Starting as a Defensive Midfielder at Real Madrid

On the afternoon of September 14th, 2010, José Mourinho attended the pre-match press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s opening Champions League group stage match of the new season. There, in typical ”generous” fashion, he released the full 18-man squad list.

Due to Raúl Albiol still being sidelined with injury and Pepe having only just returned to fitness, Mourinho—erring on the side of caution—included Garay in the squad, despite him not having featured in the league so far. That was the only real surprise for the media present.

Otherwise, the rest of the Champions League squad matched pre-match predictions from the Spanish press almost exactly.

Beyond the expected starts for megastars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Di María, Alonso, and Ramos, the question on everyone’s mind was simple:

Would Li Ang, who had recently played key roles in two league wins, be given another start?

It couldn’t be helped. After two solid La Liga performances, Li Ang had become one of the most talked-about names in Spanish football.

As fans put it:

”When you see a player with the sunshine smile and handsome looks of Kaká, but playing with the bite and grit of Gattuso… and he’s only 19, starting games for Real Madrid—you can’t help but be curious.”

Even though the Real Madrid official account had already published his development history and stats from his time in the youth academy, fans remained unsatisfied.

They wanted more. They wanted to see what made this so-called ”alternative genius” tick.

So the press, naturally, focused heavily on Li Ang during the pre-match Q&A.

Mourinho flashed his signature smile. But to every question about Li Ang, he had just one answer:

”No comment.”

That was both Mourinho’s stance and Li Ang’s.

Real Madrid fully respected Li Ang’s personal wishes in this regard.

He didn’t want to face the media prematurely. And Mourinho hated when reporters intruded into the personal lives of his players.

On this point, Mourinho and Li Ang were perfectly aligned.

No matter how the reporters tried to pry and prod, Mourinho smiled and turned them all down.

Until one journalist from China raised his hand and was given the floor.

”Mr. Mourinho, what role does Li Ang play in the current Real Madrid squad? What are your thoughts on his development and potential? Do you believe he has the ability to earn a starting spot in the future?”

The journalist—wearing credentials from a major Chinese sports outlet—asked all three questions at once.

Mourinho hesitated briefly, then—whether out of respect for Li Ang or simple honesty—chose to respond.

”I think you’ve all seen his role. Li Ang is currently a defensive midfielder, with a primary duty of blocking opposition build-up in our half.

As for his development—I believe he has a lot of room to grow. He’s eager to learn, sharp, and always looking to get more out of both training and matches.

As for whether he’ll earn a starting role… well, that’s something you’ll have to ask him yourself. He’s a confident young man. I doubt I can give you the answer you’re really looking for—but he might.”

It was a standard Mourinho response—polite, honest, and ending with a bit of humor.

But unexpectedly, the Chinese journalist did not look pleased.

Instead, he gave an awkward smile and quietly returned to his seat.

Mourinho found it odd, but quickly forgot about it once the press conference wrapped up.

—

A few hours later, back in China, sports forums were filled with updates about Real Madrid’s pre-match media session.

But instead of rejoicing at Li Ang making the squad again, or celebrating Mourinho’s praise of him, Chinese football fans were anything but united.

Just like when news first broke that Li Ang was starting for Real Madrid, the fanbase split into factions—and the forums erupted in full-blown verbal warfare.

It all traced back to one Weibo post that Li Ang had made earlier that year, in February:

”Many people are innocent. Whether they’re scapegoats or just trying to hold together this broken ship, they might be well-meaning—even if their methods are disgusting.

But to me, the saddest thing is how deeply these innocent people underestimate the greed and shamelessness of those in power.

If the true revival of this sport in our country demands a brutal sacrifice—then today, I’m willing to be that sacrifice.”

At the time, the post hadn’t drawn much attention.

But the very next day, a report surfaced saying that Li Ang had refused a national team call-up, declining to participate in the East Asian Cup in Tokyo.

That news exploded.

At the time, Li Ang was the only young player receiving formal youth training at Real Madrid. He had already played for China’s U-19 team as captain and was widely seen as the country’s most promising future star.

He had become the golden hope—a player Chinese fans prayed would lead the national team to another World Cup.

All of that collapsed on February 1st, 2010.

After that emotionally charged Weibo post, Li Ang formally announced his permanent withdrawal from all Chinese national teams.

No reason. No further explanation.

Just a cold, final statement that severed his connection with the national setup.

Chinese sports media lost their minds.

Some claimed he had acted like a diva, storming out after being scolded by a team manager.

Others said that certain youth coaches had demanded bribes from Li Ang’s teammates and friends—Li Ang discovered it and caused a scene.

Another rumor alleged that a senior official in the football association had demanded ”appearance fees” from Li Ang.

He had cursed them out on the spot—and was removed from the team.

With so many conflicting reports, no one knew the real reason behind Li Ang’s dramatic departure.

A small group of fans expressed understanding.

But the majority? They couldn’t accept it.

The title ”traitor” slowly began to stick.

Even after Li Ang went on loan to Real Betis and started playing well, many fans refused to support him.

Even now, with more and more fans softening their stance as Li Ang shone for Real Madrid, a significant number couldn’t forgive.

As his star rose in Spain, so too did the controversy back home.

Li Ang never said anything more. The football association never gave a statement.

And so the ”retirement from the national team” became a haunting mystery—a story that left countless fans heartbroken.

For Li Ang, who had traveled back in time from more than a decade in the future, it was already a closed chapter.

He had hesitated. He had struggled. He had once committed fully.

Now, he had left completely disillusioned.

The blade hadn’t fallen on him—but on those around him. And he couldn’t stand by and ignore that pain.

So he chose the most defiant, uncompromising path possible.

A story destined to be a tragedy from the start.

Because Li Ang had no vested interest in Chinese football.

He didn’t need to compromise.

And someone who refuses to bend will eventually collide hard with those in power.

He refused to bow.

So he was exiled.

But as Li Ang himself once said—

”If true revival requires sacrifice,

Then let me be the one who pays that price.”

He wouldn’t look back.

And he would never regret it.

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