The road to godhood starting from Ligue 1

Chapter 324 The Champion Can Make Up for Everything

Gaio reached out and shook hands tightly with Abdullah.

Abdullah had a smile on his face throughout the conversation; he is a football enthusiast.

Those who love football will find it hard not to like Gai's playing style after watching him play – it's an art that perfectly blends speed, skill, and calm decision-making, a dominance that can decide the course of a game.

A brief exchange of pleasantries also provides an opportunity for each other to get to know one another.

Gaio was clear about the background of the group in front of him and confirmed that the Saudis really wanted to follow in the footsteps of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, but their goal was sharper: not only to gain a foothold, but also to redefine the landscape.

"Our goal is clear: to remain competitive for any title and to expand the team's influence. That's our starting point."

Abdullah made no secret of the fact that Saudi Arabia's goal is influence.

Gaio also stated frankly, "I want to be a champion and a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or."

“That’s precisely the significance of our meeting here.” Abdullah’s smile deepened, filled with unwavering certainty. “We will provide you with everything, everything you desire.”

The two exchanged another smile, both understanding that they had reached a consensus.

The progress is faster than Gaio had imagined.

Abdullah continued, "I can tell you very clearly - as the first superstar we sign in our strategic plan, we are willing to offer you a contract that is absolutely unmatched."

He paused briefly to allow the weight of his words to settle before elaborating: "This not only means a top-tier salary structure in the Premier League, but also highly attractive bonuses and endorsement deals with top international brands, but that's far from enough."

We will mobilize all media and commercial channels to create momentum for you. Our goal is very clear: not only to help you win the championship, but also to propel you to become the youngest Ballon d'Or winner in history. This is not an empty promise, but the core strategy of our entire project.

Abdullah did not see the shock he had imagined; he only saw Gaio's calm, deep eyes.

Gaio nodded slightly, as if agreeing with him.

Abdullah smiled and said, "All we need is one championship after another, more fans, and greater influence."

Abdullah waved behind him.

His assistant brought a small document to Gaio and Pierre.

There were only four of them at the meeting.

The rest of the people were outside the private room.

Gaio glanced at the key terms and they were indeed largely consistent with what Abdullah had said, demonstrating Saudi Arabia's sincerity.

So, it's his turn.

After handing the documents to Pierre for review, Gaio looked at Abdullah and said, "I have absolutely no problem with these conditions."

He paused briefly, his tone calm yet incisive: "But true powerhouses are never built solely on players and money; we need the most professional people to build the system."

He leaned forward slightly and continued, "I suggest that the team needs a manager who truly understands football and, more importantly, the Premier League, such as David Dunn. His ability, connections, and understanding of English football are key to the project's success."

Then, Gaio continued talking about the acquisition, "As for the acquisition target, we don't have to wait on Arsenal alone. If they continue to hold out and are unwilling to budge, I suggest we pursue three approaches simultaneously."

He clearly listed the options: "Newcastle, with a strong fan base, has long been hampered by insufficient investment from management; Liverpool, a traditional powerhouse, has been in decline for a long time and is facing a critical period of revival after the change of ownership; Aston Villa, with a rich history and potential, but also needs a heavy capital injection to restart its ambitions. These three clubs all have their own windows of opportunity at this point."

Gaio concluded decisively, "Whoever accepts the acquisition first, we will prioritize acquiring them. Speed ​​and determination are more important than being fixated on a single goal."

After listening to Gaio's advice, Abdullah tapped his fingers lightly on the table and pondered, "Newcastle, Liverpool, Aston Villa, these are all clubs with a rich history, but frankly speaking, in terms of global influence and commercial value, they seem to be no match for Arsenal."

A hint of doubt flashed in his eyes. "We want to build a world-class brand."

Upon hearing this, Gaio smiled confidently. He leaned forward, his gaze intense, and replied, "Influence? Mr. Abdullah, you're right, Arsenal certainly has a wider global profile, but remember this: championships are the best brand ambassadors, trophies are the foundation. When was Arsenal's last championship?"

