337. Naturalization (1)
The 2011 Ballon d’Or award ceremony was held in Zurich, Switzerland.
The final candidates were selected to three through voting last November.
The first was Woo Ho-young, who scored 30 goals in the EPL, and the second was Lionel Messi, who is making a big splash in La Liga, scoring 32 goals in 17 games.
And the third protagonist was Cristiano Ronaldo, who played a one-man show at Real Madrid and scored 25 goals in 16 games.
It was possible that a record of 50 goals could be achieved in EPL and La Liga at the same time.
Considering that, on average, the EPL scores less frequently than La Liga, Woo Ho-young’s record could be said to be much better than the two’s records.
In fact, most coaches who had experience in the two major leagues also acknowledged this.
For example, Pep Guardiola said this.
-Life in Barcelona could not depict a complete life as a manager. There was a time when we had a lot of points and a lot of goals, but the only games we were extremely focused on were 4-6 games during the season.
That means that in La Liga, the level gap between teams is extreme.
On the other hand, in the EPL, the gap between teams is not large, so there are many more things to pay attention to as a manager in the league.
It was the same with the players.
Since we do not always play against weak teams, the number of points scored was naturally low.
But this year was different.
As Manchester City was reborn as an overwhelming team, a scorer like Woo Ho-young who scored as many as 30 goals was born.
In other words, it was true that Woo Ho-young’s record was the best.
Moreover, considering last season, Woo Ho-young, who led Man City to a mini-treble, had a very high probability of winning the Ballon d’Or.
“Don’t worry, let’s watch. “If my son doesn’t get it, who will?”
“Wow, is my brother getting it again this year?”
“then. “What a great person Hoil is.”
It was Hoyoung’s family who were invited to the awards ceremony.
Next to them were Hoyoung’s grandparents and Monica.
“Don’t worry, grandma. “Hoyoung will definitely receive it.”
“so.”
“yes. I’ve been watching a lot of Hoyoung’s games, and I can’t help but do that. “At the Ballon d’Or award ceremony, not only records but impact are important.”
As Monica spoke clearly, Kim Jae-gyeom, who had been silent next to her, burst out laughing.
“Kkkkkkkkkk. My grandson and daughter-in-law are very interested in Hoyoung. “You must have been very busy training in Russia.”
“Four four…?”
The awards ceremony got underway in earnest with the families anxious.
Ruud Gullit, who served as the host of the awards ceremony, presented this year’s FIFA Puskas Award with a friendly smile.
“The Pipa Puskas Award recognizes the best goal scored this year. “Then let’s take a look at the candidates together.”
Soon after, candidates for goal scenes appeared on the large screen.
The main character in the first scene was Woo Ho-young.
It was a scoring scene where the player launched a scissor kick by trapping the ball while surrounded by opposing defenders.
“It’s great to see you again.”
“Is there a goal to compete with that?”
“Well…”
The audience’s thoughts came together as one.
Everyone thought the first goal was a strong candidate for the award.
But when the second candidate scene appeared on the screen, that thought completely changed.
This time it was Woo Ho-young again.
“Yes, there was that goal too.”
“I think that goal was even bigger. “Dribbling like that is something you only see in dreams.”
“But I can’t believe those two goals came in the same game.”
The awards ceremony hall was filled with admiration.
But that soon turned into laughter.
The goal scene was about to move on to the third candidate.
“Hehe….”
“This time?”
“also?”
The third candidate is also Woo Ho-young.
The fourth and fifth candidates were also Woo Ho-young’s goal scenes.
and.
“The recipient of this year’s FIFA Puskas Award is none other than Manchester City’s Ho-Young Woo.”
When Hoyoung’s award was confirmed, Ronaldo, who presented the award, presented the award.
“Congratulations, soccer genius. “No, should I call him the God of Soccer now?”
“haha. thank you “Il Fenomeno.”
In contrast, Lionel Messi’s expression darkened.
The fact that Hoyoung’s impact was so great was consistent with the idea that he should win the Ballon d’Or.
And as expected, the FIFA Ballon d’Or, which was announced at the end of the awards ceremony, went to him as everyone expected.
“This is Manchester City’s Woo Ho-young.”
Clap clap clap.
Thunderous applause erupted.
And when Hoyoung, dressed in a suit, ascended the podium, Lothar Matthäus presented the Ballon d’Or trophy.
“Congratulations. “It is an honor to present this award to you.”
“Mateus, I am even more honored to receive this from you.”
“Then I’d like to have a chat after the awards ceremony.”
“of course.”
“haha. Thank you. “Enjoy this moment.”
Awarded 2 years in a row.
When legendary soccer player Matheus handed over the trophy and stepped back, FIFA President Muhammad bin Hammam, who was standing next to him, approached with a chuckle and offered congratulations.
“thank you.”
“Thanks is mine. “You are my benefactor.”
Woo Ho-young was literally his benefactor.
Because he was the reason I was able to become the president of FIFA.
Bin Hammam, who was cherishing the blessing, lowered his voice and said.
“I know what kind of situation you are in in Korea now.”
As he said, Hoyoung had already announced his retirement and even mentioned naturalization, so he could not participate in the national team game.
“I don’t know how long I’ll be here, but no matter what happens, I’ll help you for the rest of my life, so don’t worry too much. And soon all problems will be solved.”
That meant that the naturalization policy would be revised in the near future.
“Yes, thank you for your concern.”
“haha. Then, please tell me your thoughts. “People are staring at you.”
“yes.”
Hoyoung approached the microphone and opened his mouth with a light greeting.
He looked much more relaxed than when he stood at the awards ceremony last year.
After that, I started to line up the words I had prepared.
