After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

The joy of defeating Bayern Munich away in the Champions League has not yet fully settled in the hearts of the entire Arsenal team.

A heavier, invisible, and rapidly spreading shadow has quietly enveloped the entire British Isles and even the European continent.

Upon returning to London, the team originally planned to take a short break before preparing for the weekend's Premier League match.

However, bad news followed one after another, faster than anyone expected.

First, at the Kearney training facility.

One morning, as the players arrived by car as usual, ready to begin training, they sensed an unusually somber atmosphere.

Today, a temperature checkpoint was set up at the entrance of the base, and all staff members were wearing masks and gloves.

The usual noisy and relaxed atmosphere in the locker room was gone, replaced by a stifling silence.

The team's legendary physiotherapist, the beloved "Mr. Mason," did not greet everyone with his usual smile.

The assistant coach delivered a disturbing announcement on his behalf:

"Good morning, everyone. First, I need to report something," the assistant coach's voice came through his mask, sounding somewhat muffled.

"Our physical therapist, Mr. Mason, developed a fever and cough last night, and his test result this morning... was positive. He has been transferred to the hospital for isolation and treatment. Several staff members who had close contact with him will also begin home isolation and observation starting today."

The locker room erupted in uproar.

"What? Mr. Mason?" Saka exclaimed, his face filled with worry.

Mr. Mason had treated his muscle fatigue and minor sprains countless times.

"God... I hope he's alright." Odegaard made the sign of the cross.

Yan Yuan frowned, stood up, and spoke in a calm but undeniably serious tone.

"Brothers, you've all heard that. The situation is closer than we think; it's right here among us. From now on, everyone must strictly abide by the club's epidemic prevention regulations: thoroughly wash and disinfect your hands before and after training, keep the locker room well-ventilated, and reduce unnecessary gatherings. During training, try to avoid close face-to-face communication. This isn't making a mountain out of a molehill; it's about being responsible for ourselves, our families, and our teammates!"

As soon as he finished speaking, head coach Nagelsmann walked in, his expression unusually serious.

"Yan is right, health is the top priority now. Today's training plan has been adjusted to focus on individual skills and non-contact physical recovery, canceling all group sparring and joint training. Everyone, please keep your distance."

Today's training took place in an unusual, unenthusiastic atmosphere.

The players were playing individually, and the stadium was unusually empty and quiet, lacking the usual shouts and collisions.

Everyone carries a weight on their heart.

No one knows what will happen next.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

In the days that followed, bad news spread like wildfire from all over Britain and from the major European leagues.

Statistics from the UK health authorities are alarming: the number of confirmed flu cases is growing exponentially, putting enormous pressure on the healthcare system.

The world of football was not spared either:

Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1...

Attendance at almost every league match has plummeted to rock bottom.

The empty stands and scattered applause replaced the usual thunderous cheers, making the television broadcast look eerie and desolate.

Then, even more significant news came.

Juventus Football Club officially announced that its defender Daniele Rugani has tested positive for influenza, becoming the first player in Europe's top five leagues to be publicly diagnosed with the flu!

This news was like a boulder thrown into an already turbulent lake, causing a huge shock in the football world.

Players do not live in a vacuum.

They have close ties with staff, fans, and family.

They also have their own lives.

Rugani's diagnosis means that the virus has broken through the seemingly tight protective barrier of professional football.

A sense of tension began to spread.

Because Arsenal has reduced its training sessions recently, everyone has gone home earlier.

When Yan Yuan saw the news at home, he took a deep breath and immediately picked up his phone.

His prior stockpiles of supplies and repeated reminders, in the face of harsh reality, appear all the more prescient.

Finally, the last straw broke the camel's back.

After a detailed analysis and an emergency video conference, UEFA issued an unprecedented official announcement:

It announced that all of its competitions, including top leagues in various countries, the Champions League, the Europa League, and the European Championship originally scheduled for that summer, would be suspended indefinitely!

The start date will be announced later!

The wording in the announcement was heavy and resolute:

"In the face of this severe public health crisis, the health and safety of everyone is paramount. Continuing to hold football matches would be irresponsible to fans, players, staff, and society as a whole. We must unite and get through this most difficult period together."

This news stunned Yan Yuan.

"The league... is really suspended..."

Not only have the leagues been suspended, but most workplaces in the UK have also been closed or switched to online work.

Xiaolin no longer has to commute to and from get off work every day.

When this message was pushed to mobile phones and broadcast on television news, the entire world of football seemed to be put on pause.

The bustling green field instantly fell silent.

The fierce competition vanished, and everyone's life rhythm was completely disrupted.

At this moment, everyone is the same.

At his home in London, Yan Yuan watched the official statement on the television screen, his feelings a mix of emotions.

There are concerns about the spread of the epidemic, uncertainty about the prospects of the season, but also a sense of relief.

At least, the mandatory shutdown prevented more people from being infected in crowded environments.

He barely hesitated before opening Arsenal's first team WhatsApp group chat. This group, usually filled with tactical discussions, jokes, and match information, was unusually quiet, as if everyone was digesting this explosive news.

