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Chapter 276 The Right Way to Deal with Fans

To be fair, in terms of sheer beauty, this bicycle kick wouldn't even rank in the top 50 of Wang Lie's career. After all, he miskicked the final touch, and the goal was somewhat due to luck.

But considering his age, it's quite remarkable that a 38-year-old can still perform such a graceful backflip in mid-air.

Furthermore, this was the first Champions League goal since the Lize Park stadium was built.

Significant.

Therefore, this ball can ultimately rank in the top 20 out of Wang Lie's total of 760 balls.

Wang Lie got up from the ground and saw that the football was already in the goal. He happily ran to the corner flag area to celebrate.

And in perfect unison, the song written specifically for Wang Lie began to play in the stands of Lize Park Stadium:
"China Wang! China Wang! Fame spreads far and wide, its power resounds throughout the land!"

"China Wang! China Wang! Dragon blood, human form!"

The singing was followed by applause, applause that lasted for a long time.

In the stands, Jon Berger clapped and said to Tang Lin, "This is exactly the scene I imagined, Tang. In my mind, the first Champions League goal at Lize Park should be Wang Jin's. Even if it wasn't him who scored, but Ribeiro, I would feel it was a lifelong regret—although I also really hope that Ribeiro can score his first goal soon..."

Tang Lin was also clapping, but upon hearing the landlord's words, he couldn't help but purse his lips: "Is it really that big of a deal, Mr. Berg? While I also think Wang Lie's first goal is very memorable, it doesn't mean that if it weren't for him scoring, it would be a lifelong regret..."

“No, absolutely, very much so,” Mr. Berg said firmly. “If it weren’t for the King, Lize Park might never have had the chance to host a Champions League match before it was demolished. The King gave this stadium its glory. In the future, when people talk about the history of Lize Park, they must mention the King’s name. What a huge regret it would have been if the first goal hadn’t been scored by the King…”

Robbie Dixie, on the other side, was also in the same boat as Berg: "I think the club should put up a statue of a king outside the Lize Park stadium, and use his bicycle kick as the design!"

His suggestion was immediately approved by a group of people.

"That's right! That's exactly how it should be!"

"Yes, make a statue of Wang!"

Seeing everyone so excited, as if they were about to make a suggestion to the club... Tang Lin had to remind them: "But the club is already planning to build a new stadium in another location. According to the plan, this place is going to be demolished..."

Everyone then snapped out of their excitement.

Tang Lin is right. After the new stadium is completed, the Lize Park stadium will be demolished and the land will be used for other purposes.

Therefore, even if a statue of Wang Lie is erected, it will be removed along with the Lize Park stadium.

Thinking about it that way, it is indeed quite a pity.

In the end, high-rise buildings, shopping malls, and five-star hotels will rise on the land where Lize Park Stadium is located.

But will we tell future generations about the passionate years that took place on this land?

Jon Berger suddenly said, “No, there’s no conflict. We should suggest to the club that after the Lize Park stadium is demolished, a statue of a king be erected on the site. It’s just a statue, it doesn’t take up much space, but it can preserve everyone’s memory. I don’t think anything can better carry the memory of this stadium than a statue of a king.”

Even Tang Lin's eyes lit up at this, realizing that Mr. Berg's words made a lot of sense.

The others became even more excited and said they would launch an online campaign after the competition ended.

This has become a tradition among Tyne fans—for any event, they first launch an online campaign to gather signatures from supporters. Once enough people sign, the online voice can influence the real world.

For example, this summer, the club was recruiting players everywhere. In order to give the players who were willing to come to Tyne a sense of belonging, some Tyne fans called on everyone online to go to the airport to welcome each new player who joined the team.

This call quickly received a positive response from other Tyne fans, with some tracking Tyne's transfer activity online in real time and posting it online.

Once a new player signed by Tyne is about to arrive at Newcastle, fans will try various methods, including but not limited to official news, messages on the player's own social media platforms, or private messages to reporters, to obtain information about the player's flight and arrival time in Newcastle.

Then enthusiastic Tyne fans gathered at the stadium to welcome the new signing, giving them a sense of accomplishment that they also have many fans at Newcastle.

Before Tyne's first Champions League match, when he departed for Lille, France, there was a large crowd at the airport to see him off, following the same procedure.

A recent example of a successful online call to action that received a positive response is the "Let's Fill the Stadium" campaign to save Exeter United.

Tyne's fans are a very cohesive group with exceptionally high execution.

Therefore, the idea of ​​launching an online campaign to erect a statue for Wang Lieshu, hoping that the club would actually comply, is not just wishful thinking on the part of these Tyne fans, but a real possibility.

※※※

Wang Lie was unaware that Tyne's fans were going to propose erecting a statue for him; he was surrounded by his teammates, smiling happily.

