Football: Starting from the Ronaldinho template

Chapter 337 Forever, North London

"Hurry, hurry up, we're going to miss it!"

Outside the Kearney training ground, near two red and white double-decker buses, staff and players were busy at work.

Qin Ming put his sunglasses on his head, glanced at the championship shirt, and only after confirming that there was nothing wrong with it did he board the bus. He pointed to Kanté's shoulder and said, "Who got you this shirt? It's obviously a size too big. You should have worn a size S!"

"That explains why I was wearing such tight clothes."

Morata was still trying to put it on, but after a lot of effort, he could only manage to get it halfway in.

Logically speaking, this isn't Arsenal's first title win; they also won the Premier League title last season. They shouldn't have ended up like this.

The problem is that this year the Premier League and Champions League title celebrations were combined into one day.

Then, the number of the championship shirts wasn't counted correctly, so they had to work overtime last night to deliver them.

Kanté smiled sheepishly and exchanged shirts with Morata.

Qin Ming stood at the very front of the bus, with the Community Shield, EFL Cup, Premier League, and Champions League trophies displayed beside him. He waved his hand forward and shouted, "Let's go!"

With a large security detail and police escort, the bus slowly drove onto the street.

The fans who had been waiting on both sides of the street suddenly erupted in a deafening roar.

Qin Ming glanced at him sideways.

The streets were deserted as everyone was out.

I heard from the city hall that more than 300,000 fans will take to the streets today.

Every balcony and window on both sides of the street was crowded with people, and red paper ribbons and smoke filled the air.

"Winning the Champions League title through your own strength just feels different!"

Morata hugged the Big Ears Cup tightly.

He also won the title that season at Real Madrid, but he was almost always on the bench and didn't get many playing time.

Juventus finished as runners-up.

Thinking about this, if this pattern continues, will I have to transfer next season and continue playing for my old team?

"No no no!"

Morata shook his head.

It's not easy to find someone even more powerful than Ronaldo and Messi.

I'd rather die than let go.

"Congratulations!"

Qin Ming glanced at his phone when he had a moment to spare; it was overflowing with messages that he hadn't had time to reply to last night.

Today is a good day to express my gratitude.

Verstappen also said he enjoyed playing in China and hoped to go again in the summer when there were no matches, so that he could be his tour guide.

And De Bruyne.

This guy has some wishful thinking; he wants to give his own jersey as a gift to his nephew.

Could Qin Ming still refuse?
Barnett said he'd like to talk about a contract extension with Arsenal when he has time.

Oh, he's already made arrangements for his parents, and they'll all be going back to China together.

There were also congratulatory messages from his national team teammates.

Zheng Zhi asked him to take the Champions League medal back with him to broaden his horizons.

Perrin said there are still Asian qualifiers in June. Although they have already qualified, they still need to maintain their competitive form. For this reason, they have arranged a friendly match with Croatia.

"Celebrate the victory, but don't overdo it. We still have many new tactics to practice."

Perrin didn't really want to spoil the fun, but Qin Ming's role in the national team was too important, and if he wasn't in good form, the whole team would be affected.

So that’s all I can say.

"It's okay if it's tiring."

Qin Ming chuckled.

To be honest, it feels great to do what I love and to be loved by Chinese fans.

Think of this.

He has high expectations for the football world next season.

Because the big clubs will definitely spend a lot of money to strengthen their squads. Real Madrid and Barcelona need no introduction. Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 6 must have a lot of money. What about the Big Six in the Premier League?
"Boss, who should we buy next season? We really need to improve the roster depth; we're exhausted this season."

Qin Ming looked at the professor and asked.

"Indeed, thankfully there were no injuries, otherwise the league would definitely be difficult."

Wenger nodded.

Arsenal's attacking line hardly needs any changes, since Giroud is determined to leave. So, they need to find replacements for Morata, Qin Ming, and Sanchez. Midfielder Cazorla has been injured twice this season, so he will definitely need some rotation.

So, most of the funds will be used to find an attacking midfielder?

wrong.

Qin Ming played well in the attacking midfield position and gradually adapted to the rhythm, which also allowed him to further showcase his individual abilities.

We can move Sanchez to the left wing and buy a good right winger.

Wenger silently considered the best wingers in the football world.

It's too late to promote them from the youth training camp because they still need time to develop and cannot form effective immediate combat power.

