179. Reward Reward Another Reward (3)
The place Hoyoung headed to was the reception room located in the basement of the stadium.
It was Hoyoung’s first time visiting this place.
This is because it is usually used by Schuster after the game when he wants to meet with the away team players separately.
Otherwise, it is usually given to VIPs who visit the club.
For example, a businessman who visits athletes for sponsorship, or a reporter who brings important news.
Squeak.
The first thing that caught Hoyoung’s eyes as he entered the prepared reception room was the table with red wine and fruit juice on it.
And in front of him sat an elderly man wearing a neat suit.
He stood up and offered to shake hands.
“This is Alberto from the Totto Sport press. “I served as the chairman of the jury for this Golden Boy Award.”
“This is Woo Ho-young. Nice to meet you.”
“Please sit comfortably.”
The man in a neat suit was a journalist who had flown in from Italy.
At this time, Hoyoung had an intuition.
‘That’s it.’
As expected, what he brought was the news Hoyoung had been waiting for.
“Congratulations. As you might have guessed, Woo Ho-young was selected for the 2008 Golden Boy Award.”
Hoyoung breathed a sigh of relief at those words.
In fact, I expected that I would be selected unless a natural disaster occurred, but I was also worried about what would happen if something unexpected happened.
But everything happened as expected.
“It is an overwhelming margin of votes. At the beginning of the season, Manchester United’s Andersson was a strong competitor, but from September onwards, Woo Young’s performance was overwhelming. This is an award that cannot be controversial. On behalf of Tuto Sports, we sincerely congratulate Hoyoung Woo on his award.”
“thank you.”
Received the Golden Boy Award.
As a result, the world’s most credible sports media recognized Hoyoung as the best prospect.
“So you came all the way here in person to present the award?”
“Usually, we secretly bring the trophy to the stadium and present it as a surprise after the game or make a surprise appearance at the photo line and hold an awards ceremony, but this year it happened like this. As the authority of the award increases, there will be a separate awards ceremony someday.”
Former World Cup winners Rafael van der Vaart, Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Aguero.
Thanks to the outstanding performances of all of them, Golden Boy’s credibility continued to grow.
And even Woo Ho-young, the 6th winner.
“So, Woo Ho-young needs to work hard. “I’m also tired of always moving around like this.”
“this. “You came all the way to Madrid for no reason because of me.”
“ha ha ha. It’s a joke.”
Alberto created a friendly atmosphere with light jokes.
“So is it all over now?”
“Now all you have to do is go to the photo line and hand out the trophy.”
“Then let’s go.”
“Oh, Woo Ho-young?”
As I was about to get up, Alberto held out his hand.
“Can you please give me a moment?”
The main topic was over, but the conversation did not end there.
Alberto began to carefully reveal his hidden feelings.
“We will be conducting an official interview at the photo line, but if you don’t mind, could we have a short personal interview here before that?”
“Is this a formality?”
“This is my personal interview unrelated to the award. “You don’t have to answer if it bothers you.”
“no. it’s okay.”
Hoyoung readily agreed.
You can’t just treat someone who came to give you an award as rude ass.
Alberto, who got the opportunity to be interviewed, opened his mouth with an excited expression on his face.
“Recently, news related to transfers has been happening all over the world. In particular, I heard that there is no end to love calls from big clubs such as Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the English Premier League. “Is there a club you are interested in among these?”
“Well, I am currently honored with the Golden Boy award for my performances at Real Madrid. Recently, he performed to the satisfaction of fans on the big stage called El Clásico. “It still feels like a dream.”
“Are you saying you are satisfied with your life in Madrid?”
“Madrid fans always support me. And I promised myself. I will definitely lift the trophy for them. “I want to be a key player in Real Madrid’s third consecutive La Liga title.”
“It’s a wonderful determination. “Then, is there a player you would like to play with in the future?”
“It is the wish of a soccer player to always play with world-class players, whether on the same team or on the opposing team.”
“Will AC Milan’s Kaka be included in that?”
‘Why AC Milan?’
Hoyoung twitched his eyebrows at the mention of AC Milan.
It was an unusual question.
Hoyoung asked back.
“Suddenly?”
“Not suddenly.”
But the interview ended there.
instead.
Squeak –
In addition to the head judge, there was one more person who came to see Hoyoung.
“Woo.”
The person who opened the door at the right moment was Ricardo Kaka, Hoyoung’s long-time teacher and brother.
He said while gently hugging Hoyoung.
“It’s been a while, my old brother.”
Last 18th.
AC Milan entered a three-week break until January 11th, and players were also given time off.
Kaka would normally spend his vacation training, but this year he visited Madrid with Vice President Adriano Galliani.
I was there to run errands before participating in the 53rd Ballon d’Or awards ceremony, which will be held in France two days later.
Kaka and Hoyoung had a lot to talk about since it had been a while since they last met.
