Football Weekly had wanted to do an exclusive interview with Gao Nuo for a long time, but Manchester United Football Club kept refusing, citing concerns about affecting the player's growth.
From a positive perspective, young players being exposed to the media too early can indeed cause a certain amount of psychological pressure, but looking at the issue from another angle, media exposure can increase a player's visibility and influence in the football world.
This time, after Gao Nuo completed his four-goal haul, the headquarters directly issued a strict order to Wen Na: she must secure an exclusive interview with Gao Nuo. Having been rebuffed many times, Wen Na naturally sought out Li Qiang.
Gao Nuo didn't know how far Qiang Ge and Wen Na's relationship had progressed. He only knew that Qiang Ge, alone, bravely entered Manchester United's manager's office, spoke eloquently, and battled him for three hundred rounds.
So, after finishing the morning training, Gao Nuo and Wen Na sat in the interview room.
Interviewing someone she knew, Wen Na wasn't particularly nervous. She chatted casually with Gao Nuo for a while before officially starting.
“Gao Nuo, you're really something.”
“Oh, it's just thanks to my teammates' support and good luck.”
“I'm not talking about your four goals. You remember Lina, right? She's been asking me about you a lot lately.”
“Ah? No way, you two are still in touch?”
“Yes, Lina is a very nice person. Wait, why are you so nervous? Oh dear, could something be going on between you two?”
“No, no, don't talk nonsense.”
“You can't let Qing Qing down, kid. Spill the beans!”
“I...”
Before Gao Nuo could finish speaking, the cameraman gestured to them, indicating they could start the interview.
Wen Na could only suppress her burning curiosity, adjusted her posture, put on a professional smile, and began the interview.
“Hello Gao Nuo, I'm Wen Na, a reporter from Football Weekly. I'm here to ask you a few questions on behalf of our fans back home.”
“Okay.”
“This is your second year in your professional career, and to be precise, it only took you half a season to become a regular starter at Manchester United. How did you manage that?”
After Wen Na finished speaking, the camera turned to Gao Nuo.
“Regarding this, I've said it before: I was very fortunate to be signed by Manchester United. This is very special to me. I had almost given up on football, and signing with Manchester United was like getting a second life in football. I started working hard for my dreams again, I pushed myself harder than ever before. I think it's that kind of spirit in my bones, that of a Huaguo athlete, hmm, how should I put it?”
Wen Na interjected at the right moment: “The spirit of enduring hardship and hard work?”
Gao Nuo was a little nervous, “Yes, enduring hardship and hard work. Like all our athletes in Huaguo, I trained desperately. After club training, I did extra training myself, and when I got home, I continued with physical conditioning. In short, the first half of the year was spent in training.”
Wen Na continued to control the pace: “Training like that must be very tough. Is that how you improved yourself, solely through training?”
Gao Nuo organized his thoughts and continued to answer: “It was certainly hard, but I'm no different from anyone else. I just took a bit more time to correct some movements that weren't standardized since I was young.”
Where the camera couldn't see, Wen Na secretly signaled Gao Nuo with her eyes to get to the point.
“Of course, training leads to improvement. It was because of my training report that Ten Hag decided to give me a chance to play for the first team. I was very lucky; I scored in my very first game. Then, for two or three games in a row, I can't quite remember, they were all against relatively weaker teams, and I consistently contributed on the field. That's how I gradually became a starter.”
Wen Na moved on to the next topic: “We often see you interacting a lot with your Manchester United teammates on the field. How is your relationship with them?”
Gao Nuo smiled involuntarily, “Yes, they often encourage me on the field. We have a very good relationship. I haven't been at Manchester United for long, but my teammates all take good care of me, especially Casemiro. He taught me many things that you can't learn on the football field.”
Wen Na, representing the audience's gossip, asked: “Oh? For example?”
Gao Nuo scratched his head, a little embarrassed, “There's nothing specific, it's just that Casemiro always gives me some guidance. He doesn't talk much, but he's always there in front of you like a big brother. I've learned a lot from him.”
“So, it's the kind of help that improves mental attributes?”
Wen Na summarized for Gao Nuo.
“Exactly, he's my spiritual leader.”
Receiving Gao Nuo's grateful gaze, Wen Na smiled and continued to ask: “One last question, do you have any plans for your football career?”
Gao Nuo didn't rush to answer, he thought for a moment, then said seriously: “I will maintain my performance at the club, and go all out in every match. I haven't thought about things too far in the future. I hope to take it one step at a time, steadily moving forward.”
Wen Na then asked the most serious question: “What about the national team?”
Gao Nuo replied firmly: “Playing for my country is my wish, but I have no plans in that regard. I will obey the coach's arrangements. As long as the national team needs me, I will definitely be there.”
Wen Na prepared to end the interview, “Okay, thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions. At the end of the interview, please say a few more words to the fans.”
Gao Nuo put on a smile, “Thank you to all the fans and friends. Your support gives me great motivation. I will always work hard and repay you with goals.”
The interview ended. Wen Na confirmed with the photographer that there were no issues. Just as she was about to ask about Lina again, before she could open her mouth, Gao Nuo preempted her. He pulled Wen Na aside and whispered, “Sister Na, you can't talk nonsense to Qing Qing. Lina and I really have nothing going on.”
Although she was still very confused, based on her understanding of Gao Nuo's character, Wen Na still trusted him. “Don't worry, I just don't want to see you two have a falling out. You handle it well yourself. I won't bring this up again.”
Gao Nuo breathed a sigh of relief and casually asked, “How are things with you and Qiang Ge?”
Wen Na blushed a little and gave Gao Nuo a glare, “You little brat, mind your own business. Play well, and I'll be waiting to do more exclusive interviews with you!”
Gao Nuo mumbled softly, “If you don't want to say, then don't. I'll ask Qiang Ge.”
Li Qiang, as the agent, invited Wen Na and the photographer to a meal. Gao Nuo, the star of the exclusive interview, was sent back to the training ground by his agent, who cited the need to train diligently. The photographer, a shrewd individual, was very perceptive. Citing the urgency of editing the footage, he quickly ate a few bites and left, successfully creating an opportunity for Li Qiang to have some alone time with Wen Na.
Gao Nuo's exclusive interview was completed. The edited finished product was 12 minutes long. After it aired in Huaguo, Gao Nuo's dignified demeanor and patriotic attitude won him the affection of even more fans.
Official media directly praised Gao Nuo by name, presenting him as a representative of inspirational idols in sports.