The road to godhood starting from Ligue 1

Chapter 344 I Want to Bring You the Championship

In the indoor rest area of ​​the Melwood training facility, the afternoon sun shines through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, casting warm dappled light on the polished floor.

outside the window,

Under the typical gray skies of Merseyside, the drizzle had just stopped.

Gaio and David Dunn sat on a comfortable sofa with two steaming cups of coffee and a small dish of food prepared by the club's nutritionist in front of them.

The training base was quiet and empty during the off-season.

Gaio poked aimlessly at the meringue on his plate with his fork, his brow furrowing slightly. "Honestly, David, this weather is fine during training, but as soon as we stop, it gets chilling to the bone. The Mediterranean is so much more comfortable, and so is the food."

He made a face. “Healthy, but too healthy. I miss my mom’s stewed beef in Burgundy. Also, England really is a culinary desert. All the food in England seems to be missing something.”

David Dunn chuckled, picked up his coffee and took a sip: "I understand, Young. As an Englishman, I must say the taste of home is indeed, well, unique and takes some getting used to. However, the team is already preparing to improve the restaurant."

But to be honest, the food in London isn't much better than here. I only gradually got used to it and even started to appreciate it. I spent too long at Arsenal; it's my home. But now that I'm here, it feels..."

He paused, as if searching for the right words, "It's very novel, really. Everything feels like a new beginning, and it even brought back a bit of the youthful feeling I had when I first came to Arsenal. It's a bit exciting, but also a bit like getting back on track."

Gaio looked up and nodded slightly. "Yes, but I think the team will be under everyone's watchful eye because of my 80 million transfer fee, waiting to see if I'm a bust."

Dunn leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming steady: "Yang, listen, the price tags were put on by someone else, not by you."

All you need to do is the same thing you did in Bastia – play football and enjoy the game.

Leave the rest to time. The club is spending this money to buy your future, not your past.

They believe in you, and we believe in you too.

Gaio leaned back on the sofa: "Hopefully. By the way, will the cafeteria really improve? I'm about to survive on energy bars, those scones, and boiled beans."

He made a face that said something indescribable.

Dunn gave a knowing smile: "Don't worry, the team has thought this through. They've hired a chef who specializes in Mediterranean cuisine and authentic French cooking. He'll be on duty next week to take care of foreign players like you."

He lowered his voice, as if sharing a secret, "In addition, I would like to specifically recommend a new member of the kitchen team, a Chinese chef from Hong Kong, Ah Xin."

His sweet and sour pork is absolutely amazing—the outer skin is fried to a golden brown and crispy. With each bite, you hear a soft 'crunch,' followed by a burst of hot, juicy meat. The sweet and sour sauce is perfectly balanced, thick and glossy, evenly coating every piece of meat and the accompanying pineapple, green and red peppers. It's appetizing without being greasy. It's said this dish originated in Guangdong, and the taste is very authentic.”

However, Dunn laughed and said, "But I don't think you'll eat it, because it's outside the nutritionist's advice and on the prohibited list."

Gaio laughed too: "That sounds great, but I'd like to have a little bit, no problem."

Dunn nodded, and the topic naturally turned to the team: "Of course, team building involves many aspects. The entire training base will be rebuilt. We want to establish the top training center in Europe. Oh, and about the roster..."

At this point, Dunn frowned. "Luis's mind is definitely not on Merseyside anymore. Barcelona and Real Madrid are both pursuing him, but the club is determined that he must stay, at least for this season. We need his immediate impact and he can help relieve some of the pressure."

Gaio listened intently: "And what about Kevin?"

Dunn shook his head regretfully: "Jose has firmly pinned him to Stamford Bridge. He believes Kevin is a core part of his plan to rebuild Chelsea. It's a pity, but we must respect Chelsea's decision and his form."

The good news is that N'Golo's transfer is nearing completion. Rodgers greatly admires him, and his sweeping ability at Bastia is exactly the kind of toughness our midfield desperately needs.

Gaio nodded. "What about Virgil? He's a good guard, the kind that will be top-tier in the future."

