From Arsenal to the Ball God

”I’ve repeated it too many times, so I won’t say much more. You know we’re grateful.”

Ma’el nodded, burying his head in his meal. Even though he wore a hat today, he was quickly recognized.

A few female college students at the next table whispered while pointing at him, showing surprise, and nudging each other, wanting to approach him.

Ma’el glanced at them, not paying much attention for now. ”Tomorrow, the renovation of the honor exhibition room in the city center will start. This is probably the fourth one in London, and it might be very popular after it opens.

”At that time, I’ll have to trouble uncle and aunt to help me keep an eye on it, take turns guarding the store, and wipe down the glass cabinets whenever you have time.”

”Of course!” Betty nodded assuredly. ”Don’t worry, I’ve always done such chores at home very well. This time, it’s more important, and I will definitely take care of it more attentively.”

Clément just lifted a glass of wine, his eyes revealing gratitude. ”I can only express my thanks again; without you, we couldn’t live this kind of life in our lifetime.”

”We don’t need to say those things.” Ma’el waved them off, noticing a few girls at a nearby table pushing a representative to come over.

”Ma’el.”

She blushed as she approached, realizing Ma’el was with his family. ”Sorry to disturb you, my friend wants to take a photo with you, is that okay?”

”Sure.” Ma’el, not wanting to dampen the mood, smiled and agreed.

After taking photos with each of them while seated, he quickly heard exclamations of surprise as the group of girls jumped out the door.

He chuckled softly, as such occurrences were now commonplace.

After the meal, he sent his uncle and aunt back to a newly rented standalone villa in London, where they planned to live, getting familiar with the place first.

The annual rent for this villa is 150,000 pounds, and it’s not far from the front of the honor exhibition room Mendes selected... The environment is nice, and Ma’el could stay over sometimes when he visits.

”Living here almost feels like adding years to one’s life.” Betty remarked, standing by the second-floor window, looking at the street view.

Clément lay on the sofa, eyes closed, appreciating everything, ”So, does this make us the ’new rich’ of a different kind?”

”Haha...”

The family smiled, and after staying a while, Ma’el bid them goodbye. ”There’s a club dinner tomorrow, a match the day after, let’s meet after I’m done, get the elder two settled and bring Eva.”

”Alright, don’t worry about us, focus on your work; that’s more important.”

”Bye-bye, good luck!”

His uncle and aunt saw him to the door. Looking at their refreshed appearances, Ma’el felt a sense of satisfaction, waving to them as he left.

Walking through the streets of London, he wore a mask to avoid recognition, enjoying the festive vibe on his own.

Compared to the first year, he had adjusted a lot, feeling less lonely inside.

It felt like he had many close friends and family here, with ties and commitments, and everything was smoothly getting on track.

Is it time for a year-end summary?

Perhaps it is. Ma’el recalled the emotional highs and exciting moments of the past year, a smile forming on his lips.

This year was good from any perspective; climbing from the Championship to the top-tier games, step by step, entering the world stage, achieving many goals.

Next year, he aims to transform from a top player into a super superstar in world football!

...

The next day, Christmas officially arrived.

London’s annual Santa Claus parade started again; the charity run that Sheffield hosted last year was also taking place here, as if everything was as lively as the past.

That morning, Ma’el heard the commotion outside before he even stepped out. He stood by the window for a while before taking his football and going out.

His four team members had all returned home; today, he planned to practice ’Rhythm’ alone on the field in front, aiming to upgrade this almost-complete skill to Level 4!

It would certainly enhance his dribbling ability further, giving him stronger breakthrough skills!

Moreover, most of the major skills he planned to focus on had already been upgraded, once ’Rhythm’ and ’Endurance’ are improved, the training panel would be completely renewed.

New year, new outlook, a new training panel would give him a very special feeling.

”Pong pong pong...!”

On the training field, Ma’el’s feet swiftly touched the ball, either breaking through markers or dummies.

He had already mastered the training methods, and before Jose and Davis left, they left a detailed plan, which he could follow in sequence.

After a morning of training, Ma’el went back inside and toasted some nutritional meals to replenish energy; he had learned a thing or two from Safina.

Checking the ’Rhythm’ skill level, he found just 4 points left to go... As long as he practiced well in the afternoon, he was sure to upgrade it to Level 4 before the night’s team dinner!

”Merry Christmas!”

On turning on the TV, the news host was wishing viewers a Merry Christmas.

Ma’el picked up a slice of slightly overcooked egg with a fork, taking a couple of bites before realizing the taste was off, suddenly feeling a sense of emptiness, dazing for a while.

Just like Jose said, he didn’t enjoy silence much, always preferring company... But he wasn’t the type to be internally weak, quickly snapping back to continue eating.

By a little past four in the afternoon, after another boring breakthrough training session, Ma’el felt an unusual sensation in his legs; more accurately, it seemed to originate from the brain and spread to his legs.