compared to the Champions League final two years ago, what changes and advantages does Milan have now?"
This question was clearly for Maldini.
Maldini cleared his throat and spoke earnestly:
"Milan's tradition hasn't changed. We pursue every championship passionately. If I have to mention a detail that's changed, it's these two."
Maldini opened his arms, putting his arms around Suker and Kaká's necks.
For a moment, the usually serious captain showed a faint smile to the camera.
"For us old players, sometimes we don't want to admit we're aging, but seeing our declining condition, we have to face it. But Milan is lucky — we still have a young generation!"
Maldini patted Suker and Kaká's shoulders firmly.
"They are the future!"
Suker instinctively glanced at Maldini.
This old captain, who had dedicated his life to Milan, showed his fatigue but still stood strong, bearing heavy pressure.
Honestly, if Suker were in Maldini's shoes, he would've retired after last season's Champions League, avoiding any late-career scandals.
No matter the scandals or team instability.
But Maldini chose to stay, dragging his tired body at the end of his career, still contributing for Milan.
Suker admired Maldini greatly for that.
"Suker! Suker!"
The host called.
"Huh? What's the question?"
Suker snapped back to focus.
The host smiled: "As Milan's top scorer currently, how many goals do you want to score in this match?"
Suker chuckled inside.
Is scoring goals that easy?
To outsiders, it seemed Suker scored easily.
"It doesn't matter if I score or not."
Hearing this, Maldini and Kaká looked at him in surprise.
"What's with those faces? I'm serious," Suker emphasized.
Maldini and Kaká looked skeptical.
Suker thought of Inzaghi not passing the ball.
But Inzaghi was no picnic near the goal either.
Suker sighed, feeling he should save face a bit.
"Let's be honest. I don't care about scoring, unless some Liverpool player scores double digits in this match, then they might catch me — but that's impossible."
"More than goals, I want the victory."
Suker patted Maldini's shoulder:
"My old man should've retired long ago, but some unfortunate things forced him to stay a few more years. He's given so much to this team; it's time to get some results."
Maldini stared blankly, warmth flowing through him.
But Suker changed the tone quickly.
"Look at this old arms and legs — can barely run but still hanging on. Sometimes during matches, I think maybe I should carry him."
"Don't be ridiculous!" Maldini laughed and scolded.
Suker quickly coughed: "Exactly like that. Win the game, we have a bunch of lovely fans. I promised my teammates, this time I want to make them shed tears of joy!"
Kaká poked his head out: "Can you just keep smiling?"
Suker twitched his brows and scolded: "Cry for me!"
"Happy people smile!"
"Extreme happiness means crying!"
"But I still prefer smiling!"
"Screw you!"
Maldini sat in the middle, resting his right hand on his forehead, sighing long.
He looked helpless: "Are we done recording?"
The host nodded awkwardly.
Maldini hesitated for a moment: "They're very close, but this is how they get along. You see, they'll soon be—"
"Green tea b*tch, looking for a fight, right?"
"Stinky shorty, I've tolerated you for too long!"
"Shorty? I'm 1.8 meters tall, and you call me short?"
"You're shorter than me!"
"Screw off!"
Maldini shouted: "You two, quiet down! —"
Suker and Kaká immediately fell silent.
Maldini looked at the host and asked:
"Can you cut that last part?"
The host smiled but said nothing.
Maldini helplessly rubbed his forehead.
Forget it! Just destroy it!
Finally, Maldini dragged the two by their collars and left.
Only after they disappeared from view did the host stop filming, smiling and saying:
"What great feelings!"
You can tell at a glance if they're really fighting.
This was just horseplay.
Only when feelings reach a certain depth can you joke and roughhouse like this.
Compared to the heavy, serious locker room atmosphere, Milan's locker room had a unique lightness.