The sandbags weren't heavy — three kilograms each.
At least, that's what Yang Yang told himself when he first started wearing them.
In the morning, they felt manageable. His legs adjusted quickly, his balance was fine, and he could execute most movements without strain.
But by the afternoon session, everything changed.
As the training intensified and the cumulative fatigue set in, the extra weight began to grind him down. Step by step, drill by drill, the bags felt heavier, the burden greater. His legs burned. His precision waned. Simple techniques became harder to execute under exhaustion — exactly the scenario Winston Bogarde had intended.
One by one, teammates began trickling off the pitch.
Maxwell and Vermaelen left early — they were heading home to prepare for the evening party. It was the first day of the new season, and head coach Ronald Koeman had given them some leeway, only warning the squad not to stay out too late.
The coaching staff wouldn't attend. This was for the players.
Even though the others had left, Yang Yang stayed behind to continue training.
Being with Su Ye hadn't distracted him — it hadn't dulled his edge or softened his drive. If anything, it had made him sharper. More focused. More determined to become someone she could be proud of.
And beyond that…
"He want to be the greatest player in the world."
That kind of dream didn't come with shortcuts.
So he trained harder. Longer. He poured in more effort, more time, more repetition. Even when exhaustion pulled at him and every step with the sandbags felt like lifting concrete, he forced himself to maintain form, polish technique, sharpen instincts.
This — this exact pain — was what separated a star from a legend.
It wasn't until the streetlights flickered on and the facility staff came to close up that Yang Yang finally stopped.
Sweat-soaked, legs aching, but mentally clear.
He left De Toekomst behind for the night.
Ball in one hand, bag slung over his shoulder, Yang Yang made his way to the hotel where Su Ye was staying.
Before he even reached the front entrance, he spotted a figure waiting by the gate.
A white T-shirt tucked neatly into a pair of jeans, classic white Adidas Stan Smiths, and long black hair that danced gently in the breeze. She stood beneath the streetlight — calm, casual, luminous.
When she turned and saw him, her soft smile lit up the street more than any lamp ever could.
The sight tugged at something deep in Yang Yang's chest.
"Why did you come down?" he asked, quickening his pace. "I told you to wait for me upstairs."
"I prefer meeting you at the door," Su Ye replied, a little shy.
Just one sentence — and it warmed him from head to toe.
Yang Yang reached out and took her hand, gently but firmly.
Apparently, his parents and the Su family had gone out to explore the local night market together. Su Ye had stayed behind, politely excusing herself, then waited at the hotel entrance until everyone was gone.
It was clear she'd been waiting a while.
They walked west from Southeast Amsterdam toward Ouderkerk, side by side under a string of quiet streetlights. During the day, the landscape was all green fields and open sky — but at night, it felt vast and quiet. Peaceful. Just the two of them.
They talked about everything.
Su Ye recounted the group's day trip to Amsterdam — the museums, the canals, the chaos of Dam Square. Yang Yang told her about the training session, the tired legs, the post-match teasing from Maxwell and the others.
When she heard he was heading to Maxwell's house that evening, she smiled and pulled out two small gift bags.
"One is for his wife," she said, "and the other's for his kids. Just something simple I picked up today."
It wasn't much — they were modest, thoughtful tokens — but Yang Yang immediately felt embarrassed for not having thought of it himself.
"Besides football," Su Ye teased, "you're pretty useless."
Yang Yang nodded solemnly. "Which is why I'll need you to manage everything for me. Otherwise, I'll be wandering the streets barefoot, and then you'll be the one suffering."
"Me? Suffer?" Su Ye gave him a sideways glance. "If it's with you, I think I'll survive."
"Really?" Yang Yang smirked.
"Okay, maybe I'll complain a little," she said with a laugh. "But I won't regret it."
They reached Ouderkerk, still chuckling, and swung by Yang Yang's place to drop off his training gear before heading across the street to Maxwell's house.
When the door opened, Maxwell's wife greeted them with a warm smile.
"Yang, welcome!"
"Thank you."
Yang Yang had been over many times before — he was practically family by now — but this time, he gestured to Su Ye beside him.
"And this is... Su Ye."
Maxwell's wife extended her hand, cheerful and welcoming — but Su Ye surprised them both.
After the initial English greeting, she switched seamlessly into Portuguese.
Yang Yang blinked. Even Maxwell's wife was caught off guard — in the best way.
