From Arsenal to the Ball God

”This summer in Poland and Ukraine belongs to the France team, to Deschamps, and even more to Ma’el!!

”They have rightfully claimed the De Lorne Trophy! They’ve earned that gold medal!!

”For Ma’el, this tournament is where he truly launched his bid for the best, proving he has the strength to be the best!

”It hasn’t been easy! Perhaps he has gone through the toughest, most brutal script to reach the top!

”But just as we’ve said before, the harder the road to get here, the more intense the happiness of this moment! This championship is truly precious!

”All the games of the European Cup have ended like this, but I believe the highlights of this match, Ma’el’s long-distance wonder goal, his dragon-like move and killer touch will be replayed again and again!”

”Deschamps was lifted by the France team’s players, and Ma’el was also going to be lifted but slipped away early.

”He might really be exhausted, unable to bear any more fuss, having devoted all his power to this 120-minute match!

”For Deschamps, meeting Ma’el is undoubtedly the biggest fortune of his coaching career. As a captain, he had helped the France team lift the European Cup in 2000!

”Now as a coach, 12 years later, he has once again led the France team back to the pinnacle of Europe!

”He too had it difficult. Along the way, he cleaned up the team by sidelining seasoned stars like Ribery, and big names like Benzema!

”This all required courage. He once said Ma’el gave him this strength, this daring, but ultimately, it was he who made the decisions and took on most of the responsibility!”

”.....”

”The golden generation of Spain, led by Casillas, is also coming to an end. They failed to complete the feat of defending the title!

”At this moment, in this situation, they have fallen just a step away from the championship!

”Spain’s players, who have made great contributions, put in 200% or even 1000% effort in this match, showcased their champion quality, and played like they did at their peak!

”But in the end, they couldn’t seize some crucial opportunities, nor could they withstand the youthful storm brought by Ma’el!”

”.....”

”People might understand them because it’s always been harder to keep the world than to conquer it, even if you can anticipate danger while enjoying peace and make preparations in advance.

”But surrounded by young people full of ambition, craving, and passion just like you when you first started.

”They see you as a target, studying you under a microscope. Do you think it’s not hard to defend the world?”

”.....”

”The podium has been set up, and staff have brought the trophy over. The players of the France team will lift their third European Cup championship trophy in history!

”They have also become the team with the most European Cup victories, tied with Germany!

”Ma’el may not need this championship to prove how excellent he is, but I think the France team needs this championship! He also needs such a perfect ending!

”He always manages to perform the best, with the terrifying demeanor of a Demon King, winning everything!!”

”.....”

On the field, the France team’s players cheerfully stepped onto the podium. Although this altitude isn’t enough for them to see far, it allows them to feel grandeur.

The award ceremony for the European Cup is very quick. A ceremony lady brought the gold medals onto the podium, and soon, some officials from UEFA put the medals around their necks, offering blessings.

”Thank you.”

Ma’el bowed his head to wear the medal, feeling the weight around his neck, his heart full, closed his eyes, raised his head, and smiled.

Soon, everyone finished the gold medal award ceremony, and many sent expectant glances his way.

Ma’el understood, wearing the captain’s armband, he deservedly went beside the European Cup champion trophy, kissed it once, and took hold of it.

It’s still a bit heavy... Looking closely at this trophy, he couldn’t hide the smile at the corner of his mouth; this is a trophy many superstars will never get close to in their lifetime.

Nearly a month’s effort, countless moments of perseverance through difficulties, finally have brought him here to hold it in his hands.

It’s no longer ’there,’ it’s now, in his hands!

Ma’el placed the trophy at his abdomen, ran towards the podium, first facing the players and coaches, growling as he gathered strength: ”Ohhhh...!”

When everyone’s emotions reached the peak, he turned to face the fans, raising the De Lorne Trophy high above his head with both hands, ”Yeahhhh.....!”

They are the champions!!

”Bang bang bang.....!”

Golden ribbons burst into the sky, falling from above them, intensifying their joy, everyone shouting hysterically, ”Aahhhh.....!!”

The rain hadn’t stopped, but it didn’t affect them; instead, it was an excitement booster, washing away fatigue, making the day more memorable.

”The France team lifts the championship trophy in the rainy night! Ma’el fulfills his dream in Warsaw!!

”Congratulations to them, congratulations to Ma’el! 12 years ago, it was Deschamps and Zidane who raised this trophy! Now, 12 years later, Ma’el as captain, along with the Arsenal contingent, raises this trophy!

”From a brace in the group stage opener, another brace in the second round, to a wonder goal in the final match!

”From a decisive goal in the quarter-finals, to a hat-trick in the semi-finals, and an equalizer plus extra-time winner in the final!!

”With a record-breaking performance of 11 goals in 6 matches, he surpassed his predecessor Platini, achieving a remarkable feat!!

”I believe after the award ceremony, he will not only win the Golden Boot Award, but also the title of Best Player!

”With this trophy and his league performance, he even stands a chance to compete for UEFA Best Player! Possibly even the Golden Ball Award!

”Let’s wait and see! See what else he will bring us! I believe this player, winning his fourth career title in just his second year, will continue to strive towards the Grand Slam goal!

”Will he become the most terrifying player in history? The first in history? I think it’s worth looking forward to!”

...

PS: Yesterday or the day before, probably the night before last, I caught the flu and felt terrible, still felt bad yesterday and couldn’t write a word.

Is there another virus?

Started writing only at 4 am today, haven’t closed my eyes and wrote until now, finally done, sorry everyone, I’m too weak physically, will slowly improve my energy level.