Review Campaign
Love the story? Leave a review and I'll unlock one extra chapter for every review!
Let's hit those milestones together — your feedback keeps the chapters coming!
...
Su Hang said, "Because the real deciding factor isn't in defense—it's in the midfield and attack."
Aragonés asked, "What about Senna? Didn't you say what we lacked most was a tough player like him?"
Su Hang replied, "That's only when the system isn't mature yet. Once the tactics reach perfection, you could even start Busquets."
Aragonés frowned. "Who's that?"
Su Hang grinned. "A troublemaker from Barça's youth team."
Busquets: ...
Aragonés continued, "Wouldn't Fàbregas be a better attacking midfielder than Raúl?"
Su Hang nodded. "Theoretically, yes."
Aragonés pressed, "And in practice?"
Su Hang smiled. "In practice, Raúl and I connect better."
Aragonés said, "But I think Villa is more suited to the forward role than you."
Su Hang replied, "Of course... but I'm better at scoring."
Aragonés countered, "This season, you only scored one more goal than him."
Su Hang said calmly, "And that one goal gave me four more trophies and two Player of the Year awards."
Aragonés raised a brow. "So you're showing off your honors to earn a starting spot?"
Su Hang shook his head. "On the contrary. Even if you kept me on the bench, I'd have no complaints. And honestly, I believe this Spain side would breeze through the group stage—that should meet your expectations."
"But what I want to say is... that would be too cruel for the veterans."
"Raúl, Albelda, Cañizares, Puyol, even Senna—this is their final World Cup, maybe their last major tournament ever."
"What you see as a prelude is, for them, the final chapter."
"You see the weight of age—but not the hope behind it."
"You think they've lost their prime, but I believe they now have a stronger will to win than ever before."
"Give this World Cup back to them, sir."
"I swear on my career—this won't interfere with your future plans for Spain. In 2008, you'll lead your ideal team to conquer Europe."
"But in 2006, in this Twilight of the Gods, let those defiant old warriors burn bright one last time."
2006—the dividing line in football history.
After this year, countless superstars who had defined an era—legends at the top of every ranking—began retiring, leaving the main stage of world football.
Then, a new generation rose.
Among them, two players of extraordinary destiny would open the curtain on the Messi–Ronaldo era, heralding a new age.
To witness this shift was a privilege for every football fan alive at that time.
After a long silence, Aragonés looked at Su Hang with a complicated expression. "Su, you're too smart. People call me the Wise One, but I've realized you're the real sage."
"But it's that very wisdom that makes you impossible to read. I can't tell if someone like me is good... or dangerous."
"To tell you the truth, I've already decided to give you the captain's armband. But if I gave you any more authority, I'd lose control of this Armada completely. Do you understand?"
Su Hang nodded. "I understand."
"Judgment always flows downward. But don't worry—time will give us the answer."
"I can stay on the bench as long as needed, until you decide the team needs me."
Aragonés exhaled deeply. "Thank you, Su."
Su Hang shook his head. "No, I should be the one thanking you, boss... for fulfilling Raúl's wish."
Aragonés asked, "So this is your repayment—for Raúl handing you the armband?"
Su Hang smiled. "Something like that."
Aragonés chuckled. "Then how do you plan to repay me?"
Su Hang grinned. "How about with a championship?"
Aragonés burst out laughing. "That's the kind of spirit I like! Yes, the 2008 European Championship—no one would believe our goal is the title! When the time comes, don't forget your promise—you'll lead Spain to conquer Europe!"
Beep!
The training match ended. The starting team beat the reserves 3–2.
The coaching staff called Aragonés over.
As the coach turned, Su Hang smiled to himself.
Does it really have to be 2008?
Can't it happen two years earlier?
Without Zidane and Figo, without Raúl and Ronaldo... what would that title even mean?
Twilight of the Gods—here I come.
...
At the end of May, The London Globe broke a story that set the summer ablaze.
The London Globe: "Juventus and AC Milan Face Possible Relegation Penalties!"
The Serie A phone-tapping scandal had exploded.
Soon after, Borrelli, head of the FIGC investigative office, confirmed that Juventus and AC Milan bore the main responsibility for the scandal, while Lazio and Fiorentina's roles were relatively minor.
Then, the FIGC released its findings.
Juventus, AC Milan, Lazio, and Fiorentina would all face prosecution—with relegation recommended!
Juventus would also be stripped of their league titles from the past two seasons!
The trial was set for June 26th.
This marked the official confirmation of the "Italian match-fixing scandal," with no chance of reversal—forever a stain on those clubs.
The London Globe later published a list of 26 accused individuals, led by Moggi.
Italian football fell into chaos.
Many Serie A players sought transfers, desperate to escape the crisis.
And the paper that had first broken the story—The London Globe—suddenly became the talk of the industry.
Days later, the paper announced a major change.
Ms. Clara, former star journalist of Marca and ex–Deputy Editor-in-Chief of AS, was appointed CEO of The London Globe!
She would lead the paper's expansion into the sports news world.
People had wondered how an unknown tabloid had suddenly gained such traction—now everything made sense.
Clara had access to plenty of explosive information.
And rumor had it that when she left AS, she took several elite staff members with her.
In response, AS ran a front-page headline openly attacking Clara, claiming she was bound by a non-compete agreement that forbade her from joining another media outlet in the same field.
Clara replied by publishing her shareholder list—
She was an owner of The London Globe.
So technically... she hadn't "joined" another outlet.
She was running it—as its owner.
A loophole in AS's non-compete clause.
Of course, only Clara knew the full truth.
In reality, she was just a minor shareholder—a front.
The true owner of The London Globe...
was currently training with the Spanish national team.
Clara: "Isn't that right, Chairman Su?"
Su Hang: "You're too kind, Ms. Clara."
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser