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

In May 2022, the final match of the English Premier League took place at Old Trafford Stadium.

The afterglow of the setting sun cast a deeper, almost tragic, hue over the red stands of the Dream Theater.

Today at Old Trafford, it's not just about the relief of the season ending, but also about the excitement and sorrow before a grand farewell.

In the stands, Manchester United flags were waved more vigorously than ever before, and the fans' songs were exceptionally loud, but those songs were mixed with undisguised sobs and reluctance.

The pre-match news was already quite clear.

This will be the last dance of legendary player Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United in one of Europe's top five leagues.

He took off from here, experienced the glory of Real Madrid and the years at Juventus, and finally returned to where his dream began.

Now, it's finally time to say goodbye.

This match was extremely tense and exciting.

Arsenal, playing away, went all out to secure their Champions League qualification, while Manchester United seemed to be offering a final elegy to their legend.

The ninety minutes of the battle were full of ups and downs, but the decisive moment came at the end of the match.

Arsenal led 2-1, and Manchester United went all out for one last hurrah.

It wasn't a clear-cut chance, but by sheer chance, the ball ended up at Ronaldo's feet inside the penalty area.

Time slowed down at that moment.

The entire Old Trafford stadium held its breath, tens of thousands of eyes focused on the familiar number 7 figure.

"CR7! CR7!"

"Our captain!!!!"

Manchester United fans cheered loudly today.

In a flash, Ronaldo displayed his signature composure and explosiveness, a clever dribble that created an extremely narrow angle, a lift of his leg, and a shot!

The ball shot like a cannonball, heading straight for the far corner of the goal!

"It's going in!" Countless home fans almost cheered.

However, a dark figure appeared like lightning – it was Arsenal's center-back, Upamecano, known for his tenacity and precision!

He made a priceless diving block, stretching his body to the limit to keep the ball out of the goal!

With a muffled "bang!", not only was the ball's trajectory shattered, but also the hopes and expectations of countless people.

Cristiano Ronaldo stood there, hands on his hips, head bowed deeply.

The desolation at that moment pierced through the noise of the stadium and was clearly conveyed to everyone's heart.

"F*** it! Damn Arsenal! They're going to win again!"

"Yan, you and your team are ruthless!"

"My God, that ball almost went in..."

Yes, they almost scored.

Manchester United is very strong, but they are still just a little bit short.

No.

More than just a little.

Manchester United today.

Compared to Arsenal, who have dominated Europe for four years, they are far inferior.

It's far too different.

What could have been a perfect, scripted farewell goal turned into a bittersweet regret.

The final whistle blew, and Arsenal won 2-1 away from home, securing three crucial points.

Manchester United players began to walk towards the tunnel; their season was over, and fatigue and disappointment were written on everyone's faces.

But Ronaldo didn't move.

He walked slowly towards the center circle alone and stood there quietly.

Bruno Fernandes was about to call Ronaldo back to the locker room.

"Captain, let's go back..."

"You guys go back first, Bruno, I'll go back later."

"Captain, we still have to..."

"Let's go back first, Bruno. I want to look around here a bit more."

"Okay, Captain, we'll be waiting for you in the locker room."

Bruno Fernandes hugged Cristiano Ronaldo before heading back to the locker room with the rest of his teammates.

After Bruno Fernandes left, Cristiano Ronaldo looked around.

His gaze slowly swept over the familiar stands, past the corner flag area where he had celebrated countless times, and looked towards the lawn of the Theatre of Dreams, which had witnessed countless glories and passions.

The setting sun cast his long shadow on the grass, making his figure appear so lonely.

He would sometimes look up at the sky, and sometimes bend down, gently stroking the grass under his feet with his palm, as if touching fragments of youthful memories that had flowed by.

Here you'll find his youthful awkwardness during his first appearance, his ecstatic joy at lifting the Ballon d'Or for the first time, Sir Alex Ferguson's loving embrace, and the glorious years of fighting alongside Rooney, Giggs, and others.

My twenty-year career in European football has been like a long movie.

At this moment, the curtain falls.

There were no tears, but that silent gaze, that slightly hunched back, was more heartbreaking than any loud wailing.

