Two very tough games coming up but I'm sure you'll take 6 more points 
Inter The Lions Den... My Homecoming....
- POSTS318
- VIEWS131902
Two tough games, and with the new additions to the squad, you'll be continuing your unbeaten run in the Serie A.
Hoping so gentlemen, would love to make it through the season with 38 wins from 38…
THAT would be something to shout about
THAT would be something to shout about
BLACKMAIL
I was sitting on the edge of my bed two days before the Milan derby when my phone rang - the number was blocked so I ignored it.
It rang again.
And a third time.
On the fourth call inside 20 minutes, I picked up.
"Hello?"
"Mr Connolly?" said the voice.
"How did you get this number?" I ask.
"A friend of a friend - That's all you need to know. Now, let's get down to business as to why I'm calling you…
My name is Leandro Castral. I am involved in a few… Let's say, business deals around Milan."
"Look mate, I don't need an agent, a publicist or help with PPI, so I'll not waste your time. Bye."
"Ahhh, no so fast, Jason. Can I call you Jason? I'm going to anyway." he said, extremely cockily.
Just then, a woman screamed in the background… It sounded like Jia Li… But it couldn't be, she's in Monaco on a shoot…..
"Now, Jason. I'm sure you recognise that scream. Don't you?" He asked, his voice becoming raspy.
"What do you want? How did you….?" I choke. "I'll pay you anything - just don't hurt her!!"
"I'm a very rich man, Jason. I don't need your money. I want you to make sure your team LOSE the Milan derby!!"
"I… I can't do that." I splutter.
"I understand I may have sprung the decision upon you and because I'm a very fair man, I'll give you 24 hours to decide. Castral said.
"Lose the game and your little model girlfriend will remain unharmed. Win… And you'll never see her again."
"I'll call you tomorrow for your decision."
With that, he hung up.
I collapsed on the bed - numb.
I was sitting on the edge of my bed two days before the Milan derby when my phone rang - the number was blocked so I ignored it.
It rang again.
And a third time.
On the fourth call inside 20 minutes, I picked up.
"Hello?"
"Mr Connolly?" said the voice.
"How did you get this number?" I ask.
"A friend of a friend - That's all you need to know. Now, let's get down to business as to why I'm calling you…
My name is Leandro Castral. I am involved in a few… Let's say, business deals around Milan."
"Look mate, I don't need an agent, a publicist or help with PPI, so I'll not waste your time. Bye."
"Ahhh, no so fast, Jason. Can I call you Jason? I'm going to anyway." he said, extremely cockily.
Just then, a woman screamed in the background… It sounded like Jia Li… But it couldn't be, she's in Monaco on a shoot…..
"Now, Jason. I'm sure you recognise that scream. Don't you?" He asked, his voice becoming raspy.
"What do you want? How did you….?" I choke. "I'll pay you anything - just don't hurt her!!"
"I'm a very rich man, Jason. I don't need your money. I want you to make sure your team LOSE the Milan derby!!"
"I… I can't do that." I splutter.
"I understand I may have sprung the decision upon you and because I'm a very fair man, I'll give you 24 hours to decide. Castral said.
"Lose the game and your little model girlfriend will remain unharmed. Win… And you'll never see her again."
"I'll call you tomorrow for your decision."
With that, he hung up.
I collapsed on the bed - numb.
Stay tuned my friend….
I woke up, hoping, praying it was all a dream… I checked my phone and there it was - the evidence of the call from Castral.
I went to training as normal but couldn't concentrate, the players noticed I was off - Christian especially, he knows me better than most.
When I got back home, I ordered myself a pizza - my mind was too cluttered to begin cooking, I'd probably set my house on fire.
It arrived and I couldn't eat it… All the cards were in Castral's hands. He had my number. I didn't have his.
He had Jia Li…
My phone began to ring.
I took a deep breath.
"Hello?"
"Jason… How are we my friend?" Castral responded.
"Fuck off with your chit chat and I'm not your fucking friend." I snap.
"Ooooh, touchy aren't we?! I trust you've made your mind up?" He said.
"Yes. I'll do it. We'll throw the game." I couldn't believe what I was saying.
"You make a good choice my friend. When the game is over, you will get your lady friend back. I assure you." He said before hanging up.
I slumped back in my recliner, a million thoughts running through my mind.
How do I get the players to agree to this?
Do I name a strong side and hope somehow that after 50 Serie A games in charge that we lose our undefeated streak at the hands of our most bitter rivals?
Even if we lose, how do I know Castral will give me Jia Li back?
Do I call the police? Will that make it worse if I do?
I drifted off in to an uncomfortable slumber and awoke more exhausted than I did before I went to sleep.
This was it.
Derby day.
I went to training as normal but couldn't concentrate, the players noticed I was off - Christian especially, he knows me better than most.
When I got back home, I ordered myself a pizza - my mind was too cluttered to begin cooking, I'd probably set my house on fire.
It arrived and I couldn't eat it… All the cards were in Castral's hands. He had my number. I didn't have his.
He had Jia Li…
My phone began to ring.
I took a deep breath.
"Hello?"
"Jason… How are we my friend?" Castral responded.
"Fuck off with your chit chat and I'm not your fucking friend." I snap.
"Ooooh, touchy aren't we?! I trust you've made your mind up?" He said.
