After signing with AC Milan, I will be the king of football!

Chapter 1763: Chapter 475: St. Kevin Medal

Even though the Roma Club conducted thorough examinations today, a significant number of tickets still slipped out.

Moreover, Roma fans were exceptionally active today, joining in to cheer for Huang Kaiwen.

Totti looked at Huang Kaiwen, who was waving at the stands, with a complex expression and said, ”I never imagined that here, Kevin would be more popular than me, yet I also feel it’s well-deserved.”

”You should really be thankful that Kevin is not a Roma player.”

Goalkeeper Doni jested, ”If Kevin were at Roma, quite a few fans might support him becoming the captain.”

De Rossi’s eyes sparkled at the thought.

Wished he could immediately become Huang Kaiwen.

During the warm-up, Huang Kaiwen showed some restraint.

No matter how fast, there’s a way to defend, he planned to catch Roma off guard at the opening stage.

”Both teams have started warming up on the field, and we have the final lineup; we can inform the fans that Huang Kaiwen is in the starting lineup.”

”Yes, Huang Kaiwen just went through a very dangerous incident, but the way he handled it and his courage have been praised worldwide. Thunderous within yet tranquil without, this phrase fits Huang Kaiwen perfectly.”

”Calm in the face of danger, true heroism is evident in times of crisis, hehe.”

”Yes, today the Pope has arrived at the scene, presumably to commend Huang Kaiwen. We didn’t receive the news beforehand, but we see those men on the sidelines are the Vatican Guard.”

”The Vatican Guard is comprised of Swiss, from 1527, when Charlie V, who held titles of German Emperor and King of Spain, battled fiercely with the King of France over Italy. At the battle of Pavia, the German and Spanish coalition unexpectedly won decisively, but the victorious soldiers found themselves unpaid, leading to a mutiny of 34,000 imperial troops.

The soldiers forced their commander to lead them towards the French-backed Roman Curia, with a simple objective: fewer people, more wealth there; if you don’t pay us, we will rob others. The army commander Charlie III, unable to refuse, led the bandit-like coalition all the way to the gates of the City of Rome. During that calamity, 189 Swiss Guards resisted to the death, and only 42 survived, successfully escorting the Pope out through a secret passage.”

”Yes, that’s why the Vatican uses Swiss as guards. But due to Switzerland’s current robust economy and the many rules within the guard, they find it increasingly hard to recruit.”

Today’s warm-up didn’t last as long as usual.

Soon, staff indicated for both teams to return to the tunnel and wait.

Roma Club workers and some Vatican adherents quickly performed a simple setup of the field.

The atmosphere in the stands grew increasingly intense.

At 3 PM, the Vatican Guard swiftly entered the field, automatically dividing on either side.

The Stadio Olimpico Rome echoed with solemn music.

The opulently dressed Pope and clerics slowly ascended the platform, taking their seats.

Once everything was ready, guided by the Vatican clerics, Huang Kaiwen stepped onto the stage.

The Pope nodded at Huang Kaiwen and then stood, opening his address behind the microphone: ”Previously, I awarded Kevin a medal because he saved dozens of families, and this time, Kevin has saved hundreds of families. Perhaps the number is not the sole measure, as I believe Kevin never thought about whether to save one or one hundred people.

Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. This is a great example, this is righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ given to all who believe...”

The fans on site stood with hats off, silently listening.

Fortunately, the Pope’s speech was not lengthy; he soon changed his tone and said, ”We have deliberated on what kind of medal would be fitting for everything Kevin has done, the St. Januarius Medal or the Annunciation Medal? Both have long histories: the St. Januarius Medal originated from the Bourbon Two Sicilies Dynasty, while the Annunciation Medal commemorates the Virgin Mary, but that is the Savoy Family’s medal. After our discussions, I have decided to establish a brand-new medal.”

The adjacent clerics approached the Pope with a tray in hand, upon which lay an exquisite box, already open, holding a beautifully intricate medal, with ribbons of yellow, red, and black beside it.

The Pope picked up the medal, stepped toward Huang Kaiwen, and said, ”In recognition of your loyalty and integrity, compassion and courage, humility and sacrifice, honor and spirit... to commend your contributions, I now bestow upon you the Grand Cross of the St. Kevin Medal!!!”