When playing football, you should call it GOAT.

Chapter 92 See you at the Philips Stadium
Stade de France, September 6, 2003.

France will host Cyprus.

In the north stand of the Stade de France, Roy quietly appeared among the ordinary spectators.

He wore sunglasses, a simple white crew-neck T-shirt, and a dark blue denim shirt with the sleeves casually rolled up to his elbows. He paired it with light gray cotton casual pants and pure white Adidas sneakers.

This outfit allowed him to blend perfectly into the fan community.

In the 8th minute of the match, Lizarazu delivered a precise cross from the left wing, and Trezeguet tapped it in at the near post.

When Trezeguet opened the scoring, Roy jumped up and cheered like the fans around him, the hem of his T-shirt peeking out from his open denim shirt.

The broadcast camera panned across the sidelines, where Roy smiled and applauded.

In the 20th minute, Henry broke through and passed back to Wiltord, who slotted the ball home. Roy leaned forward, intently observing the movement on the field.

In the 41st minute, Pires crossed from the right wing, and Wiltord headed in his second goal.

When Wiltord scored his second goal, some fans recognized him, and Roy smiled and gave him a thumbs up.

As the broadcast camera panned across the stands, he was leaning forward, elbows on his knees, intently watching the game. Sunlight streamed through the stands, casting dappled shadows on his short black hair.

In the 59th minute of the second half, Henry scored with a chip shot after a one-on-one opportunity.

Roy high-fived the young fan next to him, the cuffs of his denim shirt swaying gently with the movement.

In the 82nd minute, Sagnol crossed the ball from the right wing, and Trezeguet headed it in for his second goal.

As the match drew to a close, Cyprus seized a rare counter-attack opportunity.

Their striker dribbled forward, but the French defense was already prepared, and the attack was about to end in vain.

But at that moment, a familiar figure burst out of the penalty area like a whirlwind—Barthez!

This maverick goalkeeper completely disregarded conventions, charging into the fray like a wild midfielder.

He first skillfully blocked the ball with his hip, forcefully intercepting it from the opponent's feet.

Then, he put on a series of jaw-dropping performances: first, he used two feints to get past the pressing players, then flicked the ball over the head of the last defender, and then gently tapped it with his head.

Just when everyone thought he was going to continue dribbling, he deftly flicked the ball with the instep of his foot, accurately sending it to the feet of the recovering Makelele.

The entire Stade de France erupted in cheers, with fans in the stands both surprised and delighted.

Some people held their heads in disbelief at what they were seeing, while others cheered wildly for the crazy goalkeeper.

The commentator's voice was almost hoarse: "This is unbelievable! Barthez has redefined the goalkeeper's position!"

Only Roy, sitting in the stands, understood it all. This wasn't an impromptu performance; it was a world champion, relegated to third-choice goalkeeper at Manchester United, shouting to Ferguson in the most frenzied way: "Look at me! I'm still the goalkeeper who can create miracles!"

As the crowd cheered for this stroke of genius, Roy noticed a fleeting look of melancholy in Barthez's eyes as he turned away: some anger can only be vented through the most spectacular adventure.

Just before the end of the game, the broadcast cameras once again captured Roy on the sidelines, waving to the camera with a faint smile on his lips.

The final whistle blew, and France easily defeated Cyprus 5-0.

Roy stood up, took one last look at the scoreboard, and slowly walked toward the players' tunnel.

Throughout the match, he maintained this natural and casual demeanor, occasionally taking photos with fans who recognized him, but mostly just quietly enjoying the game, just like any ordinary 18-year-old football enthusiast.

2003 9 Month 10 Day.

Slovenia 0-2 France in Euro 2016 qualifiers.

On September 13, 2003, Monaco played away against Lille at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.

Monaco announced before the match that Roy had fully recovered from his injury.

But after achieving five consecutive league wins, Deschamps also began to experiment with a new lineup.

Deschamps surprisingly fielded Morientes and Adebayor as the attacking duo, while 18-year-old Roy sat on the bench, intently observing the game.

In the 45th minute of the first half, Giuly received a pass from the middle and broke into the penalty area, calmly slotting the ball home to give Monaco the lead.

Roy, who was on the bench, immediately stood up and celebrated the goal with his teammates.

Monaco maintained their one-goal lead into the second half.

However, the situation changed dramatically in the second half of the game.

In the 74th minute, Lille substitute Vladimir Manchev, a Bulgarian striker, capitalized on a Monaco defensive error, beat the offside trap, and easily slotted the ball past goalkeeper Roma to equalize the score.

The Pierre-Mauroy Stadium erupted instantly, with deafening cheers from Lille fans.

Amidst the commotion, Deschamps made a crucial adjustment.

In the 76th minute, the fourth official raised the substitution board, and Roy replaced Adebayor.

A L'Equipe reporter quickly jotted down notes on the sidelines: "By bringing on Roy in the 76th minute, Deschamps sent a clear signal ahead of the Champions League: Monaco's young core is not only ready for the match against PSV Eindhoven, but is also prepared to take on a heavy responsibility."

In the 85th minute, Roy received the ball near the center circle and quickly passed it to Rothen on the left wing, before making a run forward like an arrow.

Luo Teng understood immediately and swept the ball towards the edge of the penalty area with a low shot.

Roy deftly controlled the ball with the outside of his right foot, and in a flash, accelerated and changed direction, cleanly and neatly getting past Lille's midfield powerhouse, Dumont.

Roy dribbled forward as if he were in an empty field, cutting straight into the heart of the penalty area from the left side.

Facing Lille's almost entire defensive line: Pischott, Del Pierre, and Bakhout's encirclement and interception.

He changed direction three times in a row.

First, Cruyff turned and evaded Pischott, then used the sole of his foot to pull the ball away from Delpierre's sliding tackle, and finally made a sudden stop and change of direction, leaving the covering Bakhout missing his target.

From a near-zero angle, Roy unleashed a delicate flick with his left foot, the ball arcing sharply towards the far corner, where Lille goalkeeper Wembe made a diving save to tip it over the crossbar with one hand.

After the corner kick was taken, Morientes headed the ball back into the six-yard box from the far post, overpowering the defender.

Just as Roy arrived and was about to volley, he was tackled from behind by Pischot, who was tracking back.

The referee pointed to the penalty spot without hesitation.

Roy took the lead himself, facing Lille goalkeeper Wembe.

He took a deep breath, took a small hop to run up, paused briefly, then Wenbe lunged to the right, while Roy unleashed a powerful shot down the middle!
1-2! Monaco takes the lead!

After scoring, Roy did not celebrate, but instead lowered his hands slightly to indicate that he would not celebrate.

At this moment, the clamor of the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium turned into a complex silence.

Then, some Lille fans stood up and applauded, and some even shouted: "Son of Lille!"

On September 15, ROI's War Room, a collaboration with RMC Monaco, premiered with a test recording.

This show, which touts "tactical analysis," is actually a meticulously designed fan interaction show combined with a commercial marketing scheme.

After all, real pre-match tactics can't be revealed on the radio, but Roy's sharp tongue, humor, and superstar charisma can make this show a brand amplifier for Monaco FC.

In fact, Monaco has a permanent population of only 3.2, of which more than 70% are foreigners (mostly wealthy people from France, Italy, the United Kingdom, etc.), and the actual native Monaco residents are less than 1.

Although the Stade Louis II has a small capacity, even if all the Monaco locals came to watch the game, it wouldn't be half full. The main supporters of the Monaco club actually come from French border towns (Nice, Menton, Antibes, etc.), and the working class and football fans from these areas are the regulars at the stadium.

RMC Monaco radio's original audience consisted of high-net-worth expatriates in Monaco (bankers, millionaires), whose enthusiasm for football was far less than for F1 or yacht parties.

But ever since Roy, this 18-year-old prodigy, burst onto the scene, Monaco fans in France have started actively searching for Monte Carlo radio signals.

They wanted to hear interesting stories about Roy, not dry financial news.

In the background music of the Champions League theme song.

The host, Gomez, began in a passionate voice:

"Good evening, Monaco! Ladies and gentlemen! This isn't a broadcast! This is the European sanctions order from Roy's War Room! Today we have with us—"

He took a deep breath and spoke faster:
"Monaco's number 10, the devil of the Stade Louis II, last season's Ligue 1 MVP, top scorer, and best young player, the new flag bearer of the French national team, the midnight terror of the defenders, the offside artist. Roy!"

Roy's calm voice came through:
"The studio can't seat so many people."

Gomez trembled with suppressed laughter: "My God! You're so funny! Maybe our listeners should collectively protest to the radio station's management and demand that they expand the studio—at least to accommodate all his titles!"

Gomez opened the notebook:
"Roy, first question: What are your thoughts on our first Champions League opponent, PSV Eindhoven? After all, they were the Eredivisie champions last season, and their coach, Guus Hiddink, won the Champions League in 1988 and also led the South Korean national team in 2002."

Roy chuckled:

"The treble winners of 1988 certainly deserve respect, especially the penalty shootout victory against Benfica. That team had legendary goalkeepers like Van Brooke, Ronald Koeman, Eric Gretz, and Van Engberg. Of course, I think Guttmann also contributed to their victory."

Gomez tactically clears his throat:
"Ahem. Ladies and gentlemen, let's temporarily press the 'most dangerous topic in history' button. This is absolutely the most elegant provocation in the history of Champions League pre-match press conferences! If any Benfica fans hear this, you know who to support, right?"

Roy was referring to the infamous "century-old curse" in football history—the legendary Hungarian coach Béla Guttmann led Benfica to consecutive European Cup titles in 1961 and 1962, defeating Barcelona and Real Madrid in the finals both years, but the club refused to pay him the bonus he demanded.

Upon leaving the team, Guttmann angrily declared: "Benfica will not win any European championships for the next 100 years!"

Since then, Benfica has reached the European finals seven times, including five Champions League finals and two Europa League finals, but has failed to win any of them.

The 1990 European Cup final was held in Vienna. Eusebio even went to Guttmann's grave on the eve of the match to pray for the end of the curse, but it was to no avail.

Roy continued, "Eredivisie champions? Of course. But last season in the Champions League, they finished in the round of 32, bottom of Group A, and conceded four goals at home to Arsenal. Auxerre even had one more point than them."

"As for South Korea's semi-final appearance in the 2002 World Cup, that is indeed an interesting topic. If Mr. Hiddink is willing to publicly declare that all the team's special performances on the field have nothing to do with him and that he has no control over his team, then perhaps we can simply discuss the achievements in terms of tactics and techniques. But if he cannot control his team, then there is no need for us to discuss the achievements in terms of tactics and techniques."

Host Gomez, barely suppressing a laugh, coughed strategically:
"Ahem. Roy, I must say, the damage from your statement was more lethal than your change of direction in the penalty area."

Host Gomez: "Next question, Roy. PSV Eindhoven's attacking duo, Mattia Kezman and Arjen Robben, are affectionately known by fans as 'Batman and Robin.' So, if you were to choose a name from the DC Universe to represent yourself, who would you choose? Superman? The Flash? Or surely not the Joker?"

"Personally, I think you're more like the Flash's speed, Batman's tactical mind, plus a bit of Green Lantern's creativity, etc. You didn't learn those trash talk that drives your opponents crazy from Constantine, did you?"

Roy: "DC universe? I'd choose Julius Schwartz."

Listeners can imagine his signature provocative smile from his voice.

Gomez's pupils dilated: "Wait. You mean that legendary editor from DC's Silver Age? This is even more surprising than casting Darkseid because the real villains are never content with being characters. And you want to be the one who reconstructs the rules of the universe?! He reborn the Flash and infused Green Lantern with a cosmic scale, just like you're preparing to give Eindhoven's defenses a Silver Age-style reboot."

Roy:
He went on to comment: "As for Kezman and Robin? They do resemble Batman and Robin, but in Adam West's style (the original Batman)."

