From Arsenal to the Ball God-Chapter 59: Ma’el’s Treasury

"Ma’el! Ma’el!!"

After the match ended, the heat hadn’t yet subsided. Sheffield United’s traveling fans walked out of the Kipmot Stadium, raising their hands and chanting Ma’el’s name.

They roared self-composed songs, extremely excited: "Sean Long? Graham? Watch out... Ma’el is catching up from behind!"

This wasn’t their home game; there were more Doncaster fans around, yet they couldn’t suppress themselves.

Unexpectedly, this behavior didn’t cause strong resentment among Doncaster fans.

When home fans encountered them, they just frowned slightly and walked away, perhaps because Ma’el’s performance won over the home fans too.

After all, even they applauded the away team’s player on the field.

Now that they’re off the field, should away fans not be allowed to celebrate grandly here?

Philip, an assistant coach from Arsenal’s first team, appeared along with the wave of Sheffield United fans, and he blended in, celebrating with everyone.

As for the meaning of the lyrics, he was, of course, aware.

Sean Long was the top of the Championship assist leaderboard just a few days ago, recently surpassed by Ma’el, while Graham is currently at the top of the scorer’s chart with 9 goals, a player from Watford.

If Ma’el maintains this blazing form, reaching the top of both the Championship’s ranking charts shouldn’t be a problem.

That would be an outstanding achievement!

"Let’s have a drink, brother."

A Sheffield fan, who had talked to Philip during the match, hooked his arm around Philip’s shoulder, pulling him towards a nearby pub, "There’s no day more worth celebrating than today; it’s truly an unforgettable day."

After speaking, he seemed to have thought of something and added, "Of course, except for when Sheffield United gets promoted again; that would be even more worth celebrating."

Philip laughed, nodded, and followed, but after a few steps, his phone in his pocket rang.

He took it out and saw that it was Mr. Wenger calling, his expression immediately changed, and he walked to a quiet spot to answer, "Mr. Wenger, I just finished watching the match."

From the other end came Wenger’s voice, somewhat excited yet restrained, "There’s no need for you to return immediately; he has already completed the incentive clause for 15 goals. Stay there, finish signing the contract with him before returning.

"I’ll have the contract ready tonight and have someone send it over by tomorrow morning; you should receive it by afternoon.

"Make sure to review it carefully beforehand; it’s not just a salary increase to 20k, it will be a new contract with many changes."

"Understood." Philip nodded in agreement, hesitated for a moment, and still asked, "Is there nothing else?"

Having watched such a personal performance up close, he was completely enamored by Ma’el, eager to bring him back to Arsenal.

"Are you suggesting we call him back?"

Wenger on the other side seemed to catch his meaning, chuckling twice, "There’s a clause in the loan agreement; we can only recall him in the winter transfer window. We’ll discuss it with the player then, see what he thinks.

"First, get the contract signed; show our sincerity, and demonstrate our respect and value for him. Let’s not treat him as a youth team player anymore."

"Got it."

Philip pressed his lips in agreement, then jokingly asked, "So what should we consider him now?"

The other side was silent for a few seconds, the voice huskily serious, "A rising star, the hope of Arsenal."

Philip was taken aback; the line went ’beep’ and was cut off. He didn’t think much more about it, found the fan, and prepared to go for a drink.

However, he was quite aware that Mr. Wenger’s heart finally seemed not so empty.

...

"After 9 rounds of the Premier League, Manchester United ranks top of the points table with 7 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, followed by Chelsea, with Arsenal in third!" —— ’BBC’ Premier League column

"Fabregas returning from injury? It’s rumored he’s privately contacted Barça multiple times; the player might leave Arsenal in the winter transfer window." —— ’Sun’

"Liverpool 1-2 Blackburn at home, the biggest upset this Premier League round!" —— ’Pigeon Prediction’

"The 13th round of the Championship featured a dramatic comeback from two down to three! Sheffield United’s 17-year-old striker Ma’el scored a hat-trick helping the team turn the tables, to independently contribute to 16 goals in 13 league games!" —— ’442’ chief editor

"Is Arsenal about to receive reinforcements? Their loaned player Ma’el is performing outstandingly at Sheffield United, potentially topping the scorer and assist charts in the first half of the Championship!" —— ’British Guardian’

After this round of matches, numerous post-match reports flooded the internet, sparking heated discussions among many fans.

Ma’el’s influence is gradually expanding; most fans who have paid attention to the UK secondary league already know his name.

Even many fans who only pay attention to Premier League news often accidentally come across reports about him.

This is the soft power improvement brought about by his hard power improvement, and it’s bound to happen.

The era of the Internet has arrived, and the speed of information transmission is fast.

When the phrase ’hat-trick comeback from two behind’ appears, when the words ’17-year-old young general independently creates 16 goals in 13 Championship rounds’ appear.

It captures attention, inevitably.

"His ability to seize opportunities is too strong; this kid has an exceptionally powerful long shot!"

"His crossing isn’t bad either, I feel like he at least has the main winger strength for a mid-to-lower-table Premier League team."

"More than that!"

"I don’t quite agree; 5 out of his 8 goals are long shots from outside the box. Are the Championship’s midfielders and defenders that incompetent? Isn’t this easy to defend?"

"I had the same doubts until I watched his game... His shooting is truly fierce, unless you completely mark him out, always denying him shooting chances, otherwise, he can precisely strike against you."

"Is his hit rate high?"

"Three or four out of ten, Sky Sports commentator referred to him as ’King of the Long Shot’ while talking about him."

More people are discussing him; under every hot post related to him are dozens or even hundreds of discussions.

These people discuss here and are sure to talk about it with their friends later, subtly influencing more people to pay attention to Ma’el.

...

The following noon, Ma’el and Gilbert visited an American-style billiard hall, played some American 9-ball, and sat resting on a booth sofa.

It’s a rare day off, so naturally, they wanted to relax, temporarily disconnect from football.

After this day, they’ll need to get back to tiring training days and additional practice tasks again.

"Two cups of coffee, and a dessert combo, please."

Gilbert, holding the drink menu, flaunted like a big shot, ordering dominantly, "The most expensive one, yes, my friend is treating; he’s about to get a raise in salary again."

Once the waiter left, Ma’el looked at him, laughing, "Why not get more; these things wouldn’t even cover the tip of my last game bonus."

In fact, since coming to Sheffield United, his main income has really been goal bonuses and win bonuses.

This morning he did the math, and including last game’s £10,500 bonus, his season bonuses totaled exactly £55,000.

This is post-tax, surpassing the post-tax salary he received after getting a raise to 10k.

He now had a savings of £120,000, enough to buy an entry-level sports car or rent a detached villa.

The improvement in material conditions has stimulated Ma’el’s consumer desires, which is human nature and unavoidable.

Save some more money, and when he returns to London in the future, he wants to rent a villa, take driving lessons, buy a sports car to drive to and from training!

Anyway, the salary will still increase.

In the future, when his financial situation gets even better, he could even purchase some luxury properties in major cities worldwide, take a vacation anywhere during the off-season, experiencing different countries’ customs.

"Tch." Gilbert pretended not to care, but his face was already as sour as a lemon, "I’ll get a raise too, it’s just a matter of time."

"Before congratulating you..."

Ma’el picked up a drink, pretending it was wine to toast, "Let’s toast to me first; I’m truly getting the raise tonight."

Gilbert helplessly pursed his lips, leaned on the pool table with the cue, and aggressively broke, sinking the golden 9.