His voice was firm and persuasive: "Where does the global influence of Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Barcelona come from?"

It is the brilliance of the Champions League trophy, the glory of the league title!

"If we can quickly build a championship-winning team and keep winning trophies, then regardless of the team's original nature, we will redefine its value, and at that level, Arsenal will be no different from other clubs."

“What’s more,” Gaio continued, his eyes gleaming, “these clubs have a solid fan base and a deep football tradition. They are like sleeping giants, and you have all the resources needed to awaken them. Then we will not be writing someone else’s history, but a legend that belongs entirely to us.”

This was also Gaio's goal.

Rather than adding to someone's success, he prefers to turn the tide.

After listening to this explanation, Abdullah's slightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed, eventually turning into a knowing and approving smile.

"You've got foresight, Yang. You're right, a champion can indeed make up for everything."

When the four people walked out of the private room.

Full of energy.

Both Gaio and Abdullah had a longing for the future in their eyes.

Just as Gaio had thought, their goals were aligned.

We all have to win!

We want the championship!
With a shared goal, this is a two-way journey.

Before parting, Abdullah held Gaio's hand and said as if to assure him, "When the European summer transfer window opens, we will complete the acquisition as soon as possible. I hope that the official news of your joining the team will be reported at the same time as the acquisition news."

After seeing off the Saudi delegation.

Pierre was overwhelmed with excitement; he didn't know how to describe his feelings at that moment.

A weekly salary of over 30!

Weekly salary!
Gaio's weekly salary is more than many people earn in ten years.

Pierre, in particular, rose from the bottom of society to his current position, and therefore has a deeper understanding of the hardships he endured.

In his youth, he moved his family from a remote town like Niaoquan to Paris.

Now, Gaio has taken the entire family to a new level.

of course.

Pierre knew very well that Gaio's money wasn't their money; he understood that perfectly well.

However, Gaio is willing to offer his family an opportunity.

For example, he became an agent, and René ran a website.

There will also be a family foundation, and Gaio's other siblings can participate in more of the operations.

Gaio has become the core of the family.

However, when Pierre looked at Gaio in his excitement, he found that Gaio wasn't as excited; he was deep in thought.

Pierre did not disturb him.

They drove towards the Bastia training base.

Outside the car window, the Mediterranean Sea was shattering the setting sun into countless golden scales, the shimmering waves dancing joyfully.

But Gaio's eyes were as calm and unfathomable as the sea itself.

Time passes while waiting.

Just before Bastia's home game against Marseille, English football was hit with another bombshell!
Sky Sports reports—

The takeover landscape in English football has changed dramatically overnight!
According to exclusive information obtained by this newspaper, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the British property giants, the Reuben brothers, who had been trying to acquire Arsenal, have decisively adjusted their strategy due to slow progress and a deadlock in negotiations with Arsenal's major shareholder, Kroenke. They have now turned their attention to three other traditional Premier League clubs: Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Aston Villa!

Sources revealed that the financially powerful acquisition consortium has sent a strong signal to all three parties simultaneously, with a simple, direct, and highly coercive strategy: "Whoever accepts the offer first, we will buy them."

It is understood that PIF has lost patience with the protracted struggle and its ultimate goal remains to build a new football empire in the Premier League that can rival Manchester City's Abu Dhabi consortium.

This multi-pronged attack not only demonstrates their determination to win, but also puts immense pressure on Arsenal.

For this,

Various opinions are rampant.

"Another 'oil-rich nation's club'? The Premier League is completely turning into a plaything for oligarchs, with no competitive fairness whatsoever."

"Come on! We've had enough of stingy bosses and unambitious management! We need investment to regain our glory!"

"They're just nouveau riche. They have money, but they don't understand our traditions. However, we do have to worry about them disrupting the transfer market."

