From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 417 - 118: Homecoming Battle! The Midseason Finale! Arshavin’s Farewell! A Perfect Curtain Call!

"In this biting cold wind, Ma’el, with his warming gloves on, returned to Bramall Lane Stadium!

"Over thirty thousand Sheffield United fans stood up to applaud, commemorating the man who brought them countless joy! They expressed the highest respect to the player!

"In just a year, Ma’el’s loan spell has rejuvenated the club, winning the championship with record-breaking style and returning to the Premier League! It has also ignited the football fever here!

"Today, the player comes back clad in the prestigious Arsenal jersey!"

Zhan Jun’s voice paused for a long time, then rose in pitch, "Can you imagine?! In just half a year, he has reached peak performance at Arsenal, becoming a top star!

"Garrispeed would be proud of him, McCabe would applaud for him, and Sheffield United fans would be proud too!"

Under his roar, the players from both sides walked out of the players’ tunnel, stepped onto the field, preparing to wrap up the first half of the 11-12 Premier League season.

This will be a battle of conclusion!

Ma’el, holding a little mascot’s hand, walked step by step down the familiar path he had traversed over twenty times, arriving at the familiar center of the field.

"Clap-clap-clap...!"

He could clearly see every Sheffield United fan standing up to applaud him, could see many pulling out banners of varying lengths.

—"Welcome home!"

—"Golden Boy, please don’t forget Sheffield United!"

—"You are our eternal glory! We will always remember you!"

Even the West Stand unfurled a banner of his back wearing Sheffield United’s number 31 jersey, passing it from top to bottom in the hands of the fans.

Ma’el looked at them smiling, raised his hand and clapped a few times, signaling to all the fans.

It seems that in the year and a half since coming to this world, he has indeed done one thing right, garnering the love and support of countless fans in the industry he loves.

"Go for it!"

"Hope it’s a spectacular match!"

Before he snapped back to reality, Sheffield United’s starting players had already lined up to come over and give applause.

From the opposing lineup, he saw many unfamiliar faces, but fortunately, Evans and Janu were still there, and they quickly came to his side.

"Ma’el."

Evans walked up, looking at the young man who had once sent him countless passes, observing the Arsenal jersey on him, couldn’t help but sigh, "You’ve changed so much, your value has multiplied, really envy you."

He reached out and shook Ma’el’s hand, because there were still people lined up behind him, he briskly walked away.

"You little rascal." Janu quickly followed, with bright smiles embracing Ma’el, they were once the best midfield partners, "Can’t believe it, buddy’s got 5 assists in the Premier League too."

"Indeed astonishing."

Ma’el hugged him, then separated and saw in Janu’s eyes envy and nostalgia, along with some happiness and subtle inferiority, it was overall quite complex.

"You’ve already forgotten me." Next up was Luton, pointing at Ma’el with a face full of grievance, "Remember that training match when you first came to Sheffield United, I had you flying the moment we met."

"Haha..."

Of course Ma’el didn’t forget him, as he clapped with the other, he said, "Today you won’t make me fly, my power is not what it once was."

"I know."

After saying his prepared opening speech, Luton promptly lowered his head awkwardly... Now, faced with Ma’el they naturally felt an inferiority, like a firefly meeting the bright moon.

Technically they shouldn’t feel this way, they had once shared happy times, it has only been over half a year of separation.

Not long ago, they were all fireflies, shining together in a cage, only Ma’el’s light was somewhat brighter.

But precisely because of this, they would feel more intensely inadequate... Ma’el’s ascent has been too fast, a short time out of sight has reached an unreachable level for them.

The highlights and skills of the past have turned to dust, he now wears new jerseys and new standards, with countless new shining moments.

"Such is the bittersweetness of change."

Finally, he patted Ma’el’s shoulder and moved aside to shake hands with others.

Ma’el could feel their thoughts, making his mind complex too, unsure of what to say.

"Xuxu~!" At this moment a whistle blew from the side of the field.

He turned his head to see Gilbert in casual wear standing at the players’ tunnel, hands over his mouth blowing a whistle at him.

The opponent’s loan clause had a waiver clause, meaning he couldn’t play for Sheffield United against Arsenal today, but he must have applied to watch from the stands, wanting to witness his performance live.

Ma’el waved to him smiling, seeing Wenger by the Arsenal bench quickly walk over to Gilbert, who shrank his neck.

"Haha." He laughed and turned his gaze to another place, where the applause was unusually sharp.

"Clapping!" It was Mr. Garrispeed and Jorson with several others, along with a few former teammates wearing substitute pinnies, all smiling as they stood clapping for him.

Everything felt so familiar, as if overlapping scenes from memories... only when he glanced down he saw the crest on his chest had changed to Arsenal’s.

Play well!

Can’t let the old coaching team and McCabe’s family down, need to bring out the best form, show former teammates and fans the changes this season.