From Arsenal to the Ball God

”Why are there only three? Wasn’t it supposed to be ten? Or five?”

”Those were media speculations of nominees, this is the actual nomination, only three, one out of three!”

”Let me see the first one, ’Rooney’s sensational bicycle kick, Ferguson shouts ”Fack”,’ huh? Who wrote this tagline?”

”The second, ’Neymar shines at Santos, dribbles past five, scores with the outside foot,’ this one is much more normal. That goal was indeed impressive, though he did a one-two with a teammate halfway through.”

”The third, ’Ma’el’s seventy-meter solo run, breaks through Sheffield United’s defense, scores an unbelievable solo goal,’ wow! That goal is fierce!”

”.....”

”I think Neymar’s is better, a flash of genius, a goal of brilliance.”

”If you talk about genius, is Rooney or Ma’el lacking? The former played in the Premier League at 16, the latter is the Premier League’s top scorer at 18.”

”Ma’el’s is better! This goal has a different level of flair compared to Neymar’s; one has intricate skill, the other bulldozes through the defense!”

”Does Rooney’s bicycle kick not stand a chance?”

”His bicycle kick is the most spectacular I’ve ever seen, but I’ve always thought that a solo run is more exciting in terms of viewing pleasure. Let’s see how the organizers pick!”

”No matter who wins, it is well deserved, tastes differ. It’s hard to say which of the three goals has an absolute advantage or disadvantage, it really comes down to personal preference.”

”.....”

The discussions never stopped, and many evolved into arguments. Some fans would even get into physical fights over these debates, sometimes leading to serious consequences.

That is a bit too extreme, though most people surely take a sensible approach and just enjoy the spectacle.

...

January 12th, at the mansion gate.

Harry and Safina walked in, both sporting a fresh look, carrying various bags, it seemed like they had a good holiday.

”Not bad.”

Safina immediately approached Ma’el with a smile, ”I see you’ve been nominated for the Puskás Award, are you aiming for another major award?”

”Who knows.” Ma’el shrugged, uncertain, ”The other two goals are very impressive, there’s a lot of pressure competing with them.”

”If you win the Golden Boy Award, grab a Puskás, and then a Premier League title by the end of the season...”

Safina thought of this and felt delighted, ”Then at 18, you’ve had an extraordinary year, achieving things many can’t in their lifetime, and this is just your debut in the top league.”

Harry hung his coat and turned around, ”And if he wins the title, it’s much more credible than those young talents winning it, because he’s the core leading the victory.”

”Indeed.” Safina’s eyes sparkled, sighing, ”Being together before was fine, but after spending some time apart, looking at your achievements and aura from another perspective, it feels differently.

”Before coming in, thinking about your status made me a bit nervous, haha... isn’t it funny?”

Ma’el laughed politely, sitting on the couch eating some nutritious meals he made and drinking milk.

Safina glanced over with concern, frowning, ”Why did you burn these? You haven’t been eating this the whole time, have you?”

”Haven’t cooked in a while.” Ma’el explained slightly embarrassedly, he didn’t cook much in his previous life either, ”The first day I fried eggs, and I burned them.”

”Tsk tsk.”

Safina gave Ma’el a glance and went to the kitchen with the plate, ”Let me make some fresh ones, hang on.”

Harry sat down after sorting his clothes, looking at Ma’el with a sigh, ”Thinking about it now, following you back then was a correct decision. At the time, Safina and I together only earned 3,500 pounds a week.

”And now, each of us makes 3,000 pounds, and with you earning so many honors, we also bask in the glow.

”This time back home, when people heard we worked for you and lived in your mansion, they were so envious.

”Some wanted to come over using my connections to see you, but we firmly refused.”

Ma’el nodded with a smile, showing he appreciated their discretion. Privately, he didn’t like being disturbed.

Not long after, Safina brought out a platter of nicely presented nutritious meals and placed it in front of Ma’el.

Ma’el thanked her and started eating. The food Safina made was definitely different from his own.

Just after finishing the meal, the doorbell rang, and when Safina opened it, Jose and Davis walked in with grins.

”Ding ding ding...!”

They laughed heartily; they seemed in good spirits. Davis shut the door with a wry smile, ”I booked my flight two hours earlier, but Jose kept me waiting, so we arrived together.”

”Long time no see!”

”I missed you guys a little.”

”Let me put my stuff down first.”

After greeting each other, Jose and Davis went inside to put their things away.

Seeing everyone back, Ma’el felt much better too. He liked having people at home, ”Let me see, January 13th is the first round of the English League Cup against Liverpool, and the awards ceremony is on the 14th.

”The schedule is tight, but we can make it... let’s all set off together then, and I’ll show you around Zurich.”

”Yeah...!” Safina jumped up cheerfully, always the most excited one. It’s no surprise; no girl could resist the allure of a glamorous awards ceremony.

”What?” Jose came out with surprise, ”Are you really taking us with? I thought you were joking before.”