Dunn smiled and said, “Virgil is a young man with his own ideas, which is good. He appreciated our invitation and recognition, but he firmly believes that staying in Bastia and playing another season as an absolute starter, especially since next season will be their historic first appearance in the Champions League, will be more beneficial to his development. He feels that continuing to hone his skills on such a big stage is more valuable than coming to the Premier League now to sit on the bench or even have to compete for a starting position. We respect his mature judgment and will continue to pay attention to him. He is a good prospect.”

Gaio always spoke with a touch of nostalgia when he heard about Bastia: "Yes, the Champions League, Bastia is going to play in the Champions League."

Dunn laughed and said, "You are an absolute legend in Bastia. They are already talking about erecting a statue for you. Getting into the Champions League is also thanks to you."

He paused, then said with a touch of wistfulness, "It feels like the whole of Europe is undergoing a major overhaul. Here, Manchester City and Chelsea are competing with Barcelona and Real Madrid."

Dunn picked up his coffee and took a sip: "It's a turbulent transfer window, the whole football world is laying the groundwork for the future. But isn't this chaos the perfect stage for heroes to rise? Ready for your unveiling ceremony tomorrow? Anfield, it's going to be a real spectacle, a moment that belongs to you."

Gaio took a deep breath, sat up straighter, his eyes regained their resolve, and a signature, challenging smile appeared on his lips: "Of course."

Now that I'm here, now that I'm standing center stage, I'm going to make all of England, no, all of Europe remember this name—Jan Gaio, starting from Anfield.

The two smiled at each other and gently clinked their coffee cups together.

outside the window,

A stubborn ray of sunlight finally pierced through the thick clouds, illuminating the lush, glistening green grass on the training field, washed clean by the rain, making it vibrant with life.

Gaio turned his head and saw this scene.

My heart is surging.

It is here.

This lawn, illuminated by the sunlight, is the stage where he will write his legend.

Anfield’s famous Kop stand will cheer for him, and the winds of the Mersey will carry his story.

6 month 22 number.

During the off-season, most football fans only pay attention to transfer news and then anxiously wait for the start of the new season.

The lack of football matches is making life very difficult for fans.

But today, it's different.

The air at Anfield Stadium turned scorching as approximately 20,000 people flocked there to witness the unveiling of their first signing of the new season, Gaio.

Holding a separate unveiling ceremony for a player truly reflects high hopes for Gaio.

2:30 PM.

The ceremony begins.

There was no host's voice, only a sentence suddenly appearing on the stadium's big screen.

"I came to Liverpool to win titles."

wow~
The fans in the stands gasped in surprise, because the broadcast was of Gaio's team interview after signing with the team.

On the screen, Gaio said casually, "I chose Liverpool because I was deeply attracted by the club's history and ambition."

Anfield is the stage every player dreams of standing on, and the roar of the Kop is the most powerful force in the world.

I am well aware of the pressure I am under, but that pressure will only make me stronger.

I came here not to participate, but to conquer—to win back the championship trophy for this great club with my new teammates.

I can't wait to play in front of you and repay your trust with goals and victories. You'll never walk alone!

boom! !

Almost simultaneously, smiles of surprise spread across the faces of more than 20,000 fans.

Some clapped vigorously, their hands turning red; some whistled excitedly, their sharp voices piercing the sky; and many more burst into unrestrained cheers and laughter.

They are willing to offer their warmest expectations to this young man who arrived with the highest transfer fee in the team's history and in a record-breaking manner.

The giant screen went black for a moment, then suddenly lit up, rapidly flashing back to Gaio's peak moments in Bastia—

He started from midfield, like a blue lightning bolt, changing direction in succession to dribble past three defenders, holding his own in physical duels, and finally unleashing a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, the ball flying like a cannonball into the top left corner!
"Wow!!"

A collective gasp rippled through the stands, quickly turning into a louder gasp of amazement.

In the Europa League final, he deftly evaded two defenders with a near-dance-like Marseille turn, then delivered a low through ball that precisely tore apart the entire defense, assisting his teammate to tap the ball into an empty net.

"Pretty!"

Some fans shouted excitedly, "This technique is so exquisite it's breathtaking!"

Every frame, every dribble, every tackle, every shot is like a meticulously edited work of art, perfectly blending power, technique, speed, and passion.