"The tide of capital is unstoppable, which will only make the Premier League more suspenseful, the competition more intense, and the commercial value to reach new heights."

But none of this could deter Saudi Arabia's determination.

London.

David Dunn, at home, saw these related newspapers and commentaries.

My feelings are somewhat complicated.

What he really wanted Saudi Arabia to acquire was Arsenal, the club he had poured half his life into and treated like his own.

He was the one who brought Stan Kroenke into the business back then.

This decision, which he now sees as perhaps the biggest strategic blunder of his life, has ultimately led the club into its current state of stagnation, which appears stable but lacks the ambition to compete for the championship.

however,
Another, more powerful force was pulling him along—the ambition and aspirations of being a top football administrator.

The blueprint for the new project is breathtakingly grand, with unlimited financial resources, the opportunity to rebuild a powerhouse, and the most crucial element—Yan Gaio, the genius he admires so much, has personally promised to join the new team.

It's like all the pieces of a dream project are in place, just waiting for him to reach out and grab them.

His thoughts even drifted to Arsène Wenger.

He could almost imagine the great things they would create by joining forces with his old friend on this brand-new platform.

But the thought only flashed through his mind before he extinguished it with a wry smile.

He knows Wenger too well. That stubborn old Frenchman has long since integrated his soul with Arsenal, and he would never abandon the Gunners at this time to join another team.

After all, Real Madrid hadn't been able to sign Wenger since Florentino Pérez took over in 2009, so he wasn't confident.

Finally, his gaze returned to the newspaper, and the complex emotions in his eyes were gradually replaced by calmness and decisiveness.

perhaps,

Creating a new legend is the best way to make up for the past.
After a brief discussion with Saudi Arabia, Gaio did not pursue the transfer further.

He just needs to wait quietly.

Now, all he has to do is win the last two trophies of the season!

5 month 3 number.

Marseille will play away against Bastia.

Marseille have no hope of qualifying for the Champions League this season, as they are completely outmatched by Bastia and Paris Saint-Germain.

And this time,
The entire Marseille team has arrived in Bastia to face the most intense footballing fire on this Mediterranean island!
Nine p.m.

The commentator's passionate voice rang out during the broadcast, with the deafening opening anthem and cheers from the Thessaloniki stadium playing in the background.

Good evening, viewers! Welcome to Bastia's home stadium, the Stadio de la Cesare!
We are about to bring you a key match in the 35th round of Ligue 1 – league leaders Bastia hosting traditional powerhouse Marseille.

Marseille's form has been inconsistent this season, and their dream of qualifying for the Champions League has been shattered, but they are by no means an opponent to be underestimated.

Meanwhile, the home team, Bastia, is just one step away from their first-ever Ligue 1 title, and every inch of the air in this stadium is burning with the ultimate desire for victory!

We could totally expect a... Wait! The game has just started! What happened?!

The commentator's tone suddenly rose and his speech quickened, "After the kickoff, Bastia's first attack saw De Bruyne receive the ball and observe the situation—he immediately launched a long pass!"
That pass was made with such excellent vision!

They were looking for the right flank of the attacking third. Gaio made a high-speed run forward and used his absolute speed to outrun the defender!
Gaio cuts into the penalty area!

Marseille's left-back Morel was marking him, but he couldn't keep up with Gaio.

Gaio swerved to create an angle!

It's almost done!
Morel was forced to make a sliding tackle, and Gaio went down.

The commentators were amazed by the speed at which Bastia launched their attack, while the Cesarian Stadium seemed to take it for granted.

Upon witnessing this moment, they all erupted in cheers—

"Penalty!"

"Penalty!!"

drop!
There was no controversy about the play itself. The referee saw it clearly: Morel couldn't keep up with Gaio's pace at all; it was a pure foul.

He pointed to the penalty spot.

One minute into the game.

Bastia was awarded a penalty kick.

The scene was filled with jubilation!
(End of this chapter)