"You speak Portuguese?" Yang Yang asked, clearly stunned.
Maxwell's wife had been in Europe for over a year, but outside of her family and the occasional conversation with fellow Brazilians like Maicon, it was rare to find someone in Amsterdam who could chat fluently in her native language. Her English still hadn't caught up, and most conversations were limited to polite nods and simple phrases.
But now — someone speaking fluent Portuguese, warmly and confidently?
Delighted, she immediately took Su Ye's hand with genuine enthusiasm and pulled her inside, chatting nonstop as if they were old friends.
Yang Yang was left standing at the doorway, blinking in surprise.
Su Ye? Speaking Portuguese?
He always knew she was sharp, but this… he hadn't seen coming.
She already had a natural grace, spoke English well — and now Portuguese?
How many surprises was she still hiding?
...
...
Aside from Yang Yang, Sneijder also brought along the girlfriend he had been quietly hiding from the team for quite some time.
Several other teammates had their girlfriends or wives with them as well, and the atmosphere at Maxwell's house was warm, lighthearted, and full of laughter.
Though it was Su Ye's first time meeting many of them, her poise and confidence stood out immediately. Her elegance, grace, and stunning looks didn't go unnoticed — not by the Europeans, nor by the South American and African players.
Even in their eyes, she was exceptional.
With Su Ye at his side, Yang Yang had clearly leveled up his off-field reputation too. From now on, no one in the team would "worry" that their golden boy couldn't get a girlfriend.
Despite the friendly setting, everyone still kept a professional line — especially the senior players like Yang Yang and Maxwell. The preseason had already begun, and fitness and discipline remained a priority. That meant moderation, even at dinner.
Yaya Touré was also present, having been invited to join. He lived in Ouderkerk too, though a couple of streets farther from the core group.
Yang Yang made a point of checking in with him during the evening. Their conversation stayed surface-level — nothing deep, just pleasantries and small talk.
Still, Yang Yang picked up on something.
There was a distance in Yaya Touré's demeanor — a kind of quiet detachment. Not cold, exactly, but cautious. Distant.
And that was something Yang Yang didn't like.
Last season, Ajax's dressing room had been tight-knit — bonded enough to claw back the league from Eindhoven in the final stretch. If they wanted to make a dent in the Champions League this season, that unity couldn't slip.
Yaya Touré was new. It made sense that he wasn't fully integrated yet. But Yang Yang made a mental note to keep an eye out — maybe extend a hand here and there.
If the team was going to succeed, no one could be left on the fringes.
The party wrapped up on time at 10:30 p.m. sharp, just as Koeman had asked.
Yang Yang walked Su Ye back to the hotel, then dropped by his family's room to check in.
Su Ye had slipped out earlier without a word, which had understandably made her family a bit anxious. But once they heard she'd been with Yang Yang the entire time, the worry disappeared.
Still, as they returned, the questions came.
Where had they gone?
What had they done?
Yang Yang stayed quiet.
Su Ye offered a soft smile and said she'd just gone out to buy something. Everyone seemed to accept the answer.
Everyone… except her mother.
She said nothing — just watched Yang Yang with a look that lingered a little too long to be casual.
Something told Yang Yang she didn't buy the story.
...
...
As July rolled into its final days, Ajax officially entered full summer preparation mode.
For Yang Yang, this period marked something new. Back in 2003, when he first transferred from Almere, he had joined Ajax in August — too late for preseason. In 2004, he missed it again while away with China's national team at the Asian Cup.
So in truth, this was Yang Yang's first full summer training with Ajax — and the club was treating it as a crucial development window.
Fitness coach Kruitenberg and personal trainer Winston Bogarde collaborated on a comprehensive physical training plan tailored specifically for him. Though Yang Yang had been granted a one-week buffer after returning from the World Youth Championship, the moment that period ended, he dove in with full commitment.
His goal was clear: to elevate his level even further and lead Ajax deeper into the Champions League — especially past the group stage, which had been their stumbling block.
Meanwhile, outside the training grounds of De Toekomst, contract negotiations remained frozen.
Fans and reporters began to grow anxious. With Yang Yang's current deal nearing its end and Europe's biggest clubs circling, rumors filled the air. Would he stay? Would he go?
But inside the Ajax camp, there was no panic.
Yang Yang made it clear to the coaching staff and teammates that he still saw himself as part of the club — and wasn't planning to leave. The calm confidence with which he trained said more than any interview could.
