The walk out of the stadium took longer than usual.
The players expected the place to be empty by now, but a good number of fans were still gathered behind the barriers, waving flags and shirts, calling out names with the same energy they had shown inside.
Flashlights blinked like scattered fireflies, and after a moment, someone started chanting something in Malay, and others jumped in without hesitation.
Arteta paused for a moment at the tunnel exit, taking it all in with a quiet smile.
He watched the boys file out toward the bus, only for Izan to veer off with a few others.
Instead of hurrying along, he drifted toward the front section of the crowd.
The security staff didn't stop him, mostly because the people closest to the rails were calm and respectful, phones out but not pushing or reaching.
Izan signed whatever was handed to him.
Shirts, scarves, and a random cap.
He even crouched for a couple of photos, giving a quick grin before handing the phone back.
