From Arsenal to the Ball God

”Bless him for achieving another important milestone on a new field!!”

”.....”

France team’s players gathered around Ma’el, and many wearing substitute vests came over too. With some photographers crowding in for close-up shots, it felt extremely crowded here.

People couldn’t quite hear what they were exclaiming about, just catching a short phrase that occasionally rang out, ”Vamos.....!!”

”France team defeats Italy! Advances to the European Cup semifinals!!” — Global social media headlines

...

Not long after, Deschamps sat in the press conference room. The journalists hadn’t really started asking questions yet, they just greeted him, and he immediately started speaking enthusiastically.

This was a classic case of a simple action triggering a big effect; he couldn’t control his emotions.

”If someone asks me who the current best is, I’ll answer Ma’el; if someone asks me who the best in history is, I’ll also answer Ma’el.”

He began with exaggerated statements, knowing most fans wouldn’t take it too seriously, he was just expressing his admiration, ”He is a super phenomenal TOP1, the most sensational Demon King in history!

”He will become a legend, definitely will, because he started at the peak and is already in the history books!

”Who would have thought he could score 6 goals in 4 European Cup matches? Platini is the pride and legend of French Football, but I’d like to say, Ma’el could possibly match or break his record.

”3-4 goals in 2 matches, that’s not impossible for him, right?”

Deschamps laughed, then began speaking about himself, ”Encountering him was a blessing in my coaching career; he not only reaffirmed my confidence in taking up the France team coach role but also helped me achieve a successful debut in the major tournaments.

”There’s nothing better than this. You must know, leading the team to the European Cup semifinals on my first attempt, even if we can’t go further, fans will be satisfied with Ma’el and me, and expectations will rise.

”But of course, we aim to go further; saying this only expresses the team’s current undistracted focus — no need to consider public opinion or pressure, just concentrate on winning glory.”

He was correct, with the France team reaching the semifinals, they had indeed alleviated most of the pressure, they were now battling solely for glory!

”Doesn’t that sound like you’re excessively praising the player? Overhyping?” a journalist posed a challenging question.

Deschamps wasn’t angered, he smiled and said, ”Ma’el’s advocate? If there were such a position, I think I would be the first to apply.

”But I doubt I would succeed because there’d be too many applicants; I’d probably face competition from Wenger, Mancini, Ferguson, and others.”

”Hahaha...!” The room erupted in laughter, Deschamps’ clever reply kept the atmosphere from becoming tense, much like a press conference after a victory.

At the same time, by an advertising sign on the field, a group of journalists surrounded Ma’el, who was holding the best player trophy in hand.

”We noticed you smiled during the aerial strike, which is quite rare, can you explain why?” a reporter asked.

Ma’el smiled, shrugged, surprised by their keen observation, ”Because I’m really enjoying this; every day, I do what I love, with tens of thousands cheering for me, and I often taste the joy of victory.

”It feels great, which is why I smiled.”

He was in a good mood, speaking more than usual, ”And even when losing, even if I’m unhappy, I try to face everything with a smile, savoring every moment on this field.

”It’s like surfing, sometimes you’re knocked down by the waves, but you know you can always get back on track, find the right waves, and return to your rhythm to succeed.

”Life is the same, sometimes smooth, sometimes not, but if you never give up, you’ll succeed.”

After speaking, he saw a familiar face waving to him from afar, it was Mr. Michel, later known as France’s roaring champion at the World Cup.

He knew the person probably wanted to say something to him, so he ended the interview, raising the trophy and smiling for the journalists, ”I’m really happy; take more smiling photos of me to post online, I’ll be watching.”

Having reached Michel, he was ready to embrace the man when Michel introduced himself first, ”You might not know me, I’m the newly appointed Deputy Secretary-General of the Presidential Office.

”Actually, we almost met earlier; I nearly participated in an acquisition of Insta.”

Ma’el then realized they were ’unfamiliar,’ and almost made the mistake of greeting him first.

He quickly nodded, feigned surprise, then embraced him, ”Nice to meet you, it’s a delightful day, hope yours is too.”

”Of course.” After separating, Michel expressed his thoughts concisely, ”We might be similar, both ambitious and aiming for the best in everything.

”I hope you can lead the France team to win the long-awaited World Cup. If I’m eligible that day, I’ll personally award you the honor medal.”

”Haha.....!” Ma’el high-fived him, looking at Michel’s handsome young face, he developed significant anticipation for the matter, ”I’ll be waiting for you; you should wait for me too.”

”Alright.”

After saying this, Michel prepared to leave, patting Ma’el’s shoulder before departing, ”Good luck, I’ll watch the next 2 matches without fail; hope you all lift the cup at the Polish National Team.”

”We will.” Ma’el also patted him, promising, ”On that day, I’ll lend you my medal to play with.”

Michel stepped onto the elevator, pointed at Ma’el and said, ”I’m really interested, honestly.”