Still, by the time Ajax played their first preseason friendly, the pressure had reached a peak.
Facing the media after the match, Yang Yang finally addressed it head-on.
"I know many fans and journalists are concerned," he said. "But I want to make it clear — I'm only 18 years old. I want to stay. I want to grow here at Ajax. Everyone at the club has been supportive, and I believe we'll sort out the renewal soon. Please don't worry."
The words immediately quieted the rumors and reignited optimism throughout Amsterdam.
Behind the scenes, that statement also changed the tone of negotiations.
Arie van Eijden, Ajax's general director, had grown weary after a drawn-out stalemate with Raiola. But now, with Yang Yang himself expressing loyalty in public, a resolution felt close at hand.
Raiola, ever the strategist, adopted a dramatic air of resignation — pretending to be the agent forced by his player into backing down.
"Don't blame me," his expression seemed to say. "My client's heart is too loyal."
He placed the final offer on the table:
A release clause of €40 million, down from Ajax's original push for €50 million.
A weekly salary of €25,000 after tax — reduced from the opening ask of €40,000.
Even at that rate, Yang Yang would become the highest-paid player in Ajax history.
And when factoring in performance-based bonuses — match appearances, goals, assists, individual awards, and team achievements — his earnings could triple what any other player made at the club last season.
Van Eijden agreed on the spot.
Just days before the annual Amsterdam Tournament, Yang Yang and Ajax finalized the new deal.
The club had secured its crown jewel.
The fans had their hero.
And Yang Yang — ever focused — had peace of mind to turn toward what mattered most.
The football.
...
...
The Amsterdam Tournament was Ajax's traditional curtain-raiser for the new season — a prestigious event that brought European giants to the Dutch capital each year.
In recent years, especially with the decline of the now-defunct Toyota Cup, Ajax had pushed to internationalize the competition even further. South American sides began receiving invitations alongside Europe's elite.
For the 2005 edition, the lineup featured:
Host Ajax
Arsenal from the English Premier League
FC Porto from Portugal
Boca Juniors from Argentina
Over the past month, Ajax had focused intensely on preseason preparation. Yang Yang, participating in a full preseason for the first time since joining the club, threw himself into training. But his personal training schedule — developed with Winston Bogarde and fitness coach Kruitenberg — was so tailored and physically demanding that it placed him out of sync with the rest of the squad.
As a result, his form in the warm-up matches was poor. The same pattern carried into the Amsterdam Tournament.
In the first match, Ajax faced Boca Juniors. The team controlled possession and played with composure, but failed to find the net. Boca capitalized on a rare opportunity and walked away with a narrow 1–0 victory.
Yang Yang, who played 60 minutes, was tightly marked and had a quiet outing.
Speaking to reporters post-match, he remained composed:
"I don't believe in the so-called rookie wall. I just need time."
Ronald Koeman, too, stood firmly behind his star player.
"Yang Yang hasn't scored during the preseason — but he's coming off the World Youth Championship and is undergoing a rigorous physical training program. He doesn't need to prove anything. He's still the best player in the Eredivisie, by far."
The club and supporters remained confident. Even when the numbers weren't there, they trusted that Yang Yang would soon return to form.
Dutch football pundit Aaron Moi, host of Football Online, echoed this view on his broadcast:
"You're asking a teenager to go from the World Youth Championship, straight into preseason, and carry the team again — all while training like an Olympian. His dip in form is normal. He'll bounce back."
Two days later, Ajax faced Arsenal in the second game of the tournament — and lost again, 0–1.
This time, Yang Yang showed flashes of brilliance. Within 40 seconds, he executed a brilliant backheel to set up Sneijder, but the midfielder's shot flew just wide.
Ajax tried to target Arsenal's weakened midfield — still recovering from the departure of Patrick Vieira and the absence of Gilberto Silva — but Yang Yang was locked in a battle with Ashley Cole, and Sneijder had little support. The chances dried up.
Late in the match, Arsenal punished Ajax. In the 87th minute, Hleb provided the assist, and striker Arturo Lupoli scored the winning goal.
By the end of the tournament, Arsenal were crowned champions, with two wins and three goals scored — earning nine total points under the Invitational's scoring system.
Porto edged Boca Juniors for second place thanks to goal difference.
Ajax, with two losses and zero goals, finished bottom.