Yan Yuan (@Everyone):

"Brothers, everyone has seen today's news. You've all received notifications from the clubs that the league has been suspended, and the resumption date will be determined later."

His message was like a fuse that was lit, and the group chat instantly erupted in chaos.

Achraf: "WTF?! My first reaction upon receiving this news was that this is insane! Everything is really canceled? The European Championship has been postponed too? My God!"

Rhodesley: "So...we're just going to be idle like this? Strictly speaking? Aren't we unemployed?"

Aubameyang: "Hahahaha, you could say that, strictly speaking, we are indeed unemployed."

Xhaka: "Whether it's the club or UEFA, this is definitely the right decision. Health is much more important than football, and everyone must take it seriously."

Yan Yuan glanced at the rapidly scrolling messages, continued typing, and steered the conversation in a more practical direction:

Yan Yuan (again, @everyone):

"Zaka is right, everyone needs to take this seriously. We've entered a more critical period. We've discussed taking precautions before, and now the situation is even more severe. I'd like to emphasize a few points here, and I hope everyone will strictly adhere to them:"

1. The most important thing is to stay home as much as possible. When purchasing daily necessities, try to choose contactless delivery. Especially for those of you who like to go to bars, don't worry, the bars are closed, so you can just stay home and have a drink.

2. If you must go out, be sure to wear a mask, maintain social distance (at least 2 meters), wash your hands immediately upon returning home, and disinfect your coat and belongings.

3. Maintain personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, and ensure good ventilation indoors.

4. Pay attention to nutrition and rest. You should also do simple physical training at home. The club will provide guidance on how to maintain your fitness.

5. Closely monitor your physical condition. If you experience any discomfort (fever, cough, fatigue, etc.), report it in the group immediately and contact the team doctor. Do not conceal anything!

6. If you are lacking essential supplies at home, such as food, medicine, or disinfectants, please don't hesitate to let us know in the group chat! We are a team; let's help each other and get through this together!

Yan Yuan's information was well-organized and demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility.

The teammates quickly followed up with their replies:

Saka: "Roger that, Captain! Don't worry, I have plenty of game consoles in stock, I can stay home forever!" (accompanied by a game controller emoji)

Saka actually quite likes staying at home.

Upamecano: "Support Captain Yan! I had my family send me a lot of ham from Germany a week ago, enough to last me for a while!"

Martinez: "Disinfectant and masks are ready. Everyone should take care of their health. If you need any, you can contact me."

Theo: "Understood! I'll stay home and hope Mr. Mason recovers soon!"

Lacazette: "Yan, thank you for constantly reminding us to stay safe!"

At this moment, head coach Nagelsmann also spoke in the group chat:

Julian Nagelsmann (@Everyone):

"Yan's reminder was very timely and comprehensive, and I completely agree with it. The club will develop a detailed home training plan and dietary recommendations for everyone as soon as possible and send them to you via email."

Please strictly abide by the rules, maintain your physical condition, and, more importantly, ensure your health.

We will maintain close communication.

Remember, we are one family. No matter what happens, the club will support you all. We look forward to reuniting with you all healthy after the flu! Take care!

Coach Nash's remarks reassured the players.

The atmosphere in the group gradually shifted from initial shock and slight panic to a united atmosphere of mutual encouragement and joint efforts to cope with the situation.

Putting down his phone, Yan Yuan walked to the window and looked at the city streets outside, which had suddenly become unusually quiet.

The usual bustling scene of cars and people is gone; when a vehicle does pass by, it seems to be in a hurry.

The world seems to have been put on slow motion, and football, a sport that once ignited the passion of countless people, has now fallen into slumber.

However, beneath this silence lies a steadfast vigil.

Lin Jianwei quietly walked behind Yan Yuan, hugged his waist, and pressed her face against his back.

"It looks so empty, doesn't it? Wow."

Yan Yuan gently stroked Lin Jianwei's hand.

"Hmm, it suddenly feels so quiet, it's quite unusual. Are your aunt and uncle doing well in Hangzhou?"

"China shut down in January, and my parents are safe. The shutdown in the UK actually started a little later."

Yan Yuan slowly turned around and looked at Lin Jianwei tenderly.

"That's good. I just suddenly feel sorry for you."

"Bitter? Bitter in what way?"

"It's a pity you're stuck at home with me. You could be busy with your own career, but now you have to stay with me."

"Silly girl, how is this bitter? Being able to see you every day, without having to count down the days until you come back from your away games abroad, is sweeter than anything."

"real?"

"Of course it's true. Before, you were always traveling all over the world, either to other cities for competitions or abroad. It was hard for me to even make you a soup. Now it's great, we both have time. Now I can slowly study recipes and fatten you up, hehe~"

"Okay, okay, does that mean I'm going to become 'Fat Yuan'?"

"I like that too. If you get fat, I'll make you Pamela too. Ugh...you pinched my butt again..."

"Don't move, let me check how well Pamela did it."

……

Yan Yuan and his teammates, along with millions of others, are undergoing an unprecedented test.

But as long as we unite and support each other, we will surely get through this and wait for the day when the football field is full of life and passion again.

The Arsenal family, led by its captain and coach, is maintaining its cohesion in a special way, preparing to meet future challenges.