From Arsenal to the Ball God

On July 31, after three days of adjusting to the time zone and field training, Arsenal’s players were ready to take the stage.

Around two o’clock in the afternoon, the area near the Worker’s Stadium was already packed with people, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich fans from across the country waiting outside for the buses of the two teams to appear.

”Please maintain order.”

A middle-aged man in an Arsenal jersey and black pants held a loudspeaker, speaking with a Guangdong accent: ”Don’t clash with the opposing fans, we’re all compatriots from different regions, let’s watch the game in harmony!”

”Let’s support the team well, come on, sing with me, our Arsenal.....”

Hundreds of Arsenal fans surrounded him, and more were joining in continually. Everyone was exuberant, laughing, singing, and dancing, eagerly anticipating the upcoming match.

For them, being able to watch an Arsenal match live isn’t easy.

Many had traveled over twenty hours by train, bringing along their families, wives, and children. Despite being very tired, they were displaying a look of happiness.

”Forum master.”

A young man approached the one organizing everyone to sing, scratching his head as he asked: ”My post was so long, why don’t you give it a highlight? I’ve approached you two or three times.”

”The one analyzing Ma’el?”

The middle-aged man glanced at him and guessed his identity, laughing: ”Whether Ma’el is good or not, we’ll have to see in this match. Honestly, I’ve seen him play live in the United Kingdom, and I know his level.

”But some things you mentioned were really... exaggerated. I’m worried you might get criticized, you know how Arsenal fans have been quite intense these past two years, haha....”

He was very courteous, introducing himself proactively: ”I am Lin Youliang, and you?”

”Zhou Yi.”

Thus, the two got acquainted simply. Before long, a bus sporting the Arsenal team logo slowly drove in from the distance, advancing slowly in the controlled section.

”Oh.....!” A thunderous shout erupted on the scene, not entirely in sync, but you could tell everyone was yelling at the top of their lungs.

”The curtains aren’t drawn!”

”Tsar!!”

”Van Persie, I want to marry you, I want to have your children!”

”Van Persie, you might not catch up, how about checking out our Factory Beauty Sagna?”

”Ramsey, score more goals!”

The fans passionately shouted, waving at their favorite stars..... they knew Arsenal players couldn’t understand, but they wanted to express their love anyway.

At this moment, Arsenal’s bus slowly stopped from a distance, and players along with coaching staff alighted from the bus, walking towards the crowd.

”Ah.....!” A fresh wave of frenzy began here, fans hopped and screamed, quickly digging out pens and phones from their bags, hoping to snag autographs and photos with the players.

......

Ma’el and Arsenal’s Little Crown Prince Wilshere disembarked from the bus together, immediately noticing the incredibly enthusiastic fans around, with many of Arsenal’s players already mingled in the crowd for autographs and photos.

”So warm-hearted.”

Wilshere remarked with a smile, glancing at Ma’el, ”What do you think they’re saying?”

”I can understand, but won’t tell you.” Ma’el smiled, and pointed at his ear, knowing Wilshere wouldn’t believe him.

Having trained with the first team for quite some time, he naturally became friends with Wilshere, who was of a similar age, often hanging out together on their off days.

”Haha....” Wilshere laughed loudly, shaking his head: ”Has anyone ever told you, sometimes your jokes are really lame?”

Ma’el was speechless, suddenly a bit dazed, the last one to say that was Gilbert.

Wondering how that guy is, whether he’s left or not, they hadn’t exchanged messages in a while.

Good friends sometimes are like this, forgotten in daily life, but will hang out when they find themselves in the same city.

”Wilshere!”

”Little Crown Prince!”

”Sign an autograph!”

Several calls sounded, someone waved their Arsenal jersey at Wilshere, extremely fervent.

”I’m heading over first.” Wilshere tossed a smug glance at Ma’el, strutted over with the swagger of a celebrity.

Ma’el felt a twang of envy, occasionally recognized in London, but not so much here.

At this time, domestic Arsenal fans had limited channels to receive information and were content watching the team’s Premier League and Champions League matches, unlikely to follow just loaned players.

Not being recognized is quite normal..... thinking of this, it strengthened his resolve to perform well in this match, to leave a good impression.

”Ma’el! Here!”

”He’s so handsome, great figure too, even as a guy I find him handsome.”

Two voices suddenly emerged from his right, Ma’el turned his head in surprise, seeing a middle-aged man and a young man standing there.

Someone recognized him?

He felt a sense of unexpected joy, stepping over to the pair, picking up a pen, writing his name on their jerseys.

”Forum master, you’re actually approaching him too!”

The young man looked at Ma’el with excitement, turning and said: ”I thought I was the only one seeking his autograph, worried my voice would be drowned out, that he wouldn’t hear.”

Ma’el immediately felt a wave of warmth, paying attention to his script while signing.

”Mainly, well.”

The middle-aged man chuckled softly, saying: ”Every other Arsenal star has their fans, except for him, it’s kind of pitiful.... I just saw him walking alone awkwardly, possibly digging in with his heel.”

Ma’el: ”...”

This fan from Guangdong sure has a warm heart.

After signing, he reunited with Wilshere, and the two headed towards the Worker’s Stadium.