"Yes. I'll do it. We'll throw the game." I couldn't believe what I was saying.
"You make a good choice my friend. When the game is over, you will get your lady friend back. I assure you." He said before hanging up.
I slumped back in my recliner, a million thoughts running through my mind.
How do I get the players to agree to this?
Do I name a strong side and hope somehow that after 50 Serie A games in charge that we lose our undefeated streak at the hands of our most bitter rivals?
Even if we lose, how do I know Castral will give me Jia Li back?
Do I call the police? Will that make it worse if I do?
I drifted off in to an uncomfortable slumber and awoke more exhausted than I did before I went to sleep.
This was it.
Derby day.
THE LINE UPS
AC MILAN
FC INTERNAZIONALE
I sent out a strong team and never breathed a word to the players about my predicament.
I couldn't believe I was sitting in this cauldron of pride and noise, hoping that my undefeated streak in Serie A would come to an end.
We started off brightly, Christian hit the bar and Illarimendi blazed over from 8 yards out.
I couldn't concentrate on the game, it was too difficult - there was too much on the line.
Robinho picked the ball up on the left wing and switched the play to Niang on the right… The young Frenchman whipped in a cross and Balotelli swung a leg.
1-0 Milan.
Half time.
I took Hristo to the side before we got back to the dressing room.
"I'm not feeling well pal, take the team talk will you?" I asked of him.
"Sure boss, you do look a little pale now that you mention it." He answered.
I went to the bathroom and splashed my face with cold water and loosened my tie.
I was so agitated.
Losing to Milan and keeping Jia Li.
Or….
Beating Milan and losing Jia Li.
Next thing I knew, I heard the lads geeing each other up and the sound of studs on the concrete flooring as they ran back out.
Here we go again….
Now not sure if I should say good first half or bad first half >.<
Damn blackmailing bastards!
Damn blackmailing bastards!
What would you do, Neal?
Great couple of updates and brilliant storyline 
1
AC MILAN 1-0 FC INTERNAZIONALE
Second Half
The lads came out of the blocks pretty quickly - normally I would be pleased but I couldn't help my mixed emotions.
I should've just called the police as soon as I took Castral's initial call.
Ooooohhhh!!!!
The agonising groan from our fans rang out around the ground as Alexis Sanchez strikes a 30 yard thunder bolt just wide of the post.
Peruzzi plays the ball down the right to Salvio, he whips a ball across the box, narrowly missing Benteke's head but Bonaventura nips around the back to slide home the equaliser.
1-1
The players are ecstatic, the bench and fans go nuts… I have to admit, despite the situation, even my heart skips a beat in joy.
But what about Jia Li? What's happening to her?
With 20 minutes left, Balotelli finds Niang and the youngster trips over Valdes' flailing arm.
Penalty.
I drop my head and cover my face as Balotelli steps up.
Valdes gets his hand to it and pushes it round the post.
The resulting corner is cleared by Verratti.
84 minutes gone and a hacked clearance from Abate is intercepted by Verratti who drives in to the Milan penalty area and slips through Sanchez on the left…. The Chilean drills the ball across the box and the toe of Benteke forces the ball over the line.
In that instant, I forget myself, slide down the touchline on my knees (wrecking my Hugo Boss trousers in the process) and run to the corner and celebrate with my players… On the way back to the bench, I put my face in front of the nearest camera and shake my fists as a proverbial 'fuck you' to Castral who is obviously tuned in.
2-1
The players hold firm despite a late Milan onslaught and take all three points.
FINAL SCORE
AC MILAN 1-2 FC INTERNAZIONALE
What has that victory done?
What are the consequences for me and Jia Li?
There's that sinking feeling again….
Second Half
The lads came out of the blocks pretty quickly - normally I would be pleased but I couldn't help my mixed emotions.
I should've just called the police as soon as I took Castral's initial call.
Ooooohhhh!!!!
The agonising groan from our fans rang out around the ground as Alexis Sanchez strikes a 30 yard thunder bolt just wide of the post.
Peruzzi plays the ball down the right to Salvio, he whips a ball across the box, narrowly missing Benteke's head but Bonaventura nips around the back to slide home the equaliser.
1-1
The players are ecstatic, the bench and fans go nuts… I have to admit, despite the situation, even my heart skips a beat in joy.
But what about Jia Li? What's happening to her?
With 20 minutes left, Balotelli finds Niang and the youngster trips over Valdes' flailing arm.
Penalty.
I drop my head and cover my face as Balotelli steps up.
Valdes gets his hand to it and pushes it round the post.
The resulting corner is cleared by Verratti.
84 minutes gone and a hacked clearance from Abate is intercepted by Verratti who drives in to the Milan penalty area and slips through Sanchez on the left…. The Chilean drills the ball across the box and the toe of Benteke forces the ball over the line.
In that instant, I forget myself, slide down the touchline on my knees (wrecking my Hugo Boss trousers in the process) and run to the corner and celebrate with my players… On the way back to the bench, I put my face in front of the nearest camera and shake my fists as a proverbial 'fuck you' to Castral who is obviously tuned in.
2-1
The players hold firm despite a late Milan onslaught and take all three points.
FINAL SCORE
AC MILAN 1-2 FC INTERNAZIONALE
What has that victory done?
What are the consequences for me and Jia Li?
There's that sinking feeling again….
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