Chapter 610: Ascending to the Top of Europe Again
When the last member of Real Madrid stepped off the podium, Manchester United's players appeared on the field, wearing specially designed T-shirts by the club. They lined up at the entrance below the stands, greeted by applause and cheers from the fans close to the team. The United players high-fived and even hugged fans over the railing.
Bruno, of course, was the most popular, worrying if he would have any hair left after all the attention. As Real Madrid's players walked down from the podium, the announcer's voice echoed, "And now, let us welcome the champions!"
The Manchester United fans responded in unison, "Manchester United!"
"Yes! Welcome Manchester United!!! They are the 2017-2018 UEFA Champions League champions!"
Amidst the deafening cheers, the United players walked up the steps to the podium. The first to receive his gold medal from Aleksander Čeferin was Ibrahimović. After shaking Čeferin's hand, he turned to show his medal to the crowd, drawing the first wave of applause.
Each player received their medal to corresponding applause and cheers.
...
"This is an exhilarating moment!" British commentator Andy Gray's voice trembled, "After ten years, Manchester United has once again ascended to the top of Europe! This is the fourth Champions League trophy in Manchester United's history, creating their miracle!"
As Mourinho walked up, Čeferin patted his face and head, looking very pleased, not showing any preference for Real Madrid. "You have created a miracle at Manchester United, Mr. Mourinho," Čeferin praised.
"Thank you, Mr. Čeferin," the United coach replied humbly, "The credit goes to the players and Mr. Al Thani, the club's owner. I just did my job..."
Mourinho's face beamed with an unerasable smile. Leading Manchester United to the Champions League title marked his third time winning the highest club honor, tying him with Liverpool legend Bob Paisley for the most Champions League titles as a manager.
Unlike Paisley, who won all three of his titles with Liverpool, Mourinho's three titles were won with three different clubs. Including the two Europa League titles he won with Manchester United and Porto, Mourinho had claimed five European trophies in his career, making him the undisputed king of European competitions. It can be said without reservation that José Mourinho is the best football manager in the world today.
...
Finally, Bruno stood before Čeferin.
"Congratulations, Bruno!" Čeferin extended his hand.
Bruno shook it, "Thank you, Mr. Čeferin."
"Your performance was impressive. I'm sure your name will be in all the influential media worldwide tomorrow."
Saying that Čeferin hung the gold medal around Bruno's neck. Bruno felt the weight of the medal around his neck, glancing down to see the golden prize he had dreamed of, now around his neck once again.
At less than 24 years old, having won the Champions League twice and being the undisputed core both times, Bruno is undoubtedly one of the most successful players in Champions League history. Even Ronaldo and Messi didn't perform as well at his age.
After receiving his medal, Bruno stayed on the podium, waiting. Čeferin turned around and picked up the Champions League trophy.
All eyes were on him.
As he lifted the trophy, some couldn't help but cheer. But most held their breath, waiting for the moment when the trophy would be handed to Bruno and raised high.
...
"Everyone knows why Manchester United reached the final and even defeated Real Madrid to win the Champions League. It's because they have Bruno! A Bruno who can do anything! Yes, anything! In this final, Bruno showed us what 'can do anything' means. In midfield, as the playmaker, he initiated the team's attacks and successfully defended against Ronaldo multiple times. Up front, as a standout scorer, he equalized in the dying moments, forcing extra time! Finally, in extra time, he provided the crucial assist to Ibrahimović, helping United clinch the victory over Real Madrid!" Andy Gray showered Bruno with all the praise he could think of.
Even Real Madrid fan He Wei sincerely said, "Bruno is Manchester United's captain, their absolute core, and spiritual leader. In the team's most critical moments, he stepped up. He is the hope of all United fans. As long as he's on the pitch, United fans feel at ease. I think the word 'icon' was created for him..."
On the podium, Čeferin handed the trophy to Bruno with a smile, "Congratulations, Bruno. You and your teammates are now the best in Europe!"
As Bruno's fingers touched the cold handle of the trophy, a surge of emotion ran from his fingertips to his heart. This was real, not a dream. This trophy truly belonged to them!
He took the trophy from Čeferin, and Queen's classic "We Are the Champions" played over the stadium's speakers. Red confetti rained down from the ceiling, filling the air.
Bruno turned around and raised the trophy high, announcing to the world that Manchester United is the true king of Europe!
...
Manchester United's chartered plane was landing at Manchester International Airport. Outside the terminal, a vast crowd of fans and vehicles had gathered to welcome the team.
"They're here! They're here!"
One banner read: "Ten Years of Waiting—The European Champions Belong to Manchester United!"
Inside the plane, United's players were dozing off, some even snoring. After winning the title last night, the team had partied all night at the hotel, leaving everyone exhausted. Only a few were barely awake, but even they were sluggish.
Bruno was among the few still awake, not because he wasn't tired, nor just because his mind was racing, but because he had something on his mind.
After United won the Champions League and returned to their hotel, Ibrahimović found Bruno and told him of his decision to retire. Bruno tried to persuade him to stay, but Ibrahimović's decision was sudden, catching Bruno off guard. After hearing Ibrahimović's reasons, Bruno fell silent.
Ibrahimović admitted he was tired. Winning the Champions League fulfilled a personal dream, and he wanted to retire, rest, and enjoy life with his family. After much consideration, Bruno realized that Ibrahimović's decision to retire now was well thought out and perhaps best for him.
...
In Serie A, Ibrahimović had won titles with Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan. In Spain, he had won with Barcelona, and in France, he led Paris Saint-Germain to Ligue 1 titles. At United, he won two Premier League titles, two League Cups, the FA Cup, and a Europa League title, now adding the Champions League. On a personal level, he had no regrets left in club football.
Moreover, Ibrahimović was nearing 37 in October, an advanced age for any professional player. Many had already been retired for years by then. In another timeline, Ibrahimović didn't retire this season but moved to Major League Soccer. However, circumstances were different then, as he hadn't won the Champions League and Premier League titles with United.
Now, with no regrets in his career, retiring made sense. Besides, Bruno had no say in Ibrahimović's retirement; the Swede was simply informing him out of gratitude.
...
Ibrahimović hugged Bruno, thanking him.
Accurately speaking, he was grateful to Bruno for helping him win the Champions League. Bruno accepted his thanks, feeling he deserved it. Without him, Ibrahimović's two years at United would have yielded only a Europa League title and a League Cup, not two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two Community Shields, one League Cup, one European Super Cup, and most importantly, the Champions League.
If, two years ago, Ibrahimović had joined United thinking of retirement, now his decision to retire could be seen as a triumphant exit.
At the celebration party last night, Ibrahimović announced his retirement. This was his formal farewell to his teammates before the team disbanded for vacation.
Hearing Ibrahimović's decision, the whole team was shocked, unwilling to see him retire. However, since he had made up his mind, they had to accept it. As professional players, they were used to comings and goings and had a stronger acceptance of such changes.
(END CHAPTER)
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