Anyway, Arsenal has money now.

Flowers are fine.

Wenger also changed his mindset.

Money is a bastard, I'll just borrow more after I spend it all. No, I'm making a profit now.

Arsenal's current broadcast revenue is a huge sum of money that was unimaginable before.

Who can be alright?

There are many wingers available now, such as Dembele from Borussia Dortmund and Mahrez from Leicester City.

Arsenal certainly has a choice.

The main point is that if Qin Ming is to switch to playing as an attacking midfielder, then what is needed on the flanks is explosiveness, not someone who cuts inside to shoot and take possession of the ball from Qin Ming. This is a key point to consider.

In the defensive midfield position, Kante needs no introduction; the club will spend a lot of money to renew his contract, given his crucial role.

Other players, such as Coquelin and Gustavo, have fallen behind the club's development.

Gustavo still wants to go to the Chinese Super League to earn money. Whether he stays or leaves is up to him, and the club certainly won't stop him.

He made significant contributions to Arsenal by coming to their rescue during the winter transfer window last season.

Furthermore, Arsenal do not need another defensive midfielder.

Ideally, they should provide what Kanté lacks: height, left-footed passing, and the ability to move forward, as well as the ability to act as a metronome in transitioning from defense to attack, perfectly complementing Kanté's technical characteristics.

Of course, the most important thing is to be able to cooperate with Qin Ming.

The defense needs serious consideration. Right-back Bellerin is showing signs of restlessness, much like Fabregas, always thinking about returning to Barcelona.

So why not sell it at a high price and then buy a better right-back?

Or maybe we could trade with Barcelona; that would be a better deal.

Van Dijk's partner also needs to be finalized. Koscielny, Mertesacker, and others are decent, but they are a bit too old.

"Center-backs are hard to find."

Wenger sighed inwardly.

Center-backs are considered the cornerstone of a team and require a lot of match experience to gradually improve. Young center-backs are generally not very stable.

They can't be directly crammed into a defense of Champions League caliber.

"Don't worry, the club has prepared more money than last season, so the new season shouldn't be as tiring."

Wenger composed himself and smiled.

"That's fine."

After Qin Ming finished speaking, he turned around and looked at his teammates.

The end of each season means a farewell. All good things must come to an end.

On the path of a professional athlete, some pursue honor, some pursue money, and some pursue their beliefs.
Everyone has goals.

Qin Ming felt the same way; his goal was even more distant. Now that he had determined the destination, he would keep going.

Don't worry about how it ends.

The double-decker bus traveled from Drayton Park to Oberth Park, Highbury Grove Road, St. Paul Road, Upper Street, and then back to Emirates Stadium.

A helicopter hovered over the stadium, broadcasting live aerial footage.

Completely different from two years ago, there are no banners now, only praise.

The main stage has been set up.

"Louis".

Qin Ming waved to a reserved young man wearing a baseball cap.

Louis Dunford.

She comes from Islington, London, and grew up in a family of taxi drivers. Her mother was a moderately well-known soap opera actress and singer.

All family members are Arsenal fans.

This guy's favorites are Ian Wright and Henry.

Qin Ming met Dunford at Bertrand Carlson's bar, where Dunford was singing on stage, performing a song called "The Angel".

Qin Ming sat at the bar and listened for a long time that day.

Through his conversation with Hannah, he learned about Dunford's past.

As a child, Dunford was a musical prodigy who could identify chords in a piece of music even though he couldn't read sheet music. However, he was also a troubled youth.

Unaware yet cautious, they broke taboos with their childhood friends.

Smoking, drinking, and even provoking thugs.

It can be said that Dunford had his parents' love, football and music, and friends to fool around with. It was a golden period of his youth, full of sunshine and rain.

Until he was 16, one weekend in June 2008, Dunford and Ben, his childhood friend, went to a club near their home. For some unknown reason, three thugs armed with knives targeted Ben and stabbed him several times.

Dunford rushed over from nearby upon hearing the commotion and picked up Ben, who was covered in blood.

However, there was nothing that could be done.

Ben's death caused Dunford an indelible emotional wound, and he subsequently developed severe anxiety disorder. His parents, sister, and brother also immediately felt immense mental pressure.

Fortunately, he had wonderful parents who took him to seek medical help everywhere, helped him through difficult times, and fought against fear and depression together for many years.

