Just as the international break began, the football world's attention was focused on national team matches. Meanwhile, at Hoffenheim's quiet training ground, Oliver had just finished his morning individual extra training, sweat dripping from his forehead onto the tactical room floor. He was munching on an energy bar with a bottle of mineral water when his phone rang; it was a video call from his father.
"Hello, son, training finished?" On the other end of the screen, Jules' background looked like a warehouse or logistics center, and the background noise was a bit loud. Jules was wearing a dark blue work jacket and looked dusty and tired.
"Just finished, Dad, resting at the training ground. It sounds quite noisy where you are?"
"Oh, it is, isn't it? There was a small hitch at the warehouse here in Liverpool, so I rushed over to check on the customs clearance for this batch of Christmas decorations." Jules leaned closer to the camera, lowering his voice, but his face held an irrepressible excitement.
"Son, let me tell you something big. Today at noon, and just now, I received two important calls."
Oliver's heart skipped a beat; he roughly guessed what it was. He tightened the mineral water bottle cap and asked, "Important calls? I guess they're related to the national football team?"
"Smart!" Jules slapped his thigh, a bit too forcefully, and something clattered nearby. He quickly turned his head and shouted, "Careful!"
Then he turned back to Oliver and said, "First, it was the Football Association. The assistant coach for the Football Association's U21 team personally contacted me, saying they've been observing you for a long time, that your performance so far has been excellent, and they want to call you up to the U21 for the upcoming European Cup qualifiers!"
Oliver wasn't too surprised. When he topped the Champions League scoring charts at 17, it would have been strange if he hadn't attracted attention.
He was more concerned about what came next and asked, "And then? Dad?"
"And then?" Jules chuckled. "Right after that, this morning, a call came from your mother's hometown."
He used a rather vague pronoun: that person.
"Then it was a representative from the National Football Team. Remember, it was a representative from the National Football Team's first team! That person's intention was very clear: they hope to naturalize you and then invite you to join the National Football Team's first team directly. Their words were sincere, and their attitude was enthusiastic. They even investigated your family's ancestry!"
This, however, surprised Oliver a little. He put down his energy bar: "Let me join the National Football Team's first team?"
"That's right, the first team," Jules smiled, but there wasn't much excitement in his smile, more of a playful tease, as if watching a good show.
"But your dad knows you so well; I can smell what you're thinking through the screen. So, what are you thinking now? It's like pies falling from the sky, two flavors: one is England U21, the other is the National Football Team's first team. Which one will you choose?"
Oliver didn't answer directly; he needed to weigh his options carefully. His father's teasing was just teasing, but this matter was indeed significant.
He thought for a moment and said, "Dad, I'd like to hear our coach's opinion first. Are you free now? We can have a three-way video call."
"Free! Always free! Go to your coach's office now, and I'll wait for your signal in my office!" Jules answered very decisively.
Oliver hung up the phone, quickly packed his things, and hurried to his mentor's office. His mentor was indeed in the office, studying something on the computer screen. Seeing Oliver knock and enter, Nagelsmann asked him in confusion:
"Ollie? Is something wrong?"
"Coach, sorry to bother you," Oliver spoke quickly but clearly, "It's about national team call-ups. Both the Football Association's U21 and the China National Football Team have contacted my father, wanting to call me up. I'd like to invite you and my father to a video call so we can discuss it and hear your opinion."
Nagelsmann was clearly not surprised by this development. As a rising star, it was only a matter of time before national teams took notice of him. He immediately understood Oliver's intention to seek advice and was also aware that the club's match rhythm was at a critical juncture.
"Of course," he nodded, pointing to the sofa area on one side of the office, "Come over, this matter is indeed very serious. We'll use my office's large screen for the video call."
Soon, the video call connected. Jules appeared on the large screen in Nagelsmann's office. He was wearing a dark suit, with an office bookshelf in the background, his expression both serious and carrying that unique, irrepressible pride and slight nervousness of a father.
"Hello, Mr. Nagelsmann, good to see you again!" Jules greeted cheerfully, trying to lighten the mood.
"Mr. Thorne, hello." Nagelsmann smiled and nodded in response, then thoughtfully replied in English,
"Let's get straight to the point. Your son just told me the general situation."
