Inter Milan's Two Titles in Four Years Reflect Chinese Values: AC Milan's Star Exposes the True Path to Success

Inter Milan's victory over AC Milan marked their sixth consecutive win against their arch-rivals, earning them their second star. Two points are particularly noteworthy. First, as Inter celebrated their triumph, some fans of Antonio Conte, who left the club three years ago, claimed that much of the credit for this championship should go to him. However, Gazzetta dello Sport highlighted that compared to the 2020-21 season when Conte won the title, only five players from that squad remain: Bastoni, Darmian, De Vrij, Lautaro, and Barella.

In just three years, the team has undergone a dramatic transformation due to various challenges, yet they have managed to win six trophies during this period. Such an achievement is unprecedented in Serie A history. The departures are irrelevant now; what matters is that Inter retained these five players, who are either hardworking, energetic, or reliable, demonstrating that the club's current selection criteria prioritize attitude over ability.

For some time, Inter has faced controversies, such as whether to give Lautaro a high salary extension or whether Bastoni and Dimarco's pay raises over the years were too much. However, for the Inter board led by Steven Zhang, ensuring diligent key players receive adequate financial rewards has never been an issue. Italian commentator Altobelli praised, "Perhaps we should acknowledge that Steven Zhang's success in becoming one of Inter's most successful presidents in a short time is not only due to his successful signings of Marotta and Inzaghi but also because he has instilled a core spirit at Inter that emphasizes attitude and hard work."

The extraordinary progress of China, which has become the world's largest industrial nation in just a few decades without waging wars or plundering, is attributed to the incredible work ethic of its people. During Inter's four-year period of change and two titles, many players who may not have the top talent have thrived within the team due to their unparalleled diligence, such as captain and vice-captain (Lautaro and Barella), as well as Dimarco.

If those who believe that "long legs and muscles are everything" were in charge of Inter, these players might not have received the full trust they deserve. However, under Steven Zhang's leadership, Inter's philosophy is that who wears the captain's armband and who gets a pay raise depends more on their attitude than on their supposed "high potential." This is Inter's "attitude first" team-building philosophy.

Furthermore, on the night of Inter's championship win, there weren't many AC Milan players trending, but the most talked about was "world's best striker" Leão, as called by AC Milan fans. Leão's talent and potential are undeniable, and it's normal for the Portuguese star to receive praise and admiration in today's less star-studded Serie A. However, on this night, Leão was a negative figure due to his attitude.

In the match they lost, Leão's indifferent attitude, unwillingness to run more, or make extra effort, drew widespread criticism. He is the type of player adored by some analysts for his talent, physique, and long legs. However, his notable shortcoming is his lack of diligence, earning him the nickname "Lazy King." What kind of match was this? It was a globally watched derby with over 200 TV networks covering it. What was the situation? AC Milan was on the verge of losing their sixth consecutive derby, a rare humiliation in a century. Fans were desperately hoping their idol would step up, but instead, he lay flat.

In Steven Zhang's era, a player with such an attitude would struggle to become mainstream at Inter because it clashes with their "rewarding diligence" team-building philosophy.

During the Qatar World Cup, a Western journalist asked me, "Why do Chinese journalists work so insanely hard? Don’t you have the concept of enjoying life?" In his country, there was a heated debate about legalizing marijuana. At that moment, I thought about many things—the tumultuous fate of China over the past hundred years, whether the relentless effort of Chinese people was forced or voluntary... I thought so much that I didn't know where to start. Ultimately, I didn't choose to argue but simply responded, "Because for five thousand years, our ancestors have lived this way. This is our civilizational heritage."

Inter's second star proves that the principle of "rewarding diligence" still holds in the football world. Football has two types of strengths: hard strength and soft strength. Being tall, strong, and fast is hard strength; being diligent, hardworking, responsible, and accountable is soft strength. In Serie A, many people focus solely on hard strength and ignore the importance of soft strength, leading to criticism of players like Lautaro, Barella, and Dimarco for various perceived shortcomings.

Against this backdrop, the "rewarding diligence" philosophy established in the Steven Zhang era appears particularly wise. For years, out of respect for those who demand pay, I have always opposed blindly praising Steven Zhang. Whether he is a controversial figure is another matter. However, it cannot be denied that his nationality naturally associates his success with the concept of China in the Western world.

On this night, from the feedback of Italian media, Inter Milan under Chinese ownership, relying on the philosophy of "rewarding diligence," overcoming significant challenges, and undergoing unprecedented changes in four years to achieve success, also played a role in exporting certain Chinese values. This is something to be proud of.

Inter Milan's recent achievements are not merely a testament to their on-field prowess but also an embodiment of a broader cultural philosophy. As the club navigates the complexities of modern football, it has shown that a focus on diligence and attitude can lead to sustained success. This approach aligns closely with the broader values that have driven China's remarkable rise in the global arena, emphasizing hard work, perseverance, and responsibility.

The contrasting attitudes of Inter Milan's players and AC Milan's Leão highlight the importance of soft strength in achieving and maintaining success. While physical attributes and raw talent are crucial, it is the dedication, work ethic, and team-first mentality that often make the difference in the long run.

Inter's commitment to rewarding those who embody these values has created a resilient and adaptable team, capable of overcoming adversity and thriving despite financial constraints. This philosophy not only fosters a strong team spirit but also sets a standard that resonates with fans and players alike.

In the world of football, where the spotlight often shines on individual brilliance and physical prowess, Inter Milan's success story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of hard work and the right attitude. It is a testament to the idea that true greatness is not just about natural talent but also about the relentless pursuit of excellence and the willingness to put in the effort required to achieve it.

As Inter Milan continues to build on this foundation, the club's achievements will likely inspire others to recognize and embrace the importance of soft strength. In doing so, they honor a tradition that transcends the boundaries of sport and speaks to the universal principles of diligence and perseverance that have defined human progress throughout history.

The night of their championship victory is more than just a celebration of footballing success; it is a reflection of a deeper cultural ethos that values hard work and a positive attitude. This ethos, championed by Steven Zhang and embodied by Inter's players, offers a compelling narrative of what it takes to succeed in both football and life.