At this moment, Ronaldo is using his soul to remember every inch of air, every ray of sunlight, and every echo in every corner of this place.

Arsenal players are celebrating this hard-fought victory.

Their core member, the young captain Yan Yuan, high-fived and hugged each of his teammates.

"Well done, guys! Have a great holiday, you guys head back to the locker room now," Yan Yuan said to his teammates with a smile.

"Captain? Aren't we going back together?" Saka asked.

Yan Yuan replied.

"Bukayo, you guys go back first. I have something to do and will be back in a bit."

The men nodded in understanding and walked into the passage one after another.

Yan Yuan took a deep breath, adjusted his breathing, and then started running towards that legendary figure in the football world.

Hearing footsteps, Ronaldo snapped out of his reverie and turned around.

Upon seeing that it was Yan Yuan, a complex yet gratified smile appeared on his face, and he shook his head with a smile.

Before Yan Yuan could speak...

Cristiano Ronaldo has already started taking off his red Manchester United number 7 jersey.

The movements were slow, with a sense of ritual.

Of course, Luo Ge knew about the young opponent in front of him, this genius who was already famous throughout the world.

He has a hobby that everyone knows about.

That is, he likes to collect jerseys of top opponents.

Today, this is perhaps the most collectible jersey Yan Yuan has ever encountered in his professional career.

Seeing Ronaldo taking off his jersey, Yan Yuan immediately understood.

While saying "Thank you, Cristiano," he deftly took off his Arsenal number 7 jersey.

Two jerseys, soaked with sweat and covered in grass clippings, were exchanged in mid-air.

Cristiano Ronaldo's red number 7 symbolizes the end of a legend; Yan Yuan's number 7 represents the rise of a new era.

This moment was like a silent handover of the scepter; although it took place in a corner of the stadium, it was of extraordinary significance.

"Congratulations, Yan, you played another great game."

Cristiano Ronaldo draped Yan Yuan's jersey over his shoulder, his voice a little hoarse but very sincere.

"Thank you, Chris. Manchester United fought very hard too, the final moments were truly..." Yan Yuan paused, not saying the word "thrilling," and changed the subject instead.

"What are your plans next? Is what the news said true?"

Yan Yuan and Cristiano Ronaldo strolled slowly side by side along the empty pitch.

The two chatted like old friends.

The setting sun cast long shadows of the two of them.

Cristiano Ronaldo gazed at the setting sun in the distance, smiled, a smile of relief in it, and replied.

"It's almost done. My team has been communicating with Riyadh Victory in Saudi Arabia for a long time, and the terms have been agreed. We'll probably be going to experience the desert sun soon. Europe is the world of you young people."

Luo Ge's words were calm, but to Yan Yuan, they sounded like a thunderous roar marking the turning of an era.

The man who once dominated the Iberian Peninsula, the Apennine Mountains, and the British Isles is finally bidding farewell to the top five European leagues.

"Saudi Arabia...that's definitely a completely new challenge." Yan Yuan carefully chose his words. "With your professionalism and form, you can definitely score many more goals."

"Hahaha..." Cristiano Ronaldo laughed heartily, patting Yan Yuan on the shoulder.

"Scoring goals is a given... but looking at you young guys really makes me realize how fast time flies. I remember when you first became a regular starter at Arsenal, you were just a greenhorn, and now..." He paused, his tone full of admiration.

"You've already led Arsenal to their fourth Champions League title. That's incredible, truly incredible."

Cristiano Ronaldo was referring to the recent Champions League final.

Arsenal vs. Real Madrid.

In that match, Yan Yuan seemed to have divine assistance, scoring twice to help his team defeat the powerful Real Madrid 3-1, and he was also undisputedly selected as the MVP of the final.

"Especially those two goals against Real Madrid," Ronaldo continued, his eyes revealing the admiration between colleagues.

"The first long-range shot was excellent in both power and angle, and the second one-on-one was played with such composure that it didn't seem like a final match."

To be honest, when I chatted with my former Real Madrid teammates, they all felt that they couldn't stop you.

Real Madrid not only lost to Arsenal, but in a way, they also lost to you. Your leadership has remained consistent since your debut, consistently driving the entire team forward, which is truly remarkable.