"Yes,"
Oliver took over, succinctly and directly reiterating the core message conveyed by both Football Associations. Finally, he looked at his father on the screen and his mentor beside him: "Dad, and Coach, my personal thought is to temporarily decline the England U21 call-up."
Jules on the other end of the video was visibly stunned: "Decline the U21? Is it because..."
He thought his son would make a choice between the two. Nagelsmann also looked at Oliver, his gaze searching. He knew his protégé always had strong opinions. Oliver took a deep breath, first glancing at Nagelsmann beside him, then explaining the reasons:"First, as you've always emphasized, Coach, this is the most critical period for us at Hoffenheim. We need to fight for a Champions League spot in the League, and advancing from the Champions League group stage into the knockout phase is also imminent. I hope to put all my energy, every ounce of focus, into the club's matches. The U21's upcoming matches and training camps, their timing would be a significant distraction during our current sprint phase, and I don't want to be distracted."
Upon hearing this, Nagelsmann's eyes showed clear relief and approval. He remained silent, waiting for his protégé to continue.
"Second," Oliver's gaze became exceptionally serious and resolute, "England U21 is not my ultimate goal. The purpose of U21 is to gain international match experience and pave the way for entering the senior team. But given my current situation... I am very clear about my positioning and ambition. I want to enter the England senior National Team, which is the first team. I'd rather directly play for the Three Lions in the European Cup and the World Cup. If I go to the U21 now, I can certainly accumulate experience, but deep down, I would always feel that it's still one step short of the stage I truly desire."
"Good boy, so that's what you're aiming for, your goals are quite high! Just like my son!" Jules slapped his thigh on the screen, his eyes shining.
"However..." He changed his tone, with the realistic concern typical of a father, "The England senior team isn't a vegetable market; you can't just get in whenever you want. The U21 is indeed a solid path."
"Dad, I know the U21 path is more stable," Oliver nodded, his tone unwavering, "But I'd rather speak directly through my performance at Hoffenheim and in the Champions League, directly impressing Coach Southgate of the England National Team. That would best match my abilities and goals. If I get distracted playing for the U21 now, it's better to concentrate all my firepower and focus on playing well in the Bundesliga and Champions League matches. If I have a good season, I'll be 18 then, and the stepping stone to the senior team will carry more weight."
Nagelsmann spoke then, his tone calm and powerful: "Oliver's analysis is very rational and aligns with the optimal path for both the club and his personal development. As his club coach, I completely agree. What he needs now is consistent high-level performance and accumulation, especially delivering convincing performances on top stages like the upcoming Champions League. Getting involved too early in national team matches at a secondary level, especially the U21, poses a risk to the steady improvement of his personal ability and competitive form, as well as to his contribution to the club."
Nagelsmann's words undoubtedly stamped Oliver's judgment with an authoritative seal of approval. When Jules heard Nagelsmann say the same thing, his doubts largely disappeared, and he then asked: "Son, what about the National Football Team? They promised direct entry into the first team, to play in the World Cup Asian qualifiers, although..."
Jules's words subtly paused, his eyes darting around, seemingly weighing his next words.
"Although it's tough for the National Football Team to even make it to the main tournament?" Oliver directly finished his father's unspoken thought, very frankly.
Jules coughed twice. His son's words had actually hit home. He gave Oliver a look that said, "You understand what I mean, that's good."
"Dad, Coach," Oliver said without the slightest hesitation, his expression frank and serious,
"I am very grateful for the sincerity of the domestic Football Association; directly offering a first-team position is indeed tempting. However, regarding the choice of a national team, it's not about whether there's a spot, or even which side offers a higher position. The core is whether the sense of honor and the goal can match my aspirations."
He clearly articulated his concerns, without any superfluous emotion, just a rational analysis based on reality: "Representing a national team means pursuing that national team's highest dream: the World Cup champion. This is the ultimate pursuit of every top player. But the current strength of the National Football Team and its position in the world of football... Dad, you know better than I do. What I'm worried about is that once I choose the National Football Team path, I'm afraid I won't even be able to play in the World Cup knockout stages by the day I retire, let alone win the World Cup."
There was a brief silence in the office. On the screen, Jules said nothing, just looking at his son, his eyes showing understanding, helplessness, and a hint of agreement. Nagelsmann also remained silent. He understood the weight of this choice; it was a ultimate consideration based on the player's personal career plan, unrelated to anything else.
