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

The 2019-2020 season ended in empty stadiums and under strict protective measures, and everyone is looking forward to it ending as soon as possible.

However, after the start of the 2020-2021 season, this invisible opponent, with its tenacious mutations and spread, once again launched an even more ferocious attack on the world football scene.

The Premier League is trying to maintain "normalcy" with bated breath.

However, the continuous emergence of infections makes it difficult to maintain normalcy.

At the beginning, the schedule in September was relatively smooth.

But as October arrived, bad news began to arrive one after another.

First, Manchester City's midfield maestro Ilkay Gündoğan contracted the virus and was forced into isolation.

This is undoubtedly a blow to Manchester City's squad rotation and tactical integrity.

Following closely behind, Thiago, Liverpool's key summer signing and highly anticipated midfield maestro, also tested positive for COVID-19.

Klopp had to readjust the midfield setup, which affected Liverpool's momentum at the start of the season.

If the cases within the Premier League were only a localized risk, then the news from Ligue 1 truly sounded the alarm.

The financially powerful Paris Saint-Germain club has reported multiple infections, including three key players: Neymar, Di Maria, and Paredes!

This is a major blow to Paris Saint-Germain, who aspire to make a mark in the Champions League.

Paris Saint-Germain's tactical system heavily relies on Neymar's dribbling and playmaking, and Di Maria's creativity on the wings.

The large-scale absence of key players caught head coach Tuchel off guard, and the team's fighting power was instantly reduced.

These reports cast a shadow over the training grounds of Premier League teams.

Although the Premier League has not mandated that players wear masks on the field for the sake of smoother gameplay.

But the risks are indeed real.

For example, close contact after a scramble for the ball, or being crowded in a set piece, could all lead to an injury.

Nowadays.

In the main conference room at the Colney training ground in London, Arsenal manager Julian Nagelsmann convened a serious meeting with all the first-team players.

The huge tactics board was pushed aside.

Instead, a PowerPoint presentation on personal protection was given.

Nagelsmann stood at the front, his expression unusually serious, his gaze sweeping across the faces of each player behind his glasses.

"My lads," Nashman began, his voice clear and forceful.

"We've all seen the news. Gündoğan, Thiago, and those guys from Paris—the flu doesn't just skip over you because you're a football player. It's all around us, and it could come knocking at any time."

Nash paused, and the atmosphere became even more tense.

"I know that running on the field wearing a mask feels like being choked, it's extremely uncomfortable. It makes it hard to breathe, your glasses fog up, and it goes against our years of playing football. But listen,"

He tapped the table.

"This discomfort is insignificant compared to the health risks that may result from contracting the virus and the long-term absence that may be caused by it!"

A single quarantine could cause you to miss a crucial game, disrupt our entire team's rhythm, and even have unforeseen consequences for your career.

He looked at the veterans Aubameyang and Pepe, and then at the young players Saka and Martinelli.

"We are a team. One person's health is related to the interests of all of us and how far we can go this season."

Therefore, I demand—no, I stipulate!

Starting today, masks must be worn during all training sessions, except for extremely intense group sparring matches.

On match day, from warm-up to the game itself and after the game, masks must be worn properly in public areas, except when you are drinking water!

I know this is difficult, but we must adapt and overcome it!

After Nagelsmann finished speaking, he turned his gaze to Captain Yan Yuan, who was sitting in the front row.

Yan Yuan stood up, understanding the implication. He took over the conversation, his tone less forceful than the coach's.

"Brothers," Yan Yuan's voice was calm, yet it filled the quiet conference room.

"What the coach said is exactly what I was thinking. I know how suffocating it is to play football with a mask on; I've tried it, and it felt like my lungs were going to explode. But looking at my colleagues who have collapsed around me, this is no joke."

We've worked hard all summer, our goal is to defend our title, to keep winning. We can't let a moment of carelessness ruin all our efforts.

Yan Yuan walked to the middle of his teammates, looking at each of them with sincere eyes.

"This is not just for ourselves, but also for our families and the fans who watch us play. We are professional players, and we have a responsibility to set an example."

Others may find it strange to compete while wearing masks, but what we need to do is the right thing, not just follow the crowd.

From the moment I start, I will wear it until the referee blows the opening whistle and until I leave the field to rest.

I hope our whole team can persevere together. Let's prove with our actions that Arsenal is not only a winning team, but also a disciplined and responsible one.

The captain's and coach's words were deeply imprinted in the hearts of every player.

Aubameyang was the first to speak up: "No problem, boss, captain, what's a mask for the championship!"

The leadership role of veterans is crucial.

Rice, Rodri, and other key players also nodded in agreement.

Young players like Saka and Martinelli regard Yan Yuan as a role model and have stated without hesitation that they will strictly abide by his example.

Thus, a unique scene emerged on the Premier League pitch in the following matches.