Gomez couldn't help but chuckle: "That's a really harsh analogy! You mean they're classic, but might not be suited to the pace of modern football?"

Roy: "I mean, maybe they're better off staying in Gotham. After all, at least they can still be the main characters there. If they leave Gotham, they might find that the outside world is much crueler than they imagine. Just like the crime rate in Gotham is always set too conservatively compared to the real world."

Gomez: "How would you rate PSV Eindhoven's two key South Korean players, Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo?"

Roy shrugged: "I'm more concerned about how many yellow cards they're planning to use to stop me. I heard they have to do military service? I don't think it's necessary. The war in the South Korean national team is much more brutal than in the South Korean army. You can ask the Italian players if you don't believe me."

Host Gomez smiled as he adjusted his headphones:

"Alright, now let's move on to our call-in segment! It seems the fans are especially enthusiastic tonight. First up is a listener from Menton—Pierre!"

The call connected, but there was background noise.

The callers were not exactly a gathering of geniuses, but rather a chaotic mix of demons.

Pierre: "Roy! Yesterday at the seaside stadium in Menton, I used your usual 'Cruyff turn and pull-back' tactic to get past five old men, but I was dispossessed by the neighbor's dog. Does this tactic not work on golden retrievers?"

Roy: "I suggest using fried meatballs instead. Dogs have poor judgment of lateral movement. Also, bring a slice of ham next time."

The control room erupted in laughter.

The host wiped away tears of laughter: "Next up is a listener from Capdeil—Antoine!"

Antoine sighed: "Roy, my girlfriend says my shooting form is just as cool as yours."

Silence for two seconds.

"But she ran off with a midfielder who plays pickup football in Nice yesterday!"

Roy: "Okay then, don't be sad, bro. It just shows that she has terrible taste, both in the past and now."

Antoine: "Should I switch to midfield? Maybe?"

Roy: "I was originally planning to score a goal against Nice to avenge you. But now... you're a jerk without the soul of a striker!"

Host Gomez: "Next up is a listener from Monaco—Mr. Algernon Fitzwilliam III!"

The sounds of champagne glasses clinking and a yacht engine could be heard over the phone.

Algernon, with an upper-class air, said: “Dear Roy, as a lifetime honorary member of the Manchester United fan club, I must be frank – although the rumors about you in the summer transfer market are exciting, I will have to insist on reciting a special, uh, blessing for you every night at nine o'clock sharp, wearing my 1999 treble-winning commemorative robe and facing Sir Matt Busby’s portrait.”

Roy raised an eyebrow and looked at the host:
"Ha! Now I know why Beckham fled to Madrid—"

"Can you imagine? All 76,000 seats at Old Trafford filled with 'Algernons' dressed in three-piece suits, drinking Earl Grey tea, and reciting blessings?"

Algernon: "So what's your answer? I personally think you're more suited to the character of Number Seven than that blond guy."

Roy grinned: "Yes, yes, I'll go! I'll score three goals against you and then celebrate wildly in front of you!"

The control room erupted in gasps and laughter.

The host quickly tried to smooth things over: "Ahem... Roy means he will prove himself with three brilliant goals!"

Roy blinked. "No, I mean it literally."

Algernon suddenly raised his voice: "Watch your words, sir! Manchester United fans have limited patience. Who do you think you are? Yet another self-important French genius? We've seen too many arrogant Latin players like you!"

Roy said unhurriedly, "Interesting. I thought Manchester United fans missed Cantona more."

"If you think I fit the bill, then you should know that kicking a fan is exactly what Manchester United's number seven is all about."

The clock struck 23:00, and the Champions League theme song faded out.

Gomez straightened his messy script: "Ladies and gentlemen, there are 36 hours until our first Champions League match—"

"See you at Philips Stadium on September 17th—remember, this isn't an announcement, it's a pre-match pep talk!"

"All skeptics, you have two choices: turn off the radio now, or witness firsthand what 'tactical execution' really means the day after tomorrow."

(I'll take a day to think it over and finish writing it all tomorrow.)

(End of this chapter)