From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 420 - 118: The Homecoming Battle! The End-of-First-Half Decider! Arshavin’s Farewell Match! A Perfect Curtain Call!

He had planned this all along. After flicking the ball, he quickly completed a graceful turn, bypassing Luton, and approaching the soccer ball.

"Wow..." Luton was too shocked to react, immediately reaching to grab Ma’el’s jersey.

This move was incredibly fast!

It was a near-perfect touch followed by an explosive turn. Without surprise, the opponent was likely going to shoot directly.

"Boom!!"

He guessed right. After brushing past him, Ma’el swiftly used his right foot to unleash a powerful dipping shot, sending the ball spinning towards the far corner.

At the moment of breaking free, the excitement in his brain reached its peak. To not use a shot for a farewell performance and to not strive for a goal would indeed betray himself!

"Swish!"

The soccer ball traced a beautiful arc in the air, under the terrified eyes of all the Sheffield people, slipping past the goalkeeper’s hand and smashing into the net!

"Astonishing skill!"

In the broadcast room, Zhan Jun exclaimed loudly, "Four to zero! Ma’el delivers a magnificent turn and a splendid shot, presenting a great gift to veteran fans and old coaches!

"Haha... We guessed wrong. He had no intention to hold back! He’s going all out!

"The 21st Premier League goal, while Van Persie also has 18 goals to his name, can be said, the two forwards together scored 39 goals for Arsenal in the first half of the season! What incredible forwards!"

"....."

"Yeah.....!" In the Arsenal fan zone, thousands of arms waved in unison, and everyone fell into a celebration.

Wenger clapped his hands with satisfaction, smiling as he saw his protégé fulfilling his goal in the homecoming match and the mid-season summary match, he too felt a sense of fulfillment.

"An amazing goal!"

Ramsey, who was behind him, caught up with sparkling eyes, "And also allowed Arshavin to achieve an assist! So complete!"

Ramsey and Arshavin have always shared a good relationship. Seeing an old teammate about to leave, he felt a sense of reluctance... Fortunately, the championship hope Ma’el brought could offset some of those feelings.

So when he saw Ma’el score from a non-threatening pass from Arshavin, he couldn’t help but feel a very fulfilling sensation.

In the final battle, the two teamed up once again to complete a goal, leaving no regrets!

On the sideline, Ma’el ran towards the corner flag area, smiling while suppressing his excitement, lifting his hands apologetically.

Resounding the net at Bramall Lane Stadium again would awaken many of his former memories, making him want to slide with the turf here.

But he couldn’t do that, as it would hurt the Sheffield United fans who were now experiencing complex emotions.

The tens of thousands of Sheffield United fans in the stands hesitated for a moment but then started clapping their hands, showing their respect for the goal, "Clap, clap, clap...!"

Many people came specifically to see Ma’el today, but they could no longer cheer for his goal, only express their admiration in a subtle way.

A fan took out a plastic Golden Ball trophy, raised a banner in hand - "Hope you win the Golden Ball Award one day and become the first player to have played for Sheffield United and achieved the highest honor!"

Ma’el waved to him, taking several deep breaths, dispersing some of the heat in his chest.

"Yeah...!"

A shout echoed, and Arshavin, who set up the assist for him, rushed over excitedly, tugging at his shirt with a wide grin, seemingly wanting to complete the celebration for him.

Ma’el laughed at the sight of him. Arshavin pulled up his jersey, revealing the two lines he had prepared - "Goodbye Arsenal, I will always love you!"

He was worried these words might not get a chance to be exposed, as Arsenal slowed down the attack rhythm in the second half... But thankfully, Ma’el’s miraculous world-class goal created the opportunity!

"Thank you!" Arshavin threw a flying kiss towards Ma’el during his run, then headed to the advertisement board, displaying the characters in front of the camera.

Watching him, Ma’el couldn’t help but feel a bit moved too. The veteran was soon ending his journey with Arsenal, exiting the mainstream stage for retirement.

Consider it a perfect farewell, right?

Then let’s team up together, leave this moment beauty before the half-season ends, and conclude with a perfect farewell!

....

ps: Today my parents came from afar, we might have to have dinner together in the afternoon. Maybe I can only do 2 Chapters with 6k-7k words, but the monthly word count won’t fall short.