Faced with such high praise from the legend, Yan Yuan did not show the slightest pride; he smiled modestly.

"Chris, you flatter me. The victory was the result of the team's efforts. We were able to win because we all believed in each other. When it comes to leadership, you are the role model for all of us."

For twenty years, your unwavering desire for victory and your relentless self-discipline are truly inspiring. I am still learning from you, learning how you can maintain your peak performance for such a long time.

Yan Yuan's response demonstrated exceptional emotional intelligence, both affirming the team and extending the highest respect to Cristiano Ronaldo himself.

Instead of basking in his personal glory, he astutely grasped the emotional resonance that Ronaldo needed most at that moment—an affirmation of his entire illustrious career.

Cristiano Ronaldo's eyes flashed with emotion after hearing this.

He stopped and looked intently at Yan Yuan.

"Listen, Yan, keep it up. This era needs players like you, not only with technique, but also with a strong heart. Football is not just about playing, but about embodying a spirit."

"I will, Chris, I will remember your words." Yan Yuan nodded solemnly.

Then, Yan Yuan tried to lighten the mood by changing the subject.

"Speaking of which, there's the World Cup at the end of the year. With you maintaining such good form, Portugal is still a favorite to win the title. Maybe we'll meet again in Qatar."

The flame of competition has been rekindled in Cristiano Ronaldo's eyes.

"Of course! The World Cup is another dream, and I hope we can go further this time. If Portugal can meet England, it will definitely be a great match."

"I'm looking forward to that moment too." Yan Yuan extended his hand. "Well then, Cristiano, take care, and I hope we'll have a chance to meet at the World Cup."

"You too, Yan, I wish you all the best in the future and that you win more championships."

Cristiano Ronaldo opened his arms and embraced Yan Yuan tightly.

This is an embrace that transcends eras and generations.

One of them is the legendary number 7, who is about to embark on a long journey.

One is a rising superstar, number 7.

Two legendary number 7s in the Premier League.

The setting sun cast a golden glow on Cristiano Ronaldo and Yan Yuan, and the Old Trafford pitch became the backdrop for their farewell.

Without many words, all the respect, blessings, and emotions were contained in this powerful embrace.

Just then, the reporters who had been waiting on the sidelines keenly captured this highly symbolic moment.

The sound of camera shutters rang out like a sudden downpour.

Countless cameras on the field captured this deeply moving scene: after exchanging jerseys, Cristiano Ronaldo and Yan Yuan embraced in the afterglow of the setting sun. Ronaldo's face showed relief and expectation, while Yan Yuan's face showed respect and determination.

This photo, accompanied by headlines such as "The Farewell and Legacy of the Number 7 Legend," quickly made headlines on the front pages of major sports media outlets worldwide.

This is not just a sports photo, but a footnote to an era, telling a story of farewell, inheritance, respect, and the infinite possibilities of the future.

At this moment, football transcends victory and defeat, leaving only the purest emotions, eternally frozen in the Manchester twilight.

……

After the match, Yan Yuan also saw this photo online.

The photo centers on the two figures embracing tightly. Cristiano Ronaldo is wearing a red jersey underneath, his muscle lines still clearly defined, while Yan Yuan is wearing a white jersey underneath. The two are saying goodbye in a hug.

Behind them lay the magnificent yet somewhat empty stands of Old Trafford, and the splendid yet poignant sunset on the horizon.

The lighting in the photo is excellent, giving the entire scene a warm and nostalgic golden glow.

Yan Yuan couldn't help but sigh as he watched.

"These photos are really well taken. These reporters are so good at taking pictures."

A thought suddenly popped into his mind.

Yan Yuan suddenly had the idea to print out this rather memorable photo and frame it.

Without hesitation, Yan Yuan got everything done that very day.

After hanging the photo, he stepped back a few paces and gazed at it quietly.

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the window, creating a soft halo on the glass frame, strangely echoing the sunset in the photograph.

Unconsciously, the words Brother Luo had told him back then echoed in Yan Yuan's mind again:

"Keep it up, Yan. This era needs players like you, who not only have the skills but also a strong mentality."

Yan Yuan said quietly,

"Thank you, Cristiano."