From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 441 - 122: Ma Sanfei’s Running Stats! The Promise with Isabella! Zurich Golden Ball Award Ceremony!

After listening, Wenger’s mind conjured up images of Ma’el breaking through defenses alone and Van Persie leaping through the air. He suddenly chuckled twice.

"Cough cough..."

This made him choke on his smoke, but his expression improved somewhat. "You don’t need to worry about me. Whether anxiety is heavy or light depends on what you’re comparing it to.

"If you compare it to last season, then this season’s worries aren’t worries at all; they’re happy troubles."

As he said this, he remembered something. After taking a puff, he smiled lightly and said, "Do you think Ma’el is quite good at bringing this kind of trouble?

"He always elevates others’ expectations, giving both the team and individuals new goals."

Philip and the financial officer also smiled and nodded slightly, acknowledging this point.

To be honest, since Ma’el joined the team, they started having these troubles.

Is this truly trouble?

It must be considered trouble; the team had been thriving in the first five months, almost sailing smoothly, but this month faced some setbacks, inevitably leading to such feelings.

But despite this, they still could place their hopes on Ma’el who brought about all this, and on several other key players, believing they could help the team through difficult times.

...

"Beep... beep..."

Inside the villa, after Ma’el got home, he dialed Kyle Walker’s number. He noticed Tottenham also had an away game today, so the players should be resting late.

He planned to handle this matter first, then prepare for tomorrow’s award ceremony, likely staying up a bit tonight. He might not even be able to sleep.

The call connected quickly, and Walker’s gruff voice came through, "Hello, who’s this?"

"Ma’el."

"Ah....."

Kyle Walker must have guessed the purpose of the call at this stage. His immediate silence showed his inner conflict.

"Walker," Ma’el said softly. He had thought about how to talk to the other side before dialing but now felt unsure whether to use his prepared speech.

He had a special relationship with Kyle Walker. They had shared crucial moments in their lives and were both the faster risers in that team, meeting again soon enough at the top-level leagues.

When they met again, the two young men had become core players in two strong teams, albeit in different positions..... However, the clubs they played for were rivals.

"Didn’t have much time to talk on the field last time. How’ve you been lately?"

Ma’el eventually dropped the politeness and started chatting.

"Not bad," Kyle Walker chuckled lightly before a long pause, then said, "You’re trying to persuade me to go to Arsenal, right? That must be it; otherwise, you wouldn’t contact me.

"To be honest, even though I’ve long envied you, I must say... the place you’re going tomorrow is my childhood goal. I’ve dreamed of becoming you.

"But I’ll never be you. This lifetime, I may never score as many goals in the Premier League as you did this season. My talent and position limit my value’s ceiling.

"I’m lost; I don’t know how to choose my next step.

"I came from Sheffield United, then was signed by Tottenham for development. Tottenham gave me the opportunity to play in the top league and let me help my hometown team get promoted.

"I don’t even know why, when the Tottenham sports director asked if I wanted to go to Arsenal, I hesitated."

Walker spoke extensively, and Ma’el just listened quietly, preparing to organize his words only after Walker finished speaking.

"Did you have any plans before?"

He asked aloud, "Do you want to become a Tottenham legend, or are you chasing honor, wealth, and fame?"

"I can’t say."

"Can’t say makes it easier," Ma’el smiled, waiting for him to say this. "As long as your goal isn’t firmly becoming a Tottenham legend, you should come to Arsenal.

"I can assure you, once you’re here, with both of us working together, apart from not getting the Tottenham legend title, you’ll achieve the other three.

"Come on, it’s a great team waiting for you. You will change this team and win the Premier League title with us this season."

"...." Another long pause from the other side, then, "Ma’el, thanks for calling; I still need some time to think."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Ma’el felt good. Although Walker hadn’t given a direct answer, judging from his tone, he seemed a bit swayed.

That’s all he could do. Hopefully, it’ll be effective. The rest depends on the club’s efforts.

He went to the wardrobe, selected a few suits he bought earlier, picked them up, and headed downstairs.

Now, it’s time to prepare for tomorrow’s Golden Ball Award ceremony.

...

A few minutes later, as Ma’el went through a suit-changing show, all four members of his team sat flabbergasted in their seats.

"None of them work."

Jose delivered a sharp critique, offering an awkward smile, "If you wear these to Zurich, you’ll immediately make headlines..... but not in a pleasant way.

"Your physique and looks are great, which can somewhat erase the suit differences, but I still suggest you properly prepare a new one."

"Didn’t you prepare any other outfits?" Safina looked at Ma’el’s suits, covering her mouth, "Had I known, we’d have returned earlier to contact a bespoke suit retailer for you in advance.

"I’m sorry; I know nothing about men’s wear, and can’t help pick a suit for you in such a short time."