And when the judge left the chair, the two started talking in earnest.
“So, you came here after watching the game in the president’s office with AC Milan’s vice president and president Perez?”
“I know for sure that you’re here, but I shouldn’t be able to hear you. I had a good time watching the game. “Now it seems like he’s better than me.”
“That can’t be right.”
When I saw Kaka for the first time in 4 years, he had grown amazingly.
Although he wasn’t as good as Messi, he had a lot of desirable talent.
It seemed like he made rapid progress after going to AC Milan.
Kaka looked at Hoyoung and opened his mouth with a grin.
“I feel like I grew up well, so I’m proud of myself.”
“of course. “If I hadn’t met Ricardo, I wouldn’t have grown this far.”
“haha.”
Kaka smiled a sincere smile that purified your heart just by looking at it.
“So, is Madrid worth staying in?”
“Everything is good.”
“Are you not thinking about staying somewhere else?”
“Not yet. “By the way, what did you discuss with Chairman Perez?”
“They said there was a white uniform that would fit me perfectly.”
“okay.”
Hoyoung knew Kaka’s future.
The terrible future of coming to Real Madrid and being ruined.
But there was no law like that in this life either.
There was no guarantee that he would achieve success if he stayed at AC Milan, and there was no guarantee that he would fail again if he came to Madrid.
It was all uncertain.
However, there was one thing Kaka wanted for sure.
“I want to run with you somewhere. Whether at the Bernabeu or San Siro.”
“I am.”
Afterwards, an official awards ceremony was held at the photo line on the first basement floor, and Hoyoung was given a golden trophy in the shape of a soccer ball.
And that was right then.
[Potential (SS+)]
Special conditions achieved.
This was Messi’s potential achieved by winning the Golden Boy award.
Xavi’s potential (SS-), which he gained in the last El Clásico, had already been used for ‘artistic ball control (SS+)’.
However, the potential gained this time was not used right away.
‘Let’s wait until December 28th.’
There was a reason for that.
For some reason, it felt like something good would happen.
Fourth week of December.
Christmas week has arrived in Spain too.
Regardless of the region, the whole country was in a festive mood, and the streets of Madrid in particular were more colorful and unique than anywhere else.
To celebrate the New Year, special grape sales stands were set up at each supermarket, while various festivals and parties were held at the Puerta del Sol square.
It was the only time the Spaniards briefly put football aside.
Real Madrid players also enjoyed the festival.
The club’s traditional Christmas luncheon was held at the Noed Hotel, and everyone attended and had a great time.
The table where Perez was sitting was filled with players dressed in stylish suits.
Players representing the club, including Raul, Guti, and Casillas, were present, and among them, Hoyoung was also present.
It might have been unfamiliar and burdensome, but there was nothing special about it.
All we did was just have a normal conversation and talk about future plans and such.
However, it was a bit burdensome to be seated right next to Perez.
“Do you have any plans for Eve?”
“I’m thinking of meeting up with an old friend.”
“Have a good time. “If you need anything, let me know anytime.”
“I guess escaping from the paparazzi is too much of a wish, right?”
“It’s force majeure. But if you have a date at the Bernabeu, it might be possible. It’s easy to silence employees. “If you want, I can rent the entire stadium for about an hour.”
“ha ha ha. “I want to try it at least once.”
The luncheon atmosphere was very bright.
However, Hoyoung’s heart started pounding after lunch was over and the precious guests were seated at the table.
‘I get nervous every time I see it.’
A legend in the world of soccer.
He was Alfredo Di Stefano, honorary president of Real Madrid.
Although his hair was gray, he still looked neat and got along well with the players.
And Hoyoung’s eyes were fixed on him and did not leave.
Looking at the L-level talent that Di Stefano possesses, it was inevitable.
Because it was a talent that could deceive even those who claimed to have no possessions.
And above all.
‘This is the part I need the most.’
Even at the same L level, it would be at a completely different level from Cha Boom’s thighs.
The only condition was ‘winning La Liga’, which was difficult enough, so of course that would be the case.
Isn’t Di Stefano a legend, following in the footsteps of Pele and Maradona?
‘Don’t be in a hurry, just achieve it step by step.’
There was a lot to accomplish, but there was also a lot of time and opportunity.
All I had to do was to keep moving forward without stopping, as I had done so far.
‘But first, I need to rest for Christmas.’
There will be no more breaks from January.
Considering that I would be running without stopping, I should have gotten enough rest now.
In that sense, I planned to rest tomorrow without worrying.
The very next day.
Hoyoung covered his face and went out.
Normally I would have just gone out, but today was a day when I didn’t want to be bothered by anyone.
And when I met her for the first time in a very long time, she waved shyly with her face buried in a red scarf.
It was a scene that brought a smile to my face just by looking at it.
“Why did you come out looking so pretty today?”
The cute and fresh girl was gradually becoming a woman.