The road to godhood starting from Ligue 1

Chapter 286 We Only Have This One Chance

The next day.

Although Bastia did not have a holiday and continued training as usual, none of the players who played in the last match against Inter Milan had any training sessions.

As Bastia's dual-front campaign intensifies, the team doctor is now the busiest person in the entire team.

Chatham also urgently signed several physical therapists on short-term contracts to get through the season.

In the matches against Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Milan, the players who were most exhausted were not the forwards, but the defense.

In the match against Inter Milan, even the ironman Kante was exhausted in the final moments, which shows how much the continuous high-intensity defense had taken a toll on them.

The same applies to Angola, Van Dijk, and others.

The competition is intense, and the recovery period is short.

Jerónimi saw from his office that there were only a handful of people on the training field.

He exclaimed to Chatham beside him, "You know what? This is the first time I've felt this real tension since I took over the team. It's a sweet burden, seeing such an empty training ground, not because of poor results, but because we've exhausted all our ammunition at San Siro! It's a strange and exciting feeling."

Chatham shook his head and replied, "Yes, that night at San Siro felt like a beautiful dream, but when the players woke up, the muscle soreness was real, our injury list was real, and the league match against Bordeaux in two days was real too."

But as he spoke, he changed the subject.

"The pressure is indeed unprecedented, but I wonder why we didn't have pressure before? Because we had no expectations. Now, the whole island is watching us, and Europe is watching us too."

After saying this, Chatham looked at Jeronimi with a determined expression, "We only have this one chance."

Jeronimi's eyes held a complex mix of emotions; he understood all too well what Chatham meant.

He turned to look at the training field.

Suddenly, I noticed that Gaio had just come out, straightened his training clothes, and started running.

Jerónimí smiled. "Yes, we only have this one chance."

So he gambled everything.

at the same time.

The reports in L'Équipe finally exploded.
French newspapers repeatedly reprinted the story, calling it "the most incredible inspirational story in French football" and "the most dramatic personal redemption of this century."
A series of reports seemed poised to elevate Gaio from a "rising star" to a "global inspirational icon and top superstar candidate."

As this information spreads.

Some people familiar with Gaio also spoke out immediately.

For example, Wenger said: "An extraordinary story, an extraordinary genius, the combination of his technique, speed and mentality is fascinating."

Drogba also said on social media, "I have always believed in Young's talent and I am even happier to see that he has found the right path. His story proves that football can change lives, and I am incredibly proud of him!"

Eliminate Tottenham.

Gaio's hat-trick at the San Siro stadium fully demonstrated his ability and provided ample evidence for these reports.

This makes Gaio's deeds seem even more legendary.

Compared to the outside world's amazement at Gaio's talent, the emotions on Corsica, in Bastia, are even more genuine.

In the forums of Bastia, the post "To Gaio" has always been a popular one.

Bastia fans found the two articles even more heartbreaking when they read them together.

"The gentler the posts, the more sensational the reports, the more conflicted I feel! On one hand, there are 'I wish you become the best player,' and on the other hand, there are 'European giants, get your checks ready.' I know I can't keep him, but I really can't bear to part with him! But the thought of him possibly wearing Real Madrid's white or Manchester City's blue, standing in the Champions League final, makes me so happy I want to cry! This feeling is even more agonizing than when we were fighting relegation!"

"Don't worry, he's not just a passerby. He's a totem etched into the island. His roots are here, his soul is here. Even if he goes anywhere else, the blue of Bastia will always be his first color!"

"I used to only know that he was fast and strong, that he was our Gaio. Now I realize that every step he takes is on the edge of a knife! That pride of early success, how much despair and blood and tears did he exchange for to be reborn? After watching, I understand his calmness on the court even more. Yes, he has such an experience at only eighteen years old, what can't he face calmly?"

"Stop crying! After watching, you should go to the stadium! The post says 'cherish the moment,' the report says 'his era has begun,' so what are we waiting for? At the next home game, the Cesarian Stadium must become an erupting volcano! Let Gaio hear it, let all of Europe hear it! Before he flies to the stars, Corsica will always be his loudest echo! Fight, Bastia!!"

Various responses.

There is the saltiness of tears, the burning heat of strong liquor, the surging of the sea breeze, and even more so, the spark of hope for the future.

They declared in the simplest yet most passionate language: Gaio's story is not just a personal legend, but a shared imprint on the city of Bastia and on the soul of every fan.

Wherever he flies, Bastia will always be where he started, and the Bastia fans will always be the wind that lifts him up.

As such.

Gaio also browses these fan forums during his breaks.

Although he never speaks.

This time.

After seeing the comments, he was deeply moved by some of them, and he couldn't help but leave a "thank you" message below.

The comments section exploded.

Various replies followed one after another, most of them telling him to keep going, to keep moving forward, and that Bastia would always be his support.

Gaio read the replies but didn't leave any more comments.

Instead, he posted a picture on his social media – a background image of people celebrating with their arms outstretched at San Siro, with the number 10 clearly visible.

The caption only contained a "Go for it!" emoji.

This is making a statement.

When Gaio, who hadn't posted anything for a long time, finally did, his fans flocked to his feed.

Comments and likes skyrocketed in a short period of time.

Wow! Gaio!

"I'm so moved, bro! I just finished reading that report and then looked at this picture. It feels like the whole town of Bird Springs, the whole of Corsica, is shining behind you! From there to here, you're a fucking legend! Allez!!"

"Gaio! My King! Your name is engraved on the throne at San Siro! All that's been in the news! Now, it's time for the whole world to see you crowned! Keep going! Charge forward with our expectations and hopes!"

"From the abyss to the peak! You proved that football can change everything! Keep flying high, but remember that Cesare will always be your home!"