For Liverpool fans accustomed to the traditional English style of play in the Premier League, this display of technical skill full of European flair is undoubtedly a visual feast and a true delight!
The video's pace quickens, accompanied by rousing background music, pushing the atmosphere to its climax!

finally,
All the images froze instantly, then suddenly went dark.

The screen went completely dark, leaving only the heavy breathing echoing in the stadium.

Immediately following, a simple, huge white banner with a cold, metallic sheen slammed down on the center of the screen like a hammer of judgment:
“THE PRINCE OF EUROPE,”

The text pauses briefly, like a fully drawn bow, accumulating all its power and suspense.

Then, the second line of text, accompanied by a huge question mark, pierced through like a sharp sword:
"THE KING OF KOP?"

boom!
The entire Anfield was completely ignited by this highly provocative and ambitious slogan!

The question form did not bring doubt, but rather resembled a declaration of war, a challenge, instantly igniting everyone's anticipation and enthusiasm to the extreme!

The next moment, everyone's eyes were fixed on the exit of the players' tunnel.

Gaio was standing right there.

In the suffocating silence, a low and hoarse a cappella singing flowed from the speakers—the opening lines of "You'll Never Walk Alone," without accompaniment, only the vicissitudes and weight contained in the voice.

Deep within the passage, Gaio's figure slowly emerged.

He didn't run; he simply stepped steadily, one step at a time, into that single beam of light.

Gaio was wearing a Liverpool jersey, and the Liverpool crest on his chest reflected a dazzling red light under the bright sun.

He stopped, squinted slightly, and headed towards the stands.

Twenty thousand faces merged into a blurry, surging ocean, and the sound waves crashed against us like a solid wall.

He took a deep breath, the air, a mixture of the scent of grass, beer, and his feverish body heat, rushing into his lungs.

"YNWA! YNWA! YNWA!"

The shouts from the stands reached a unified rhythm, and the earth trembled.

The fans cheered loudly.

Gaio smiled and opened his arms wide, a gesture he made for the first time at Anfield.

But this will certainly not be the last time!
On the center stage, legend Ian Rush handed him a huge red jersey with the number 10 on it.

The fabric felt heavy, pressing down on his palm.

Gaio held it high, then Rush held the microphone to his mouth. "Yang, how does it feel?"

Gaio gripped the microphone, his fingertips turning slightly white from the force.

He surveyed the surging sea of ​​red below the stage, his gaze sweeping over every expectant face.

“The weight of your emotions,” he began, his voice carrying through the speakers, “is heavier than I imagined.”

He paused, as if weighing the jersey in his hand and the expectation on his shoulder.

“I’ve heard the story of Shankly, felt Gerrard’s loyalty, and understand what the shouts from the Kop stand mean.” His gaze sharpened. “I’m not here to become the next anyone else; I’m here to write my own story, a story that belongs to us.”

He gently pressed his jersey to his chest, the Liverpool crest facing the position of his heartbeat.

His voice suddenly rose, clear and firm, piercing the entire stadium: "I came here to join you all in winning back the championships one by one!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he raised his arms again, unfurling the red number 10 jersey like a flag.

"YNWA!!"

The roar almost lifted the roof off; at that moment, the fans desperately hoped that what Gaio said was true.

Liverpool's story is tragic.

But it's also very resilient!
Gaio's talk was brief, after which he followed the staff on a walk around the venue.

The final step has arrived.

The staff pushed the small goal under the KOP stands.

Gaio received the ball, weighed it in his hand, and without making any fancy moves, simply lifted the ball up, then swung his leg and fired a shot!
His movements were swift and decisive, just as he had done countless times in Bastia.

With a loud "thump," the football flew precisely into the top left corner of the goal, scooping the net up!

"Geo!"

The KOP stands responded instantly with a unified and deafening roar!

Gaio stood in the center of that clamor, the sunlight finally tearing through the clouds, gilding his entire figure with a golden outline.

He opened his arms and tilted his head back, as if absorbing all the shouts, expectations, and even doubts into his body.

A new, heavy, and chilling era has officially begun.

(End of this chapter)