From Arsenal to the Ball God

Ma’el was sitting on the bench with Van Persie, Arteta, and others, leisurely watching the match as if they were watching it at home.

They trusted the team’s rotating players, believing they could easily win a big victory against the Hong Kong Super League team.

”Boom!”

And indeed as they expected, just 7 minutes into the match, Giroud received a cross from Podolski and scored with a volley.

One to zero!

In the 19th minute, through quick organization and passing from the backfield, Arsenal executed a sharp series of passes, developing the ball into the opponent’s territory in front.

”Boom... Boom!”

Gilbert, who started, received the ball and made a straight pass into the box, where Podolski dashed in from the left and struck a dipping shot that firmly landed in the far corner of the goal.

Two to zero!

Podolski’s first goal, Gilbert’s first personal data contribution after his return!

The two went to the sidelines to celebrate with fist pumps, wearing sunny smiles on their faces, seeming to look forward to their future in the team.

”Clap Clap Clap.....!”

Ma’el also stood up to applaud Gilbert. Although it was just a match where they trounced a weaker team, seeing his brother wearing Arsenal’s jersey and achieving a long-held dream made him happy.

The U17 captain, who fought hard abroad for two years, finally announced his arrival at Arsenal’s first team!

”Really close friends?”

Beside him, Van Persie joined Ma’el in applauding, turning his head curiously to ask, ”I noticed he has good intensity and maturity in training. Did you grow up together?”

”Yes and no.”

Ma’el smiled, shook his head and sat back down, explaining, ”Met when we were 17, but we went through the tough early days of our careers together, you could say we grew together.

”During the Championship season, I lived with him all the time, not only ate and slept together, but always went to the gym, played pool on the street, went shopping, almost like the same person.

”We’ve seen each other’s most inexperienced times and watched each other step by step reach today’s heights.”

Van Persie nodded, showing a hint of envy in his eyes. After joining the first team, he hadn’t experienced such friendship, and he mostly forgot those days from the youth team.

In a player’s entire career, encountering such a friendship and being able to play for the same team after initial success is undeniably a blessing.

No matter what successes they achieve in the future, they can stay together and reminisce, piecing together the journey they’ve been on without forgetting why they started or how they came this far.

Ma’el gazed softly at Gilbert, noting that he didn’t celebrate wildly, perhaps waiting for the day of his first goal or assist in a regular match to truly release his emotions.

In his heart, Ma’el also hoped that if it were an assist, he hoped Gilbert would pass it to him, allowing him to score.

”Originally, he wasn’t a sweeping midfielder; at Sheffield United, he also took on the role of organizing the attack.”

Ma’el opened up, introducing to Van Persie, ”He just felt he reached his potential in that aspect and might not achieve higher heights, so he strengthened his physical qualities and running ability, transitioning to a defensive midfield.

”Everything he chose was to return to Arsenal and have a place in this team.”

Van Persie slowly nodded and then smiled, ”Hope he fulfills his wish, and may your wish come true too..... We’ll have a wonderful year and reach greater heights.”

Ma’el said no more, just smiled and imagined the future.

”Boom!”

Returning to his senses, Ramsey faced the ball cleared by the defender and made an explosive shot from outside the box, piercing Kitchee’s net once again.

Three to zero!

Emirates Cup champions in hand!

The referee blew the whistle to end the half, and players from both sides returned to the bench for rest.

Upon coming off, Gilbert purposefully approached Ma’el, cheekily saying, ”How about that straight pass? Doesn’t it have a bit of Javi’s flair?”

”Haha.....!”

Ma’el laughed, swatting away the hand reaching for his head, jesting, ”Javi’s assists were fewer than mine last season, why not aim for me?”

”Tch!” Gilbert dismissively waved his hand and left, turning back to smile after he had walked away.

Ma’el watched his proud expression, sighed lightly, and turned to look at the glimmering light spilling onto the pitch, suddenly feeling he loved this summer more—it truly was a beautiful summer.

”Beep!”

After the second half started, Arsenal’s players continued to dominate, maintaining over 75% ball control against Kitchee.

Friendship matches are always intriguing, where upsets are frequent, even weaker teams may go back and forth with strong ones.

But today, Arsenal gave Kitchee no chance for an upset; from start to finish, it was an onslaught, leaving the opponents unable to breathe.

”Boom!”

In the 67th minute of the match, amidst chaos before the goal, Ramsey fell and poked the ball into the net, further extending the lead.

Four to zero!

Nine minutes later, Ramsey again scored, heading the ball into the net unmarked during a corner attack, an unexpected goal for everyone.

Five to zero!

In the 78th minute, Ma’el, Van Persie, and others warmed up and prepared to take the field, ready to stretch their legs since this match marked the first small championship of the season—they naturally needed to make an appearance.