"After reading the media reports, I understand you even better. Go Gaio! Wherever you go, the blue of Corsica will always be your color! Now, win everything for Bastia!" "Reading the reports broke my heart, but seeing this photo of you makes me feel so excited! You deserve all of this! Keep writing your epic with goals! All of France is cheering for you!"

"Stay healthy, Gaio! The reports have shown me how hard it has been for you to get to where you are today! We need you! Corsica needs you! France needs you! Take care of yourself for a bigger stage! Allez!"

After posting the update, Gaio didn't follow up on it again.

Time flies.

After a brief two or three-day rest, the entire Bastia team traveled to Bordeaux.

At the pre-match press conference.

Hagi Bejic didn't talk about how packed the schedule was for Bastia or how much pressure the team was under. He simply said, "Everyone in Bastia knows what we're going to do and what we should do. I don't have anything special to say. I'm proud to be the head coach of this team, and I'm proud of my players."

When asked by reporters about the starting lineup for this match and the situation of playing on two fronts, he replied...

Hagi Bejic replied, "Everyone wants to play because they know what every game means for Bastia right now, but unfortunately we can only field 11 players. So I will arrange the starting lineup based on everyone's condition during training. But regardless of whether they can play or not, everyone in Bastia is ready to give their all for the team."

The reporter mainly wanted to ask whether Bastia would start the game.

But Haji Begichi managed to get away with it.

night.

As Gaio and his teammates enjoyed the Bordeaux night view, Lukaku scratched his head and said somewhat embarrassedly, "My agent told me that Chelsea might have to secure some playing time for me next season."

Hearing this,

De Bruyne and Gaio both looked at him, and the others also showed expressions of surprise.

Everyone is happy for Lukaku.

Lukaku's statistics this season are extremely impressive in Ligue 1. So far, after 27 rounds of matches, he has already scored 24 goals and provided 4 assists in the league.

He is currently second only to Gaião in the Ligue 1 top scorers list.

Therefore, it's possible that Chelsea might want to give Lukaku more playing time next season.

According to British media reports, Chelsea are determined to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window, and Torres may leave the club in the summer.

There is a lot of speculation in the media about Chelsea's signing of this striker, with the biggest one being Atletico Madrid's star striker Falcao, after all, Chelsea has been eyeing him for a long time.

For example, the Daily Mail reported that preliminary informal talks have begun, with Falcao's agent Mendes in contact with Chelsea. Mendes is also Mourinho's agent.

With this connection in place, if Mourinho returns to Chelsea from Real Madrid, signing Falcao will become much easier.

In addition, Chelsea has a very attractive offer for Atletico Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, whom Atletico Madrid are very keen to sign permanently.

According to the Daily Express, Chelsea are willing to sell Torres at a discount in the summer. The report claims that the Blues would rather suffer a loss of £3500 million and would sell the Spanish striker if a team offers £1500 million.

Owner Abramovich has finally accepted reality: the £5000 million purchase of Torres was a failed investment, as evidenced by T9's instability over the past two years.

An insider close to Abramovich said: "If he can get a suitable offer, Abramovich is willing to sell Torres now. And I know that Abramovich really wants a top striker right now. Chelsea will have a lot of moves this summer. Everything is open. Chelsea has no shortage of budget."

When Lukaku, De Bruyne, and other teammates talked about it and celebrated for Lukaku.

Gaio kept thinking back, Mourinho was definitely going to coach Chelsea, but it seems that Falcao should have gone to Monaco this summer.

Monaco, a dark horse team comprised of players like Falcao, Mbappe, Fabinho, and Bernardo Silva, is a formidable force.

but,

Now, because of my appearance, everything has become very uncertain.

For example, Lukaku and De Bruyne have received significant attention from Chelsea.

For example, his name has already been linked with Chelsea.

So Gaio himself doesn't know what the final outcome will be.

De Bruyne added, "The manager will most likely be Mourinho. Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said, 'Some people say don't go back to an old club, but I did: I went back to Portsmouth.' Returning to a club I've managed before isn't a problem. Abramovich is still at Chelsea, there's plenty of money to spend, and some players are still with the team. It would be a fantastic reunion, and I'd love to see it happen."

As De Bruyne repeated the sentence, he looked at Gaio.

Obviously,

This phrase, "going back to the grass," has a hidden meaning.

Gaio remained silent.

Van Dijk chimed in, "Isn't Mourinho supposed to be arrogant? I heard someone describe him as CFC—cocky, flamboyant, and controversial."

As he spoke, he looked at Lukaku and said, "Romero, you might have to be careful. Coaches like that are usually very strict."

Hear this.

Lukaku's face darkened further; thinking about it, he realized he still preferred the atmosphere of Bastia.

But that's Chelsea, and he's conflicted.

Gaio laughed and patted him on the shoulder. "Why are you thinking about these things now? Chelsea is in the Europa League too, right? Just play all the way to the final. As long as they aren't eliminated by other teams, you'll always be able to meet them. Then you can prove to them that you're the better one."

Lukaku chuckled upon hearing Gaio's words, "That's right!"

After another round of conversation, someone suggested, "Let's go to the hotel rooftop for some fresh air."

A group of people went up to the top floor in a lively atmosphere.

The great French writer Victor Hugo once said of Bordeaux, "It is a peculiar city, primitive, and perhaps even unique. If you combine the cities of Versailles and Antwerp, you have Bordeaux."

This is true.

As night fell, Gaio and his teammates' hearts grew warmer as they gazed into the distance, as if looking towards their own future.

Professional football is brutal, but these young men are full of confidence.

This is just the beginning.

One day, I will let the whole world see my brilliance!

Know that in your youth you had lofty ambitions and vowed to be the best in the world!
(End of this chapter)