The results sparked concern — especially given Ajax's ambitions for the upcoming season.
Most notably, questions were raised over Yaya Touré, Ajax's high-profile summer signing. Though highly rated, his positioning as a holding midfielder — ahead of club captain Galásek — disrupted the team's usual balance. His lack of chemistry with the rest of the midfield was showing.
With the midfield struggling to provide service, Yang Yang's lack of goals was more a symptom than a cause. Without chances, even the best can't score.
De Telegraaf, in its post-match editorial, emphasized this point:
"Ajax's midfield is struggling to generate opportunities. If this continues, the club's domestic and European campaigns will suffer. Koeman must address the imbalance — and fast — before the Eredivisie season begins."
While Koeman and Yang Yang were still widely respected by fans and media alike, the pressure was mounting.
The talent was there. The work ethic was there.
Now it was a matter of turning preparation into production — before it was too late.
...
...
The head coach's office on the second floor of De Toekomst was unusually crowded.
Director of Football Arie van Eijden, head coach Ronald Koeman, assistant coach Ruud Krol, fitness chief Jan Kruitenberg, and three player representatives — team captain Tomáš Galásek, midfield leader Wesley Sneijder, and the team's top star Yang Yang — were all present.
It was a rare occasion. Ajax didn't typically include players in tactical debriefs, but after a worrying pre-season and a disastrous Amsterdam Tournament, the staff knew they needed honest feedback — especially from Yang Yang.
Last season, he had been directly involved in over half of Ajax's goals. No one doubted it anymore — Yang Yang was the cornerstone of the club's offense.
And yet, the team had lost both matches in the Amsterdam Invitational. Two defeats. Zero goals. Zero points.
More concerning: zero clear ideas.
Koeman and his staff started by calmly analyzing the situation. Kruitenberg explained that it wasn't unexpected — several players, including Yang Yang, were still recovering from summer fatigue and ongoing preseason conditioning.
"Especially you," Kruitenberg said, looking toward Yang Yang. "Your workload after the World Youth Championship is no joke. You need time to ramp back up."
Yang Yang nodded. "I feel it too. But it's coming back. I'm not worried."
Captain Galásek reassured everyone that the locker room remained united. Even the new signing Yaya Touré, though still quiet and somewhat reserved, hadn't caused any issues.
Although Galásek had lost his place in the starting XI, his leadership remained invaluable. The armband still belonged to him.
Sneijder spoke next.
"There's something off in midfield," he admitted, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "I can't put my finger on it, but the balance isn't right."
He glanced toward Galásek and shrugged. "Last season, when it was you and Nigel behind me, I could play freely. Now with Touré… it's not that he's bad. He's strong. Physical. But I feel boxed in. Less space."
Ruud Krol scribbled notes furiously. That was the kind of insight they needed — subtle, internal issues that stats couldn't show.
Finally, Koeman turned toward Yang Yang. All eyes followed.
"Yang, what do you think?"
Silence fell. Even Sneijder leaned in.
At 18, Yang Yang was younger than almost everyone in the room. But he was no longer treated like a boy. The staff knew it — if he publicly questioned the team's direction, or his role in it, the media storm would be massive. It could shake the very structure of the club.
Because without Yang Yang, where would Ajax find their goals?
With Wesley Sonck gone, Charisteas inconsistent, and neither Nicklas Bendtner nor Ryan Babel fully ready, the entire attacking burden was once again on his shoulders.
Yang Yang took a moment. He glanced at Koeman, then at Krol. They both gave him a small, supportive nod.
"I'll just share some personal thoughts," he said calmly, "and what I've felt on the pitch."
Van Eijden leaned forward. "Go ahead. That's why we're here. Speak freely."
Koeman added, "Even if it's criticism of our tactics, it's okay. The only way we solve things is by being honest."
Krol, observing quietly, felt a small flicker of pride. Two years ago, Yang Yang had been a shy, soft-spoken teenager from Almere. Now, he was about to speak as the leader of Ajax's attack.
But that pride came with a bit of caution. Would success start to inflate him? Would he become arrogant?
He watched closely as Yang Yang smiled — not smugly, but politely — and turned back to the coaches.
"With all respect, since you're asking…" he began.
Everyone in the room leaned in just slightly.
Because when your star forward, your golden boy, your best hope for silverware — when he's about to talk tactics?
You listen.
...
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