From Arsenal to the Ball God

He quite enjoys competing against talented young players like these because he is a genius himself... and the most outstanding genius of this era.

Among all the players, he would only include Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid; other than that, he doesn’t believe he has any rivals in the world.

Ma’el?

He would like to see for himself.

...

Two hours later, at Valencia’s home ground Mestalla Stadium, the match between Real Madrid and Valencia is about to kick off here.

Benzema mentioned this topic in the locker room. He hasn’t completely established himself in this team yet. Whenever he gets the chance, he proactively chats with the team stars to strengthen relationships.

”I got affected as well.”

He smiled bitterly, shaking his head and said, ”I wonder if Deschamps mistook me for being with Ribery’s group. I was substituted at halftime, but I just didn’t pass the ball to him.”

Portugal’s defender, Pepe the Monk, glanced at him and asked, ”You all don’t pass to him, yet he completes a hat-trick?”

”Yes.” Benzema replied while putting on his shin guards, ”Especially in the first half, his performance was astonishing; he got the ball only 5-6 times but scored 2 goals.”

Portuguese superstar Ronaldo also looked over at this time but didn’t speak.

”Can he break through me?” Pepe asked with a smile. He is different on the field than off, not very serious in casual settings.

”Haha.....” Benzema laughed and shook his head, giving face, ”I must say no.”

”Honestly?”

”Yes.”

Pepe was very pleased with this voluntarily offered compliment, his face glowing.

”What are you guys talking about?”

A voice came from outside the door, Mourinho stepped into the locker room. The 48-year-old Portuguese coach joined this team last year... Real Madrid’s expectations for him were clear: to lead the Galaxy Battleship out of the shadow of Dream Three.

Last year, the team was crushed by Barça on all fronts. Luckily, they won the crucial trophy in the King’s Cup final against their national rivals.

This year, as he gradually familiarizes himself with Real Madrid, the team’s performance is slowly rising, showing signs of stabilizing at the top of the league table.

”Ma’el.”

Ronaldo looked up and willingly mentioned this name, as he was not unfamiliar with this player. Since the beginning of the season, Ma’el’s name gradually emerged and became a regular headline.

Moreover, he and Mourinho’s agent are also Ma’el’s agent.

”Oh him.”

Mourinho smiled slightly and joked, ”Let me guess, are you analyzing his playing style? Or just gossiping?”

”Haha.....” The locker room erupted in laughter; none of them had the leisure to analyze someone else’s playing style.

”Cristiano.”

He then pointed at Ronaldo, ”You better be careful. In a few years, he might be one of your major rivals.”

Ronaldo raised his eyebrows, smiling confidently, ”I’m never afraid of any challenge; I hope he’s a good opponent. Haha.”

...

On November 23rd, after spending a day at Aix’s home, Ma’el returned to London. He had to take a break; his body definitely needed the rest.

He didn’t join training that day but reported back during the night for the match preparation meeting.

These days, he’s been keeping an eye on the news online... or rather forced to, as the comments on his social media have been keeping him informed.

There are those who support him, and those who argue with his supporters; it’s all so varied.

He didn’t mind these things, nor did he react like some stars do, deleting posts and closing comment sections when something happens; he’s more at ease accepting all voices.

Anyway, he hasn’t done anything wrong.

Being strong, earning a starting position, and gradually moving toward being the core is always justified.

Hurting others’ interests is inevitable; it’s not like he’s competing through illicit methods.

It’s just that at Sheffield United and Arsenal, his competitors Mark Yates and Arshavin handled it well and didn’t make a fuss with the team, although he initially thought Ribery might be the same.

It’s tough to interact with top superstars.

”Clap clap clap...!”

As he pushed the door open and walked into the conference room, applause erupted, and Arsenal’s players smiled and clapped while looking at him.

Ma’el was a bit caught off guard by this, having not seen them for two weeks, he actually missed them a bit.

”Ta ta ta ta! I.....” Sagna led everyone in singing the team song, quickly enveloping the conference room in a wave of joy, as the players congratulated Ma’el on his national team debut performance.

Wenger was also standing at the front clapping, as if they’d been here waiting for him for a long time.

”Running late.”

Ma’el exchanged a high-five with Wenger. While hugging, he heard the other say, ”I’m a Frenchman too, and speaking up for you from a coach’s position might cause trouble, so I stayed silent.

”But you know, I’m always on your side, and if anything comes up that requires me to negotiate, I’ll definitely help.

”By the way, great performance; I didn’t expect you’re so adaptable everywhere.”

Wenger smiled, patting Ma’el on the back and whispered, ”I’ve said many times, I’m proud that you’re an Arsenal player.”

Ma’el also patted his back. Returning now means putting the national team matters aside and focusing on club games, which are the main battlefield.

After exchanging a few words with Wenger, he walked to his seat, high-fiving and playfully interacting with several teammates along the way.