A mysterious ray struck global football, instantly sending the sport's level back to the Middle Ages.
I was just the school team's water-boy, until I suddenly became the only “King of Football” who could dribble past defenders.
From a Chinese Super League substitute to a star playing overseas, I led my team to sweep the Champions League and guided the national team to its first Asian Cup title.
On the eve of the World Cup final, the Football Association chairman's nephew took my place in the starting lineup.
Years later, I was coaching the national team when a crisis of faith erupted in the locker room before the Jakarta final.
When the final whistle blew, I turned and walked down the players' tunnel, with deafening cries of “King of Football” ringing behind me.
