From Arsenal to the Ball God

”Click, click...!” The reporters couldn’t even cheer before they quickly started taking photos.

In the lens, Ma’el looked triumphant, holding the trophy proudly as the captain and stepping off the plane first. This was the entire team’s, especially Deschamps’, recognition and support of his performance!

Half an hour later, in front of the Triumphal Arch, tens of thousands of French fans crowded the streets, awaiting the return of their hero.

”￥@#!￥.....!”

Here, the noise was overwhelming, even though everyone was speaking quietly, there was still a sense of uproar.

Some had been here for two hours, standing all the while, without a place to rest their feet, yet they had no complaints.

Because the person they were welcoming had brought them honor and joy!

”Buzz buzz...!” At that moment, a rumbling sound filled the air, causing the ground to tremble slightly and making everyone’s excitement rise.

They knew that they should be arriving!

”Buzz buzz buzz...!” As the rumbling grew louder and the ground’s shaking intensified, people quickly saw nine planes trailing red, white, and blue smoke roaring in.

They passed over the Triumphal Arch, bringing with them a truly spectacular scene.

”Aaahhhh...!!” The tens of thousands on site erupted in cheers, everyone at the peak of excitement, craning their necks to glimpse the end of the street, where the parade float was supposed to arrive!

They guessed correctly, these nine planes were clearing the way for the European Cup champions!

On the Champs-Élysées, a blue bus slowly drove in. On it were the French players in white shirts, along with Deschamps and a group of assistant coaches in suits.

They arrived aboard the bus marked with ’champions,’ also bearing the Gaul Rooster team emblem.

”Wow...!!” The atmosphere on site reached a fever pitch as the fans cheered ecstatically, releasing smoke bombs and fireworks, lighting up the entire street.

At the center of the bus, people spotted the young captain Ma’el holding the trophy, waving both arms, proudly displaying the fruits of their victory to everyone.

”Ding ding ding ding...!”

This was exactly what the fans wanted to see. They were so invigorated that they began singing the purest Song of Ma’el, ”I have a friend! He dances the Swan Dance on the defensive line, races a Bugatti on the wing...!”

”Ah...!” Many French girls and young women blushed and screamed, completely captivated not just by Ma’el’s skills, but also by his looks.

On the bus, Ma’el smiled as he saw the fervent fans below, handing the trophy to Deschamps beside him, then taking out his Golden Boot Award and Player of the Year Award.

He seldom returned here and had never played in Paris. At this moment, seeing the Parisian fans and some crazy supporters, he felt very curious, almost tempted to greet them with all his trophies.

”Ei...Ei...Ei...!”

Before long, he stood shoulder to shoulder with the French players, raising fists in the air. Many fans also caught the rhythm, jumping up with them. This street was completely engulfed in joy.

The celebration continued for another half an hour, persisting until the team’s bus entered the Elysee Palace.

Ma’el was still the first to get off. He saw a long red carpet laid out from the bus stairs. At the far end of the carpet, Michel with a serious expression awaited him.

On both sides was the Republican Cavalry Guard. Despite the horses occasionally being a bit unruly, they maintained their formation, holding their swords on the right shoulder.

The day’s events dazzled Ma’el, making him truly appreciate the benefits and glory of achieving great success.

He proceeded forward, walking on the red carpet towards Michel, with everyone else lined up neatly behind him.

”Swipe!” The 18 cavalrymen simultaneously pointed their swords forward, then sharply swung them down to their right side, looking highly impressive.

”Mr. Ma’el.”

Accompanied by a ceremony attendant, Michel stepped forward. ”On behalf of the Republic, we congratulate you and award you the Legion of Honor!”

Ma’el smiled as he watched him personally place the medal on him, briefly recalling the medal Isabella once gave him.

Time truly flies. After winning the European Cup, everything about him would change.

...

ps: The next chapter should move into the next volume, then continue writing the next one. There’s still a lot of material, and most of the characters are introduced, including the long-anticipated return of Gilbert. There’s much to write about, it won’t be dull.