From Arsenal to the Ball God

After the medal ceremony, the players of the France team dined in the Elysee Palace’s restaurant; it was everyone’s first time there.

President Hollande and Prime Minister Ayrault also attended the gathering. They sat with Michel, Deschamps, Ma’el, and other important members, engaging in cordial conversations and occasionally raising their glasses for a toast.

It was a very formal event, so everyone spoke cautiously at the dining table, which made the atmosphere a bit dull.

Ma’el was somewhat interested at first, but later on, he just focused on eating.

Until the banquet ended, Michel held onto him with a smile and asked, ”You promised me that after the game, you’d let me touch the gold medal. How did you completely forget me yesterday?”

”Oh...” Ma’el smiled embarrassingly. He couldn’t say that he was carried away by pride, so he replied, ”I knew we would meet in Paris, so I wasn’t in a hurry.”

”I brought it today. Do you want to see it? I can go get it from the bus.”

”No need.” Michel shook his head, looking satisfied, ”Including the staff, the France team has 37 members, and the host prepared 40 gold medals.

”I shamelessly requested 3 extra — gave one to the President and one to the Prime Minister, and kept one for myself.”

”Haha...” Ma’el laughed aloud, imagining Michel going to UEFA officials to ask for medals, which must have been amusing.

”By the way.”

He recalled something and asked, ”During the European Cup, we agreed that if we win the World Cup in the future, you’d personally present me with the honorary medal... Why so soon?”

Michel beamed, ”I thought you forgot about our agreement. Well... How should I put it, consider it a surprise from me to you.

”You brought us a surprise, so I had to come prepared.”

Ma’el nodded, jokingly saying, ”If we win the World Cup, will there be a better gift?”

”Of course.” Michel put a hand on Ma’el’s shoulder, smiling, ”But I can’t tell you what it is beforehand, all I can say is that I’m just as excited about giving you that gift.”

After finishing, the two exchanged smiles, signaling it was time to part.

”Can I trouble you with something? It’s a personal request...” Michel looked at Ma’el as if to convey something important.

Seeing Ma’el nod, he continued, ”I know after this competition, you’ll become the most sought-after star in the world for a while, with countless endorsements and advertisements coming your way, keeping you very busy.

”So while you have a little time these couple of days, while all the French kids are still immersed in the joy you brought them, I hope you can visit the youth academies in Paris.

”You will provide the greatest inspiration for the children there, instilling the new generation of players in France with the belief in pursuing excellence.

”In the future, they may make the Ligue 1 better and keep French Football strong.”

Ma’el looked into his earnest eyes, deeply sensing his love for football. Perhaps in his childhood, besides dancing Latin with his teacher, football was also one of his hobbies.

”No problem.” He agreed. His participation in Arsenal’s charity event left a deep impression on him, sparking his interest in this area.

Besides, being a superstar now, sometimes going back to the grassroots and playing with young players is a good way to relax.

”Thank you.” Michel opened his arms to Ma’el, smiling, ”I will also ask other players to go to Marseille, Nantes, Toulouse, and other major cities.

”You will pass on the spirit of champions for generations, impacting many people.”

Ma’el hugged him, feeling Michel’s appreciation for him... This didn’t need to be said much, making him the football ambassador of the capital is the best proof.

”Finally, let’s take a picture.” Michel invited Ma’el to a spot, asked the staff to bring over two wine glasses, posing for a toast.

Ma’el knew that once this was over, he could leave, so he stood next to Michel with a smile, waiting for the flash to flicker.

”Click!” The white light illuminated the wall behind them and lit up their smiling faces. They then put down the wine glasses, hugged, patted each other’s back, and exchanged blessings.

The kid practicing shooting hard at the Korni Base 2 years ago was now talking and laughing with one of the most powerful people in the country.

Perhaps they might not be on the same path for a while, but as prominent figures in their respective fields, they will undoubtedly establish a deep friendship.

This won’t be their last meeting; since their life paths have intersected now, there will surely be new encounters in the future.

In the afternoon, Ma’el met the French Football Federation President Legrain in the business car Michel prepared for him, and they were all set to start the championship tour in Paris.

”I don’t know how to express my congratulations and gratitude to you, but all in all, I thank God every morning in my prayers for allowing me to meet such a phenomenal player like you during my tenure.”

Legrain enthusiastically hugged Ma’el right from the start, and during the journey, he talked with Ma’el about the trip, ”You grew up in Aix, so you probably haven’t been to Paris much, have you?”

Ma’el nodded. Apart from going to Clairefontaine for training, he didn’t visit Paris that often.

Legrain’s face showed a touch of pride, ”Paris is a cradle for football youths; it’s because of this city that French football has so many talents.