While most players on other teams opted not to wear masks during matches, Arsenal's players, from goalkeeper Martinez to striker Aubameyang, all wore professional sports masks that fit their faces perfectly.

The television broadcast repeatedly gave close-up shots:

As Yan Yuan dribbled past his opponent, his mask rose and fell with his rapid breathing.

After sprinting down the wing, Saka would subconsciously pull at the edge of his mask, which was soaked with sweat.

Even during the intense aerial duels, Upamecano and Saliba wore masks, which undoubtedly increased the difficulty of the match.

The drawbacks of wearing masks during competitions are obvious.

Because under high-speed running and intense competition, oxygen intake efficiency decreases, players expend more energy, and are more prone to fatigue.

Especially in the second half of the match, Arsenal's players often appeared to be breathing more heavily than players from other teams.

Although it's difficult to adapt.

But the entire Arsenal team withstood the pressure.

They viewed this as a different kind of "trial and tribulation".

Nagelsmann is focusing more on players' cardiorespiratory function and physical reserves in training to adapt to the extra burden of playing with masks on.

Yan Yuan constantly reminded and encouraged his teammates on the field, especially when everyone became agitated due to difficulty breathing, he was always the first to step forward and stabilize morale.

This strict self-discipline and high level of self-imposed requirements, while seemingly requiring additional physical exertion from the team in the short term, ultimately protects the players' health to the greatest extent possible and ensures the stability of the team's roster in the long run.

Throughout October and into the following months, no one in the Arsenal squad contracted the virus.

This is rare in European football, and it provides them with the most fundamental personnel support for competing on multiple fronts.

And just as the entire Arsenal team was setting an example.

Their captain, Yan Yuan, made an even more eye-catching move off the field.

During a break in a league match.

Yan Yuan and his team donated £400 million each to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and several hospitals in China facing heavy burdens, totaling £800 million (approximately RMB 7200 million).

This money is used to support local work.

Yan Yuan released a statement on social media, writing:

This is a challenging time for everyone, and it requires the collective efforts of all humanity. Football has given me a lot, and I hope to give back to society within my means.

This donation is a small token of my support for all the medical staff fighting on the front lines; they are the real heroes.

A salute to the medical workers in the UK and China.

I also hope everyone stays safe and united. We will definitely overcome this difficult time together. Your friend, Yan Yuan.

This move instantly went viral on social media worldwide, especially in China and the UK.

On Chinese online platforms, the comments section exploded instantly:

Hu Pu sparked a discussion: Yan Shen donated £400 million each to hospitals in the UK and China! What level is that?

Fan comments:

"Holy crap! A total of 800 million pounds! And both sides donated the same amount. Yan Shen really kept things fair."

"We'll find out today why Yan Shen is called a god."

"Yan Shen: Little Yan is just expressing his feelings. Fans: You call this a small token of appreciation?"

"Speak up, Yan Hei! My Yan Shen's actions this time, his skills and character are both world-class! He's the undisputed number one, and he's undisputed number one in every aspect!"

"The key is that they donated to both sides, and to the same amount. This shows a broad perspective and the responsibility that a world-class superstar should have!"

"Waaaaah, Yan Shen really cares about everyone. This has turned me from a regular fan into a die-hard fan. I'll fight anyone who criticizes Yan Shen from now on."

Some fans even wrote a song for Yan Yuan.

"This is our Yan Shen, Yan Shen whose skills are unparalleled. His beautiful dribbling is so cool, and his curved shots are amazing."

"The lyrics are pretty corny, but why are they so catchy?"

"I feel like I'd be good at writing songs for Curry."

……

Fans and casual observers alike praised the donations, comparing them to those of other celebrities in China.

Yan Yuan's donations and his approach of "balancing domestic and international interests" are widely regarded as demonstrating a tremendous sense of social responsibility and personal vision. His popularity and reputation in China have reached unprecedented heights, truly making him a "top influencer with an unparalleled influence."

In England, the reaction from fans and media was equally positive:

The Times reported: "Arsenal captain Yan Yuan has made an amazing donation of £400 million each to Britain and China, sending fans into a frenzy."

Arsenal fans took to social media to express their pride in their captain.

"Yan is not only England's best player, but also our best friend!"

"I'm so glad Yan is with our Three Lions Legion."

"He carries the whole world in his heart! Love comes from strictness!"

Even neutral fans praised the move, believing it demonstrated the social responsibility of football players.

Yan Yuan, the young captain who just turned twenty, perfectly embodies the power of an "idol" with his outstanding skills on the court and his compassionate heart off the court.

He is not only leading Arsenal to the pinnacle of competitive football, but also using his influence and actions to convey the values ​​of unity, courage, and care.

Yan Yuan's kindness warmed the hearts of countless people and added a deeper and more moving touch to the red of Arsenal.

Today's Arsenal can maintain strict discipline and overcome difficulties on the football field.

A team that also demonstrates great love and social responsibility off the field is now charging toward the championship with a brand new and more respectable image.