“When I was young, my father said to me: “The timing of flower blooming is different for everyone, and just because the buds sprout quickly doesn’t mean the flowers will bloom quickly.”
A word about my father.
At that moment, Woo Hwang-seon’s face was captured alone on the screen.
Hoyoung looked at that and continued speaking.
“Those words brought me here. And our Mrs. Kim, who was there and gave us full support. My younger brother, Ho-il, spends every minute bragging about his older brother at school. I am grateful to everyone, including my grandparents, who took care of me in Spain. And I love you.”
According to Hoyoung’s interview, the cameraman took pictures of Woo Hwang-seon, Kim Hee-seon, Woo Ho-il, Kim Jae-gyeom, and Lee Moon-hee in turn.
Next in line was Monica.
“This is a girlfriend I met when I was young. Just as she supported me on my path, I will help and support her on her path. I also want to take this opportunity to say that I love you.”
Hoyoung’s interview filled the awards ceremony with emotion.
But Monica never cried.
All I could do was bite my lower lip and clench my fists to keep from crying.
And after the awards ceremony was over, Hoyoung approached the family members who were waiting for him and hugged them one by one.
Finally, the person who had been waiting for his turn ran over and hugged Hoyoung.
It was Monica, wearing an elegant black dress and showing off her pretty neckline with her hair in a ponytail.
Hoyoung, who looked more beautiful than ever before, kissed her lightly and heated up the night of the awards ceremony.
After the awards ceremony concluded successfully.
A sad voice was coming from one of the waiting rooms for the award winners.
It was a conversation between Mateus, who presented today’s award, and Gullit, who hosted the event.
“I can’t believe we’re in a position where we have to give up the Ballon d’Or even after scoring 32 goals in just 17 games.”
“I can’t help it. “Woo Ho-young was overwhelming both in terms of skill and impact.”
The topic of conversation was Lionel Messi.
“That friend can only be described as unlucky. “I wouldn’t have known if we had won the Champions League.”
The prevailing opinion was that if Messi had defeated Bayern Munich and won the European Champions League, he would have won the Ballon d’Or.
Gullit also strongly agreed with this and said:
“Wow… a player like that has never won the Ballon d’Or. “Unless Woo Ho-young retires, he may remain a military officer for the rest of his life.”
“Then I will remain as the rare second-in-command.”
“Tsk tsk.”
The two constantly expressed regret for Messi.
At the same time, he was busy praising Woo Ho-young.
“Woo Ho-young is the best. “To put it mildly, watching him play has become my hobby.”
“Earlier, I was handing over the trophy and shaking hands, and my whole body felt excited. “There was no player like that in our time.”
“Was it just our time? There has been none throughout history. He really is a god. “If he were in La Liga he might have already reached 40 goals.”
The praise relay showed no sign of ending.
Meanwhile, someone came through the waiting room door.
It was Hoyoung.
“Ah, come in and sit down.”
“Yes, you were looking for me.”
“Thank you for responding to my request. “I have something I want to say for a moment.”
The two definitely wanted to talk to Hoyoung before returning home.
The reason was simple.
“The thing is, we are planning a charity game while touring, so would you be willing to participate in one game? I was going to ask your agent, but I just got a chance to talk to you today. “It’s an honor.”
“Oh no.”
Hoyoung remembered.
News that several retired football legends, including Gullit and Matheus, are planning to travel the world to play charity matches.
Mateus added an explanation.
“It is currently in the preparation stage and is scheduled to begin in May next year, so please think about it. Of course, competition expenses will be paid.”
“But why are you asking me this?”
It was definitely strange.
Because Hoyoung was not a retired player.
“That’s right, we decided to add at least one active player to our team. Then the only thing that came to mind was you. “I definitely realized something after watching the awards ceremony today.”
“Ah, thank you.”
“And to be honest, it’s also for the success of the charity event. “If you come, you won’t have to worry about ticket sales.”
A sudden but honest suggestion.
Hoyoung gave an affirmative answer.
“sure. I mean it in a good way, so of course it’s good. “Please let me know when the detailed schedule comes out.”
“ha ha ha. of course.”
It may have been difficult during the season, but it was possible after the season.
“Then may I know who else is participating in the charity event?”
“Team members are still being planned. There is still a lot of time left until May. Still, if I tell you about the people who agreed…”
Hoyoung’s mouth dropped open at Mateus’s drawn-out words.
Ruud Gullit, who was called Maradona’s rival.
and Lothar Matheus, one of the best central midfielders in football history.
Even if they were excluded, several legends were scheduled to participate.
‘This is a great opportunity for me too.’
Euro 2012 and the Olympics were scheduled for next year’s off-season.
In other words, it was a great opportunity to explore the talents of legendary players.
And just two days later.
The 2012 UEFA Euro (European Football Championship) group draw was held in Kiev, Ukraine, and something happened that shocked soccer fans around the world.
Spain’s group formation was exactly that.
〈2012 UEFA Euro Group C〉
Port 1 Spain
Port 4 Czech Republic
Port 3 Portugal
Port 2 Italy
A group of death where it would be no surprise who gets eliminated.
It was the same in Spain.
In particular, there was added pressure because they were the defending champions.
So that night, they urgently went to see Woo Ho-young.
This is because the eagerly awaited news took the whole world by storm.
[Finally, on December 23, 2011, FIFA Naturalization Act Ordinance Account… Some players, including Woo Ho-young, could be naturalized according to the amendment]
It was not only the Royal Spanish Football Association that moved accordingly.
As what I expected to happen became reality, there was one more place that became urgent.
The Korea Football Association.
They formed a contingent and went to visit Hoyoung.