Oliver's voice was calm but powerful as he continued: "Although the England National Team's World Cup performance has not been ideal in recent years, they remain one of the world's strongest teams, possessing a deep football tradition, a sound development system, and consistently maintaining top-tier competitiveness. England Team players receive ample training in top-tier Leagues and cup competitions like the Premier League and Champions League. For them, reaching the group stage and knockout rounds of the European Cup and World Cup is normal; competing for the championship is not an unattainable fantasy. At the same time, my football career began at Birmingham's youth academy; I received systematic England football training and am familiar with the culture, rhythm, and mindset here. Choosing England means I will strive on a platform that is more suitable for me, more challenging, and more likely to realize my dreams."
Jules was silent for several seconds, then let out a long sigh. The shrewd calculations of a businessman completely faded from his face, leaving only a father's understanding and support for his son's pursuit.
"You brat… you think clearer than your old man. Alright! Since your coach supports you, and you've laid out your future so clearly, your father has no objections! Although your father is in foreign trade, he understands that good products shouldn't only target one market, especially when that market might… cough, have inadequate service or… a non-competitive market environment. To put it bluntly, your father supports you! Focus on playing well for Hoffenheim in the League and Champions League, and use your goals to smash open the door for yourself to enter the England first team!"
His last sentence was spoken with grand ambition and a touch of swagger.
"Thank you, Father!" Oliver breathed a sigh of relief, a smile appearing on his face.
Oliver's personal goal was already very clear; he politely declined the England U21 invitation and explicitly rejected the National Football Team's call-up, focusing on club matches to push for a spot in the England first team. Nagelsmann also smiled and nodded: "Mr. Thorne, you are a wise father; such a choice indeed requires courage and foresight."
"Then," Jules switched back to "business" mode, "can my side begin the reply work? How should we appropriately decline the Football Association and the Chinese Football Association?"
Over the next ten minutes or so, the three of them carefully deliberated the wording of the replies via video, with Jules ultimately responsible for organizing and conveying them. After the video call with his son ended, Jules didn't rest for long before picking up two pieces of paper with different numbers written on them. He first dialed the number for the Football Association's technical department.
The call connected, and it was precisely the assistant technical director he had previously dealt with.
"Mr. Thorne? Hello." The other party's tone remained very professional.
"Hello, Mr. Johnson," Jules said directly,
"Regarding the U21 call-up, I just had a detailed discussion with Oliver and Hoffenheim's coach Nagelsmann. I'm truly sorry, this child, how should I put it…"
His tone carried just the right amount of apology and helplessness,
"He gets stubborn. He insists that with the club running both Champions League and League matches, the task is too heavy, and he's afraid that constant travel will affect his form and drag down the team's performance.
He's single-mindedly focused on taking on the club's responsibilities first, and besides…"
Jules paused, lowering his voice slightly, with a hint of self-mockery, "This kid's ambition is boundless; he's declared that if he's going to join a national team, he's aiming straight for the England first team. What do you think of that…?"
Silence lasted for a few seconds on the other end of the line. The expected dissatisfaction or persuasion did not appear. Instead, the assistant's voice conveyed understanding: "Mr. Thorne, Oliver's goal is very clear, which is excellent. We understand young players prioritizing club responsibilities, and we also admire his ambition. A good talent should aim for the highest peak."
The conversation between Jules and the assistant was indeed quite skillful; the assistant continued, "We respect your son's decision. Please be sure to tell him to continue focusing on Hoffenheim's matches and to maintain a high level of performance, as that is the best choice currently. The Football Association will continue to monitor his progress."
The most crucial words came next, as the assistant continued, "And please also convey to him that after this season concludes, and after next summer's World Cup draws to a close, and after major events like the Premier League and Champions League have settled. The Football Association will conduct another serious evaluation and deliberation based on his overall performance throughout the 2017 to 2018 season. At that time, we very much hope to have the opportunity for a more in-depth conversation with him to discuss possibilities for future cooperation."
The Football Association's promise was crystal clear: no rush for now, they would review after the season ended. Hearing the Football Association's reply, the heavy stone in Jules's heart also dropped, and he said: "Thank you so much! Thank you for your understanding and support! I will certainly convey your words and tell this kid to play well! He won't let this expectation down!"
