In fact, Inter Milan has always had a deep connection with China. Besides the Chinese player Wang Dare having trained here, there was once a Chinese couple who showcased their romantic love story at the Meazza Stadium. On March 9, 2008, during the scene of Inter Milan's centennial celebration, a couple of newlyweds from Beijing achieved their wedding under the spotlight and amidst the applause of tens of thousands of fans. They also became the first Chinese couple to hold a wedding in a European football stadium. Inter Milan officials specially presented red roses and blessings from club president Moratti to the newlyweds. In his Weibo post, Yang Xiaodong wrote: "As a severely disabled yet extremely obsessed Nerazzurri fan, I know how difficult it is for me to watch an Inter Milan game live. However, if Inter Milan can come to Beijing this year to participate in the Italian Super Cup, I also want to overcome difficulties and cheer for Inter Milan on site. Dear Nerazzurris, do you support me? Today, I just learned that in England, a quadriplegic fan of Northampton Town drove an electric wheelchair onto the field."
The legendary Liverpool coach Shankly once left behind the famous saying, "Football is not a matter of life and death, it's more important than that." In real life, a Chinese Inter Milan fan used his passion to interpret the truth of this famous saying. In the final moments of his life, he moved countless netizens with his passionate words about Inter Milan, and received blessings from the official Inter Milan account.
"I say this year is my only chance to cheer for Inter Milan live because if Inter Milan won't come to China again until 3 or 5 years, or even 10 years later, I feel like I won't be able to wait that long. I just don't want to leave myself with regrets. I know everyone is helping me, and I am really grateful. No matter what, I will fulfill my dream."
This Inter Milan fan from Inner Mongolia named Yang Xiaodong, whose online name is "Nerazzurri2010," suffers from progressive muscular dystrophy which leads to muscle atrophy, a condition similar to the symptoms of the British astrophysicist Stephen Hawking. Currently, Yang Xiaodong has difficulty moving his legs and can only maintain daily life through a wheelchair. However, his love for football and Inter Milan can be described as obsessive.
Such touching stories have already played out before. Eight years ago, a 20-year-old female Inter Milan fan from Dalian was critically ill due to leukemia. In her final moments, she endured the pain and wrote down her blessings for Inter Milan. After Inter Milan's official website learned about this, they were deeply moved. When Cruz scored the first goal for Inter Milan from a free kick at the 26th minute, the text broadcast on the Inter Milan official website read, "At the 26th minute, Cruz scored the first goal for Inter Milan from a free kick. The Inter Milan official website dedicates this goal to the Chinese female fan Wang Wenjing who suffers from leukemia."
These touching words, after being spread by many netizens, were learned by Inter Milan. The club was deeply moved upon hearing the news. Last weekend, when Inter Milan faced Fiorentina at the Meazza Stadium, after Pazzini scored the opening goal assisted by Eto'o, the text broadcast on the Inter Milan official website read, "Pazzini's goal is dedicated to the Chinese Nerazzurri. Wishing him to overcome the illness and recover soon."