CHAPTER 350: CHAPTER 271: WITHOUT HART AND AGÜERO, HOW WILL MANCHESTER CITY PLAY THIS MATCH?

The commercial director Belada once said in front of everyone that only three people from Manchester City would represent the club at this charity event, so Tang Long was curious to see Gracie sitting beside him.

Gracie, in a long dress, just smiled and said, "Your suit looks really nice today," and then the host began to speak on stage, announcing the start of the luncheon.

The first to speak was the Manchester Mayor, who first thanked everyone for attending and emphasized the importance of societal care for retired players.

He pointed out that many players have brought honor and passion to the city during their careers, but face economic difficulties after retirement. Society should not forget their contributions and should join hands to help them through tough times. The Mayor called on all sectors to give more attention and support, jointly building a warm and inclusive care system for retired players.

As the initiator of this event, Manchester City Club’s commercial director Belada expressed the club’s deep concern for retired players, and introduced the preparations and future plans for this charity event.

"I believe that the club is not just part of a player’s career, but also a strong support after they retire!"

"The Abu Dhabi Consortium will launch a series of aid measures, including setting up a special medical aid fund, providing career training opportunities, and mental health support services, aimed at helping retired players reintegrate into society and realize their self-worth."

The room erupted in applause, and many retired players invited to the event shed tears of gratitude upon hearing there was financial support.

Then, Tang Long, as a representative of active players, took the stage to speak.

He didn’t have to write the speech himself; the club’s secretary had prepared it long ago, and Tang Long had memorized it thoroughly, speaking confidently on stage.

Tang Long started from his personal experience, sharing his thoughts on life after retirement as an active player.

He expressed respect for his predecessors and promised to actively participate in and support assistance programs for retired players.

Tang Long urged his peers to cherish the present and also plan for the future, while encouraging retired players to maintain a positive attitude.

"Believe that society won’t forget their contributions, let’s join hands and face challenges together!" Applause sounded again!

During his speech, Tang Long’s tone was passionate and deeply moving, captivating the audience and earning approving nods, with attendees showing agreement with this young player’s insights.

"Well said, every point is spot on."

"This young man is quite remarkable, such profound understanding of a player’s career at such a young age, there aren’t many young people like him!"

"I heard he’s not even 20, yet he can speak on behalf of active players, his future is surely promising."

"Such a kind young man, and handsome too, really impressive!"

Dilata laughed as she picked up her phone, taking several photos of Tang Long, "He memorized that speech really well, didn’t he!"

While Tang Long was speaking, Gracie looked at him with admiration in her eyes, and after his speech, she applauded him enthusiastically.

"Next, Dr. Gracie will speak. Dr. Gracie is the Manchester Mayor’s daughter and works with Manchester City’s medical team. She is also medical personnel hired by the special medical aid fund."

As Tang Long stepped down and passed Gracie, hearing the host say she’s the Manchester Mayor’s daughter, he exchanged a glance with her, chuckling to himself, realizing he had guessed wrong, and found it rather funny.

Gracie wore a simple yet elegant blue long dress, the hem just reaching her calves, with brown flats on her feet, revealing her white ankles, looking quite beautiful.

Gracie detailed how the foundation helps retired players tackle long-term health issues caused by sports injuries through professional medical services.

She stressed the importance of physical and mental health for retired players to restart their lives, and introduced the foundation’s projects offering free physical exams, rehabilitation treatment, and psychological counseling.

"I call upon more doctors to join the ranks of medical personnel in the aid fund, providing comprehensive care for retired players."

Then came the luncheon phase.

Kolarov and Ranocchia, having finished morning training, were ravenous by now and began eating heartily.

Tang Long, meanwhile, chatted happily with Gracie over their meal.

An hour later, people began to gradually leave.

Dilata had arranged a special interview with the Mayor an hour after the banquet. She lightly raised her wrist, glancing at the exquisite watch face before gracefully walking toward Tang Long’s table, preparing to bid him farewell.

However, as she approached, a casually noticed scene caught her gaze—Gracie’s porcelain-like hands lazily resting on the table.

Dilata’s gaze froze, intensely focusing on those beautiful hands and the faint scar from a knife on the surface of the index finger joint.

It wasn’t until Gracie turned and caught her staring, gently standing up with a faint smile curling from her lips, that she pulled Dilata back to reality.

Gracie recognized the woman in front of her as the one in the video call while Tang Long was receiving therapy in the therapy room.

She stood up, smiling as she gazed into Dilata’s eyes.

Their seemingly friendly banter carried a hint of unspoken undercurrents between women.