At the age of 20, Dunford's anxiety disorder worsened to the point that he was unable to take care of himself. A mental health expert even suggested that he be hospitalized and placed in solitary confinement.

However, Deng's parents rejected this treatment plan and instead adopted the Linden Therapy prescribed by another mental health professional.

What is the Linden Therapy?
It requires patients to have the strength to confront the details of trauma, rather than being controlled by trauma.

Dunford began composing music.

Soon Dunford took to the main stage, under the watchful eyes of countless Arsenal fans.

A not-so-cheerful melody began to play.

When other clubs win the championship, they always sing team songs that are either rousing and passionate or reserved and profound.

But today, a somber and depressing tone permeated the Emirates Stadium.

"As I walk these streets alone, through this borough I call home."

"Upon the baron fields of Highbury, beneath the stadiums of stone."

"."

The verses are practically the rambling of a disillusioned middle-aged person.

The tens of thousands of gunmen at the scene remained silent, because the first time they heard it was from Qin Ming's retweet of the tweet.

What were they thinking at that time?
Arsenal's performance was not ideal after 2006, and the gap between fans and the club was gradually widening. They were burdened by heavy loans and had to sell their captain every year.
The somber melody resonated with Arsenal fans.

The verses, filled with poignant beauty and sorrow, have passed.

"North London forever"

"Whatever the weather, these streets are our own."

And my heart will leave you never.

My blood will forever run through the stone.

You can't force fans to accept a new team song.

Because you don't know how powerful the close connection between the team anthem and the fans' emotions is.

What deeper meanings have fans given to the lyrics?

On the main stage, Dunford wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes. In that instant, he saw thousands of gunmen raising their hands and singing along to the chorus.

Qin Ming and his teammates stood below the stage and hummed along softly.

Wenger smiled.

At this moment, the Arsenal's past spirit, present qualities, and future vision permeate the air of the Emirates Stadium.

The new team song showcases the qualities and spirit that Arsenal has always possessed.

This is also what he wants to see.

"Write your own chapter in the team's history."

Wenger thought to himself.

Bertrand Carlsen, standing in the stands, was overwhelmed with memories of a match his father had told him.

In 1971, Arsenal lifted the First Division trophy at White Hart Lane.

In 2017, Arsenal lifted the Champions League trophy and also defended their Premier League title.

Arsenal was once very close to reality.

Arsenal are now very close to perfection.

The song was short, and it was time for the players to take the field. The four championship trophies gleamed in the sunlight.

Let's raise our glasses again.

Fireworks soared into the sky.

"Dear fans, players, club staff, and everyone who loves Arsenal."

"Tonight, sing your heart out and celebrate to your heart's content. Don't forget this night, and don't forget everyone around you."

"Because we have written history together, we have turned the impossible into reality."

Finally, please allow me to say one thing—

"Stay true to our beliefs, stay united, and always love Arsenal! Thank you!"

Wenger took the microphone and said a few words.

No lengthy speeches or many sentiments, just celebrate to the fullest now.

Qin Ming is the same.

No matter how sad the past was, leave it in the past.

"See you next season, Gunners!"

Qin Ming waved his hand.

Dongqiudi: The Gunners roar as their new guns are fired, their long spears whistling as they return with their crowns. Congratulations to Arsenal on winning the quadruple!

Mundo Deportivo: Who will win this year's Laureus World Sports Award? And who will take home the Ballon d'Or? These are two questions with little suspense!
Marca: Arsenal player Qin Ming elbowed Ramos, and Real Madrid have protested to UEFA and demanded an additional ban for next season!

The Sun: Breaking! Florentino Pérez is reportedly interested in pursuing Arsenal's key player, with PSG reportedly prepared to pay an unprecedented transfer fee, even willing to activate the release clause in Qin Ming's contract! Several top football clubs are preparing to make offers to Arsenal!
China Youth Daily: Please watch the documentary premiering tonight on CCTV5: From the alleys to the halls, a football's long journey!

Pengcheng Daily: China's pride, Pengcheng's pride! Qin Ming, who came from the foot of Lianhua Mountain, shines glory for his hometown at the top of the world!

The football world is still reminiscing about the Champions League final.

Qin Ming and his parents boarded a flight back to their hometown.

(End of this chapter)