"Captain, you're already here?"
"Yes, I just arrived as well. Sir Alex is waiting for us inside, let's go in quickly."
The scene is set at a manor in the suburbs of Manchester where a warm family feast is about to commence. The main focus of the event is Sir Alex Ferguson.
Sir Alex has invited some of his favorite protégés to his home for the feast, all of whom reside in England and are not too far away. Among the guests is Tiger.
Tiger arrived early as he hadn't seen Sir Alex since his retirement.
The first words spoken by Sir Alex to Tiger were, "How does it feel to be the coach of Manchester United?"
Tiger gave a bitter smile and replied, "It's very challenging."
After uttering those words, Tiger reminisced about what had occurred half a month ago.
When Sir Alex invited him to become the second assistant coach before the end of the season, he was overjoyed. During Sir Alex's retirement press conference, he personally recommended Tiger to take over his role as the manager of Manchester United. At that moment, Tiger felt like he had been struck by lightning. And when Malcolm Glazer came to his home and offered him a three-year contract, Tiger felt like he was in a daze.
But at that time, Tiger signed his name on the contract without any hesitation. Malcolm nodded and said, "Young man, it seems that you were well prepared. Not bad. Manchester United's future is in your hands."
When Tiger sent Malcolm out of the house, he felt very depressed in his heart. He thought to himself, "I wasn't well prepared, I was just shocked..."
Later, when Tiger recalled the moment he signed the contract, he suddenly felt like his body was out of control. All the experiences of Tiger King came to his mind, and the regrets of the past compelled him to sign his name on the contract: Tiger King.
It seemed like there was a voice in Tiger's head shouting, "Since I cannot win any honors as a player, then I will win them all as a coach!"
Ferguson saw Tiger was a bit distracted and asked the butler to bring him a glass of water. "Tiger, have a drink of water," he said.
Tiger only then came to his senses and felt a bit rude, "I'm sorry, Sir, I was a bit absent-minded just now."
"I understand. When I became the manager of Manchester United, I was even more nervous than you," Sir Ferguson laughed. "How's everything going during this time? What are you busy with?"
"The players are on vacation now. I am organizing some team data every day, and also checking on the situation of our opponents," Tiger said.
"Hmm," Ferguson nodded and didn't say anything else.
Tiger thought that Ferguson would say more, but he didn't. He leaned back on the sofa, looked at the trees in the estate outside the window, and appeared relaxed.
When Sir Ferguson didn't speak, Tigre didn't either. Although Tigre was open and bold in front of friends and colleagues, he always saw himself as a student in front of Sir Ferguson, quiet and low-key.
After a while, other guests arrived and Sir Ferguson pointed to the door, "Tiger, go greet them for me."
Tigre nodded and got up to go outside the mansion. The disciples invited by Sir Ferguson this time were all in England. When they saw Tigre, they all greeted him respectfully, "Captain!"
If outsiders saw this scene, they would surely be surprised and have their jaws drop to the ground. Standing in front of Tigre were international football figures: Beckham, Giggs, Scholes, Neville brothers, and Butt.
These people were all Tigre's teammates in the youth team, and the deep friendship continued until now. Every time these old friends saw Tigre, they respectfully called him "Captain."
Tigre smiled and looked at the six people, "Long time no see. Sir Ferguson is waiting for you inside, come in and chat."
Tigre led the group into the house and came to Sir Ferguson. The group respectfully bowed to Sir Ferguson, "Hello, Sir."
Sir Ferguson smiled, "No need to be so restrained, we're all family, sit down."
As he looked at his beloved disciples in front of him, Sir Ferguson felt incredibly proud.
"David, how's it going after retiring?"
Beckham showed his trademark smile, "It's a bit unfamiliar, but it's okay. Victoria recommended me to invest, and I'm considering going back to the United States to invest in a football club."
"Let it go, you are a genius, not only in the football field but also beyond." Ferguson nodded, then looked at Scholes. "Paul, how are you planning your life after retirement?"
"I haven't thought about it yet," Scholes answered honestly.
Ferguson looked at the Neville brothers and Butt. "I heard your retired life is quite leisurely. Ryan is the only one still playing football now."
Giggs smiled. "I have one more year left before retiring, but..."
Giggs paused for a moment, then looked at Tiger with great anticipation. "It's a wonderful experience to play under the captain's leadership."
Beckham waved his hand. "Ryan, when you see the captain again after your vacation, you have to call him 'manager'."
"Hahaha!" Everyone burst into laughter.
Ferguson raised his eyebrows. "Tiger, let this old fan take another look at the Champions League trophy. I'll leave this task to you."
After the meal, everyone enjoyed the tranquility outside the stadium, chatting for a while. Seeing that Jazz was a bit tired, Tiger was the first to say goodbye, followed by Giggs and others.
"If you have time, come and see this old man so I won't be too bored."
Ferguson saw everyone off the estate, and everyone waved goodbye to Jazz once again.
Seeing Ferguson's figure disappear, Beckham sighed. "An era has ended."
"But a new era is beginning, isn't it?" Gary Neville smiled. "I believe in the captain's coaching ability. Maybe he will have a career peak like Guardiola."
Butt gave a thumbs up. "Captain, I'm waiting for the day you win six trophies."
Tiger clenched his fist. "Okay, I won't keep you waiting too long."
Everyone laughed heartily, thinking it was just a joke, but Tiger never released his clenched fist.
Everyone left in their own cars, but Tiger took a taxi because he had the worst financial situation among them as an assistant coach in the youth team, and his salary couldn't match that of the famous football stars. Only Giggs and Scholes still lived in Manchester, and Giggs wanted to invite Tiger to ride in his car.
But Scholes spoke up before Giggs. "Captain, let me give you a ride back to Manchester."