The FIFA Confederations Cup was changed to a quadrennial event in 2005.

FIFA defines it as a "multi-functional" international event second only to the World Cup, and a prelude to the World Cup.

The teams selected for the main tournament are the continental champions from each continent, the reigning World Cup champion, and the host country.

Another function of the event is to test the host country's qualifications for hosting the World Cup.

Since the predecessor of the Confederations Cup was the King Fahd Cup, the wealthy oil kingdom greatly increased the starting prize money.

In the 2017 Confederations Cup, the total prize money was US$20 million.

The group draw results were released on November 28, 2016.

Group A: Russia, Mexico, Spain, New Zealand.

Group B: Germany, Chile, Australia, Cameroon.

Li Kang did not have any conflicts with Arsenal's senior management.

The Gunners did not stage an internal strife drama.

Due to a temporary call-up by the national team, he missed the gathering date in Madrid. After communicating with the coaching staff, he decided to fly directly to the national team training camp in Kazan.

Sir Chips Keswick personally led a group of Arsenal senior executives to the airport to see him off.

"Li, as long as your image rights are involved in the renewal of sponsorship fees with major advertisers and the club, the funds will be normally transferred to your agent's account."

"The LED screen on the outer wall of the Emirates Stadium will always scroll your jersey number."

"The Arsenal Museum and the Hall of Fame will always remember your contribution."

Gazidis's tone was calm, completely forgetting that these words had been repeated several times on the way.

Young Kroenke Jr. shook Li Kang's left hand and said, "It's a pity, Li, once certain problems are solved, Arsenal will spare no expense to bring you back."

"I'm sorry."

Little Kroenke's eyes were sincere, and his tone was earnest.

The senior club executives behind him were silent.

If you Kroenke and fat Weng and other two hundred shareholders of the "palace fight" stop, Wenger and Li how can not stay in the Arsenal to continue to shine?

Arsenal's equity dispute, can write a book: Emirates Stadium cash flow, collusion to spread shares, parochialism, blood feud, asset dilemma, Anglo-American hostility to Soviet-Russian capital, the introduction of American professional manager system, zero investment, equity dividend contradictions.

Too much.

A book that tens of thousands of words can not finish.

As for what to fight for four, sell the captain to sell the three-time champion core is just a microcosm of the equity chaos, Wenger is just a scapegoat to bear the fans' anger.

In a sense, Arsenal is no longer a club.

The only hope is that in the future the Kroenke family will wholly own Arsenal and end the chaos of the equity struggle, even if they only treat the club as a profit-making tool, at least they will start investing in signings.

"Li, I'm sorry."

Little Kroenke sincerely repeated his apology.

Li Kang smiled.

He didn't take the other party's words seriously.

The transfer process is expected to start after the Confederations Cup, and the farewell ceremony will also be held during that time.

Now for other matters.

Robert is miserable.

A large number of protesting fans gathered at the Emirates Stadium, holding up banners and posters to keep Li Kang.

"Sinner" Robert's photo was burned.

Countless "death threat" letters were sent by extreme fans, flooding the office like snowflakes.

The Arsenal sporting director, who had been in office for less than two months, experienced the pressure Wenger had endured for many years.

On the other side.

Tottenham fans launched a wild celebration in bars large and small throughout North London.

Even more excited than when their bitter rivals started a "Wenger Out" wave.

"So what if you won the treble?"

"Next season we'll be under our feet again!"

Kazan, Spanish national team temporary training base.

The little squirrels scurried between two oak trees, stopping from time to time to prick up their ears and look at the players in the distance.

"Isn't the German team supposed to send young players to train? How come they sent a bunch of main players like Reus, Kroos, Boateng, and Neuer!"

"Same with the Chile team, the Copa America champions with their full squad."

"Russia and Mexico are also quite troublesome."

"The temperature in Kazan is so comfortable, I plan to go to the Annunciation Cathedral and the Suyumbike Tower tomorrow."

"The group of Russian girls outside the base are so annoying, asking all day long why Li hasn't reported yet."

"Pique, why are you distracted again? What are you thinking about?"

The players were doing a rondo drill on the grass, chatting idly.

David Silva, Iniesta, Cazorla and several older players were not called up for various reasons.

De Gea's eyes swept over the group of teammates, and no matter how he looked at them, he felt unreliable, especially Pique.

The Golden Glove for this Confederations Cup is hanging in the balance.

Minano was also worried: Spain is only missing a Confederations Cup title.

In the Confederations Cup final four years ago, the Spanish team led by Xavi, Busquets and Iniesta was thrashed by Brazil, conceding three goals and missing out on the title.

"Don't think too much, even if we are eliminated in the group stage, we will still get 2 million US dollars."

The Spanish assistant coach could only comfort himself in this way.

Suddenly.

He vaguely heard a burst of cheers in the distance.

Looking in the direction of the sound.

Del Bosque and Li Kang, with bandages, were walking slowly.

"Li!"

"Li!"

The teammates gave up their practice and excitedly greeted them with the coaching staff.

Del Bosque's moustache raised, his big belly sticking out, and he quickly moved his feet to protect Li Kang in front of him.

"Calm down, don't bump into Li!"

"He just finished his physical examination and reapplied the medicine and bandages."

"Don't swarm over like a bunch of flies, Li is not...呸呸呸!"

"Especially you, De Gea!"

"And Isco, what are you trying to gain by蹭蹭ing?"

Minano stopped the players who were pouncing on Li Kang.

He suddenly noticed one thing: the players' eyes had regained their brilliance and confidence.

It turns out that Li is the soul of the Spanish team!

The national team coaching staff made a decision before the expedition: they would rather give up a roster spot than bring the injured Li Kang to Russia!

He is the helmsman of the Spanish fleet!

Li Kang gave everyone a simple hug.

A system prompt sounded in his mind.

[Ding! Main quest triggered: Confederations Cup Champion!]

[Quest Introduction: A relaxing and enjoyable journey, use your performance to conquer the fans in Russia! What! Chile and Germany have sent their main squads!]

[Quest Reward: Confederations Cup Legendary Treasure Chest!]

Without much small talk.

Minano led him to the dormitory, all the way concerned about the injury.

According to the plan for this Confederations Cup, Li Kang would not be sent on the field by the coaching staff as a mascot.

After settling Li Kang's accommodation.

Minano returned to the training ground.

Two team doctors suddenly trotted over and handed over the physical examination report.

The coaching staff took a look and were stunned.

"What?"

"Li's hand injury is not serious? He's not Messi, how could he recover so quickly!"

"Did you make a mistake? Do you think Arsenal's medical team are vets?"

"No, we can't take risks."

(End of this chapter)