Chapter 806 - 9: The Gambling Companies’ Fear of Ma’el! Signing the Salary-Raise Contract! The Start of a Brand-New Season!

"Hi."

Wenger soon arrived in front of Little Kroenke, exchanging a high-five and a hug.

"How shall I reward you and your team?" Little Kroenke hugged Wenger, glancing at the other two tables in the restaurant, showing a look of curiosity.

"Mendes?"

He had been dealing with Mendes frequently lately, and was familiar with Mendes’ physical features, recognizing him just from his back.

Wenger quickly separated from him, and the two laughed as they approached Mendes.

Mendes was holding his forehead, trying to hide his face, but he couldn’t escape this ordeal.

Nearby, Guardiola was taken aback, pulling a coaching assistant over, whispering, "Just remember, no matter what happens, you just have to remember."

"Uh... uh." The assistant nodded continuously, occasionally exclaiming ’ah~’, appearing very teachable.

Wenger hadn’t reached Mendes yet when he noticed the suspicious Guardiola.

His gaze swept over a few Bayern Munich assistants, and he subconsciously looked at the floor, noticing a Bayern Munich logo embroidered on someone’s socks.

The man quickly reacted, pulling his foot in, but he knew Wenger had certainly seen it.

Wenger’s face sank; he could confirm these people were from Germany, and the one chatting with someone was Guardiola.

"Pep."

He called out, aiming to let Guardiola know he had recognized him.

Guardiola, with his back facing Wenger, paused briefly, then slowly turned around, awkwardly smiling, "What a coincidence, didn’t expect to meet Mr. Wenger while watching a game."

"Ha....." Wenger dryly laughed, knowing full well the purpose of Guardiola and his group here.

He turned his head, casting a questioning look at Mendes, then subconsciously glanced at the person sitting opposite Mendes, his face turning even darker.

Florentino knew he couldn’t avoid it, so he feigned generosity, took off his mask, stood up, and extended his hand smiling to Wenger, "What a coincidence, didn’t expect the three of us to meet here.

"Congratulations on winning the 3rd championship; I believe Arsenal will certainly win the Premier League championship this season."

Guardiola also stood up to greet the two.

The trio stood together, glaring at each other, looking like fools, while Pep and Old Buddha’s toes curled towards the ground... an action they had not done for years.

Behind them, Mendes awkwardly rubbed his face, revealing embarrassment. Feeling he couldn’t stay any longer, he nodded at Little Kroenke then got up to leave.

"Hello?" he picked up the phone as he walked, "Ah..... right now? Congratulations, congratulations, I’m at Wembley, coming over soon!"

Little Kroenke and the England, Germany, and Spain trio focused on his back, watching him leave, all filled with hatred towards Mendes at that moment, even considering devouring him.

After a moment, they looked at each other; they understood, as rivals for Ma’el, they would need to offer more to keep or acquire him.

A player that sought after, without something special, surely would not be attainable.

...

"Ma’el’s four goals + Miracle Ball! Leading early for the 2012 Puskás Award! Arsenal defeated Chelsea 4-1 to win the Community Shield Cup!"—The Times (UK)

As night fell, news regarding the match appeared in major headlines, capturing people’s attention.

It was evident that Ma’el’s four goals and Miracle Ball led the headlines, garnering more attention than Arsenal’s championship win.

Fans, browsing reports and enjoying the seemingly ’surreal’ goal, were eager for the new season, already feeling the heat surrounding football.

"Is this a goal human beings can score?! Fancy play, bouncing the ball off the ground, turning and side-kicking mid-air! I’ve never seen such a spectacular goal!"

"Ma’el is obviously so strong, yet why is his flexibility so good?"

"Indeed, without superb flexibility, scoring this goal would never be possible!"

"The relationship between strength and coordination isn’t as people imagine, less influenced by height. Ronaldinho was strong, yet still agile."

"Ma’el might redefine football! His first unprecedented goal hints at the second, third to come!"

"Four goals... seems he maintained his form into the season, betting he will win the Golden Boot again!"

"The four major leagues are about to start, having games to watch with young players like Ma’el, delightful!"

"Watching young players has a nurturing joy, intoxicating!"

"....."

In the following morning, The Guardian published the odds rankings from major bookmakers for various Premier League categories.

"Premier League Championship Odds! Arsenal is top, odds 2.0, Chelsea second place, odds 3.75, Manchester’s Twin Heroes positioned third and fourth!"—The Guardian

"Premier League Golden Boot Odds! Ma’el ranked first, odds 1.5, Van Persie second, odds 4.25, Aguero third, Rooney fourth!"—The Guardian

"Premier League Assist King Odds! David Silva first, odds 2.5, Valencia second, odds 4.5, Ma’el third, odds 6, Mata and Bell fourth and fifth."—The Guardian