This scene moved Luo Jin deeply.
“This kind of hearty laughter is now a frequent sight on Wang Lie’s face. He received unconditional love from everyone at Tyne, and for him, this love is the driving force that keeps him running forward. So he repays everyone’s love with goal after goal, helping Tyne go from a relegation-threatened team to a Champions League participant.”

Actually, there was something else he didn't say. As a commentator for China's national television station, he had to consider the potential impact of his words on public opinion, so he saw no need to further provoke the Sofia fans.

However, England commentator Conor Cowley didn't have so many concerns.

He said things like, "Letting Wang Lie go is the most failed and stupid transfer in the 159-year history of Sofia United, without exception." Does he still care whether the Sofia United fans can bear it?

So he said what Luo Jin hadn't:
"Wang has 'hurt' Tyne with another goal! Hahaha!"

He laughed at his own words after saying that.

It must be said that Lawrence Dadomo was a genius, actually inventing the theory that "scoring goals hurts the team".

And quite a few people actually believe his fallacies and heresies.

I don't know if these people are genuinely stupid, or if they just need a reason to smear Wang Lie.

If it's the former, then there's nothing to say. If you believe such nonsense, then you're doomed for life.

If it's the latter, then that's really stupid. After all, using such a flawed reason to smear Wang Lie will only push more intelligent bystanders to Wang Lie, instead of making them join in the smear campaign.

Connor Cowley felt that the haters' words were too outrageous, abstract, and idiotic, and he couldn't accept being associated with such a group of people with cerebellar atrophy and brain defects, which is why he gradually leaned towards Wang Lie emotionally.

In fact, Connor Cowley not only didn't support Wang Lie, but also secretly disliked him.

However, as a commentator, he generally had to remain neutral and objective, so he did not directly express this emotion.

The dislike for Wang Lie stems from his highly controversial personality and style of behavior. Apart from his fans, most people, especially casual observers, can probably find something about Wang Lie that makes them uncomfortable.

In other words, he has extremely low public appeal.

So when Wang Lie was embroiled in various criticisms, doubts, ridicule, and insults at Soforth, Connor Cowley felt that he had only himself to blame and deserved it.

The changes started gradually after Wang Lie went to Tyne.

Connor Cowley was completely impressed by Wang Lie's explosive performance.

Tyne's performance in the second half of last season was truly legendary: from struggling to avoid relegation to finishing fourth in the league and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in history, it only took half a season.

This legendary quality is precisely what Wang Lie brought about.

Because Wang Lie is even more legendary!
After he arrived in Tyne, he changed a lot about the team in a very short time, and Tyne went from being a criticized "mercenary" team to the top of the league.

Considering that he had already turned thirty-eight when he accomplished all this, it is even more legendary.

In addition to changing Tyne's fate, he also changed his own.

A veteran whose career had inevitably entered its decline stage was able to turn the tide after hitting rock bottom, performing even better than when he was 28 years old and in his prime...

It would be difficult for anyone to remain unmoved upon hearing such a story. If someone could remain unmoved by such a legendary tale, it would suggest that this person is probably not a normal being as understood by most, because they lack a heart.

Even the most haters of Wang Lie, no matter how stubborn they are, will definitely have a reaction deep down in the face of his achievements and performance—either they will be deeply moved and secretly admire him, or they will break down and become even more annoyed with Wang Lie.

No matter which one it is, no one will remain indifferent.

Connor Cowley's job is to be an objective and neutral commentator, but he is also human, and he couldn't help but be moved by Wang Lie's tenacity.

He has seen people who turned over a new leaf at the age of 28, and he has also seen people who were able to have a second spring in their careers at the age of 33.

But at thirty-eight years old, to be able to climb back up from the bottom... he had never seen anyone like that before.

He was captivated by Wang Lie and unconsciously leaned towards him—a tendency that Connor Cowley himself was sometimes unaware of.

In contrast, Joe Wesley was very clear about his own inclinations.

So after Wang Lie scored, he only gave a perfunctory polite reply and then remained silent.

Anyway, he's a "guest commentator," not a commentator, so even if he doesn't speak for a minute, it doesn't count as a broadcasting incident.

Do you want him to support Wang Lie?
None of the doors!
※※※

Wang Lie's first Champions League goal at Lize Park, though significant, didn't allow him much time to celebrate.

No matter how significant this goal may be to the outside world, to him it is just one of 760 goals, one of 93 Champions League goals.

Scoring a goal certainly made him happy, after all, scoring goals can make him feel young.

Including the goal he just scored, there are only three goals left before he gets to be young again.

Scoring more goals can make you younger faster.

But he knew even more clearly that the team's victory was equally important.

In fact, it could be said that if he wants to score more goals, the team needs to perform well as a whole, and everyone on the team needs to play their best.

To keep everyone in top form, you need to keep winning.

After all, victory is a panacea – all problems can be solved by victory. Encouraged by the joy of victory, the players are full of confidence and high morale, which naturally translates into better performances in the game, making it easier to win and creating a positive cycle.