This response was both dignified and pragmatic. In fact, the Football Association was not in a hurry to call up Oliver right now; their biggest concern was not Oliver not joining the U21, but rather that Oliver might choose the National Football Team. Fortunately, Jules's phone call conveyed Oliver's intention to the Football Association: Oliver did not want to join the England U21, but rather wanted to directly enter the England first team.
Joining the U21 was secondary; what reassured the Football Association most was that Oliver had already decided to play for the Three Lions.
After hanging up with the Football Association, Jules rubbed his face.
For the next call, the recipient was different, so the wording also had to change. He dialed the number for the domestic Football Association. "Hello, Section Chief X? I am Oliver's agent." He switched business mindeset, his tone becoming a bit more formal.
"Hello, Mr. Thorne!" Section Chief X's voice conveyed eagerness, "How did your talk with Ollie go?"
"Section Chief X, I am truly grateful for the recognition and kindness of the association leaders!" Jules first expressed sincere thanks, "We keep this weighty sentiment in our hearts."
"Then…?"
Jules took over, saying: "After communicating with the child and his head coach Nagelsmann. Considering the child's long-term career development and taking all aspects into account… it is regrettable, but we feel that at this stage, he is temporarily not quite suitable to directly represent the National Football Team."
The breathing on the other end of the phone clearly hitched.
"Mr. Thorne's specific concerns are…?" Section Chief Zhang's tone deepened.
Jules's tone was steady: "There are two main areas. First, is my son's responsibility to the club. Hoffenheim is currently in a critical period of climbing the League standings and fighting for points, and their Champions League group qualification is still uncertain; every match is crucial. As one of the team's key players, Coach Nagelsmann has a detailed plan for his usage and physical allocation. If he is frequently called back to the country for matches and training camps at this critical juncture, it would be a huge interference to his personal form and the rhythm of his technical refinement. More importantly, it would betray the promises and professional planning made with the club when signing the contract, which would greatly harm the professional platform that is the foundation of his future career."
He gave Section Chief Zhang no chance to interrupt, directly throwing out the key points:
"Second, and the most core consideration, is the long-term goal the child has set for himself, which is the World Cup. He dreams of going there, and as parents, we cannot hinder him. After much thought, and considering realistic conditions such as domestic and international youth development and competitive landscapes. We believe that at this stage, keeping him firmly 'welded' within the competitive ecosystem of Europe's top Leagues, maintaining a high-intensity, high-level competitive environment for as long as possible, is the most successful and stable path for him to achieve that ultimate goal. This choice, for my son's professional life, is the most responsible decision."
Jules put on the hat of "World Cup champion dream," then weighed it down with the Weights of "professional life," supplemented by official jargon such as "competitive ecosystem" and "youth development." His logical chain was now impeccable as playing in the World Cup is the ultimate badge of honor for a professional player. Long silence fell on the other end of the phone. So long that Jules could almost hear the heavy breathing of the leader on the other side.
After a while, Section Chief X's voice, noticeably lower, finally came through, "Alright… Mr. Thorne, we understand and respect the player's and family's decision. Please convey our best wishes to Oliver; we hope he continues to strive on the European stage, plays with flair, and stays healthy."
In and out of the words, there was no more room for negotiation. "Thank you for your understanding! And please convey our deepest gratitude to the association leaders. The National Football Team has a long and arduous journey ahead; I wish you all the best!"
Jules's reply was polite and crisp, ending the conversation there. The call disconnected. Jules placed his phone on the table and leaned back in his chair, letting out a long sigh. Facing the empty office, he shook his head, muttering the plain truth in his heart, in a voice only he could hear: "Sigh… They were talking about focusing on developing my son, making him a core player for the National Football Team and all that. The National Football Team should first sort out the World Cup qualifiers and be able to consistently play in the World Cup finals before talking about anything else. Otherwise, what's the point of just giving a good young player a red jersey? No matter how well he plays, it's just him doing well; it's a pure waste of effort!"
Jules gave a bitter smile, revealing the heartache of a National Football Team fan for decades. He picked up the half-cold coffee on the table and gulped down a large mouthful. After finishing his coffee, he sent a message to his son:
"It's done, son. Go do what you need to do next. The national team matter is over. For Hoffenheim, you better play well for your dad. I'm waiting to see you wear the Three Lions jersey!"
...
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