From Arsenal to the Ball God

”Haha...!” Wenger, standing nearby, couldn’t help laughing, perhaps because he found the scene beautiful. He stood among the crowd for quite a while.

In a daze, he seemed to see that Arsenal team from the 03-04 season, saw Henry, Vieira, Pires, Bergkamp, and others huddled together, celebrating something.

Even though some memories have faded... the joy in his impression was the same, and he couldn’t help but murmur with emotion, ”Finally, there’s hope of returning.”

That team he was deeply attached to, the peak Arsenal he longed for, bearing the glorious Gunners insignia!

In a way he had not anticipated, and at a speed he didn’t expect, it was slowly approaching him... at least, he could see some shadows of it.

Philip, who had walked up without notice, looked at the players but questioned Wenger, ”How do you feel?”

”Lucky!” Wenger’s response was straightforward; he spoke just one word.

Philip smiled with pursed lips, took a deep breath, ”So, we have a chance to achieve something this season, right?”

Wenger didn’t speak further. He just stared at Ma’el, laughing and singing in the center of the crowd, focusing on the spirited Ma’el, and the eager expectation in his eyes explained everything.

...

At the post-match press conference, Wenger and Ma’el were sitting there, both with smiles on their faces.

”Who should I congratulate first?”

An official from The English FA came up with two cylindrical trophies in hand and said with a smile, ”Or should I say, who should I first award this Monthly Best to?”

”Him,” Wenger decisively pointed to Ma’el, humbly saying, ”His contribution is greater than mine.”

”Haha.”

Ma’el shook his head with a smile, but he did not refuse and accepted the Premier League Player of the Month trophy from the official.

It was a very cool Lion King cylinder, packaged in a fine gift box, with ’Player of the Month’ clearly written on it.

”Whew.....”

A wave of excitement surged within Ma’el. By the third month in the Premier League, he finally got to hold this shampoo-like cylinder as he wished.

Not easy.

Another goal of his was accomplished... He received his first significant top-league honor!

This was the best affirmation of his past month’s efforts. Holding it, feeling its ’weight,’ Ma’el seemed to see each of his goals and assists over the month inscribed upon it.

Those countless brilliant moments, numerous tough opponents ultimately falling before him, all condensed into a silhouette, became this cylinder.

”Thank you.”

He picked up the cylinder, thanking everyone who had helped him this month—Wenger, his teammates, and himself.

”You once said that you hoped to win the Monthly Best three times this season.”

A reporter came up first, posing the first question familiarly, ”Does winning the first time boost your confidence?”

The reporters from Sky Sports and BBC glanced at her, unsure why this tabloid reporter dared to leapfrog and ask first.

”Of course.”

Looking at Amelia, Mael said with a smile, ”It’s been a fantastic January, with the team winning four consecutive Premier League matches, securing the top spot in the Champions League group, and reaching the English League Cup quarter-finals.

”Both Mr. Wenger and I got the Best Player and Best Coach awards; you could say it’s Arsenal’s month.

”Everyone in this team will be encouraged and gain confidence, just like me.”

Amelia nodded and continued with a smile, ”The boss of the Football Record told me to deliver the highest regards if you won this month’s best.

”He’s your fan. He said listing all your qualities would take more than a page.”

The Sky Sports and BBC reporters’ faces showed some urgency, but seeing Mael’s smiling expression, they didn’t want to spoil the mood by interrupting since it was still his moment.

”Thank him for me.”

Mael put on a happy face and cheekily said, ”Football Record is a tabloid, right? Amid such renowned media, you seem very small, yet quite bold.”

He looked towards the Sky Sports and BBC reporters, nodding to them, who also forced a smile.

”Much like when I first came to the United Kingdom.”

Turning back to Amelia, Mael, holding back a smile, said, ”I hope you all can, like me, soon have more people see you achieve your goals.”

”Thank you!” Amelia, an experienced performer, said with an expressive face, ”Thanks on behalf of the boss. Also, could I hug you on his behalf?”

”Sure.”

Mael stood up, spreading his arms towards her, ”I never refuse a hug invitation from a beautiful woman; you’re almost the prettiest British female reporter I’ve seen.”

Several female reporters present could only twitch their mouths, admiring how lucky the reporter from Football Record was to be complimented by Mael on such an occasion.

”Ah.....” Blushing, Amelia eagerly hopped up to the stage to hug Mael.

This was the real experienced performer.

Only after she stepped down did the press conference officially begin.

”I don’t think 14 Premier League goals will become my pressure. Why do you think so? Do you think my form will decline or that I might be a player with a bad mentality?

”Haha, I’m not worried about that. Even if my form fluctuates, I’m always moving forward, always improving... because my experience and abilities are growing.

”I don’t believe I have a limit; I have never seen where my limit is... At least, not yet.”