Furthermore, if he wants to lead the Chinese team to win the World Cup, then his individual goals alone won't suffice.

Although, thanks to the support of head coach He and the Football Association, a unified ideology has been forcibly achieved within the team, he knows he cannot make every single person on the national team resonate with his thoughts and give their all for his goals.

These people don't necessarily not want the championship; they just don't believe the Chinese team can win it.

Therefore, Wang Lie needs evidence to prove that he is capable of leading them to win the World Cup.

Tyne is a good example – if he can lead the underdog Tyne to victory and championships, the doubts within the national team will be greatly reduced.

So he not only has to score goals, lots of goals. He also has to lead his team to victory and championship.

He might win a few games on his own, but he certainly couldn't win enough games to win the championship.

Although he was grateful for Ribeiro's assist, just like in the national team, he wanted to make everyone on the team stronger.

When he takes the field, he wants ten strong and capable players standing beside him, not ten supporting players.

So when the celebration ended, Wang Lie specifically put his arm around Ribeiro and said to him, "Why didn't you shoot that ball yourself?"

Ribeiro replied confidently: "I think you had a better chance than me. The team's attack was going towards me, and you were definitely open – I was watching your movement the whole time, and I knew you would be at the far post. So I passed the ball to the far post, and sure enough, you were there!"

Ribeiro's reaction surprised Wang Lie, because not only did he answer confidently, but he also gave a reasoned answer, as if he really should have been given the ball.

“But with your ability, it’s not like you can’t score that ball,” Wang Lie retorted.

Ribeiro chuckled: "That's not necessarily true!"

"Not necessarily?" Wang Lie frowned.

“After all, I had Liva in front of me at the time, and the angle wasn’t very wide. What if he had saved the ball? I thought it was safer to pass the ball to you, who had a better chance than me, before the deadlock was broken. That was the best option.”

"But I ran past it and almost missed the shooting opportunity."

"My mistake, I passed the ball a little too far back... Luckily, you scored with your superb individual skill, it was a truly magnificent goal! Wang!"

Wang Lie really didn't expect Ribeiro to praise him from such a tricky angle... He clearly wanted to tell Ribeiro that passing the ball to him and shooting directly were equally likely to result in a shot being saved, but passing the ball would increase the risk of a mistake. In fact, that was indeed the case; he had run a little too far, and the pass and run were not fully coordinated, almost causing him to miss the ball.

Ribeiro was right about one thing: he turned a nearly missed opportunity into a goal through his own individual skill.

But if the goal is truly stability, then one cannot expect him to solve problems solely through his personal abilities every time.

However, Wang Lie did not repeat these words to Ribeiro, because he had already figured out what the kid was thinking, which was a typical fan mentality.

Even if he says he can't always rely on his own abilities to solve problems, this kid will most likely say:
"I believe in you, Your Majesty. You can definitely handle this!"

At that point, this matter will have transformed from a tactical choice into a theological one...

So Wang Lie stopped trying to reason with this fanatical follower and instead said directly to him, "Did I tell you that my goal for the team in the Champions League this season is to win the title?"

Ribeiro paused for a moment, then his face lit up with excitement: "You didn't tell me, but I guessed it, King! Because your desire for the championship is never satisfied!"

Wang Lie ignored Ribeiro's effusive flattery and continued:

“Since the goal is the Champions League, you have to help me achieve that goal with goals, Miguel. And it’s not just you, it’s me, it’s Vitini, and the other teammates. They all have to score goals, lots and lots of goals, for us to have any chance of winning the Champions League. You know what? If anyone doesn’t perform well, we won’t win this damn title.”

After saying that, Wang Lie patted him on the shoulder and ran away.

Ribeiro slowed down and turned to look at the shoulder that Wang Lie had just patted.

Of course he wouldn't really not score a single goal in Tyne; as a striker, how could he not score?

But he genuinely wanted to help Wang Lie score more goals. If Wang Lie needed him, he was willing to be Wang Lie's pawn and stepping stone.

Between "scoring a goal himself" and "Wang Lie scoring a goal," the latter takes precedence over the former.

After all, Wang Lie's lead in the Champions League all-time top scorers list is not that big – Wang Lie currently has 93 Champions League goals, while Arthur Elohn has 87, trailing by only six goals.

Six goals are not an insurmountable obstacle for an efficient striker like Arthur Elohn.

Ribeiro really didn't want his idol to be surpassed by Arthur on the top scorer list. Just thinking about how smug Arthur's brainless fans would be, and how arrogant Wang Lie's haters, especially that idiot Lawrence Dadomor, would be, made him extremely unhappy.

As a die-hard fan of Wang Lie, he would never allow this to happen.

However, it now seems that God is worried that I can't keep up with His requirements...

God patted himself on the shoulder, placing the responsibility of helping the team win the championship on his own shoulders.

How could he disappoint God?

(End of this chapter)