Chapter 775 141: Cruyff Turn! The Emperor's New Clothes! Hellish Christmas Schedule! Respect Is Not Begged For on Your Knees

De Bruyne currently alternated between playing as a central midfielder and a right winger. Yet, regardless of his position, his role remained essentially the same.

He was dedicated to Passing, and Passing was what he did best.

Ultimately, thanks to Wang Shuo's two assists, Arsenal pulled off a 3-1 comeback victory against Aston Villa. The outside world had long grown accustomed to the Gunners' comeback theatrics. Besides, Aston Villa could hardly be considered a powerhouse.

Since this was the final match before Christmas, reporters asked more questions than usual at the post-match press conference, and Wenger's responses were correspondingly more revealing.

For instance, the Gunners' manager stated that the team's current injury situation was still manageable. The only major headache was Wilshere, who was plagued by recurring injuries. However, considering they were currently bursting with talented Midfielders, it wasn't a significant issue.

Regarding outside rumors that Arsenal intended to sign England international and left-back Wayne Bridge, Wenger issued a firm denial.

"I have never inquired about any situation regarding Bridge."

However, Wenger added, "If a good opportunity arises in the transfer market, we will consider looking for a suitable defender in the winter, but I am still determining whether that is necessary."

Wenger's words were a classic negotiation tactic. If he bluntly declared that the Gunners desperately needed a defender, everyone would know he was anxious and inevitably drive up the prices. Conversely, projecting a nonchalant attitude—taking their time to search and negotiate—was far more likely to yield a reasonable transfer fee.

Case in point: Wenger also denied rumors linking Arsenal to another England international, center-back Gary Cahill.

"Salary would be a massive issue, and we simply don't have the financial resources to compete in a bidding war with other clubs."

The implication was clear: Arsenal would not participate in a spending arms race; they would stick to their steady and pragmatic recruitment strategy.

Regarding the highly publicized ongoing feud between Wang Shuo and Blatter, Wenger and Arsenal stood united in their stance. They supported Wang Shuo completely!

Wenger quoted a line from Arsenal's official statement:

"Wang Shuo's Achievement has long been recognized by media and fans worldwide. Anyone who questions him has clearly never watched him play.

"It is obvious that some people have made a grave mistake.

"Wang Shuo does not merely possess talent, brilliance, and absolute ability—he has a spine forged of steel!

"He deserves respect!"

As Christmas approached, as 2011 drew to a close, and as the 2011 FIFA awards ceremony loomed ever closer, an increasing number of media outlets, football legends, and industry professionals stepped forward. The voices supporting Wang Shuo grew more numerous and increasingly deafening.

Social media across the globe was sent into a complete frenzy!

First, the Huaxia Football Association stepped in, issuing a strongly worded statement accusing Blatter of bias and discriminating against China's players. The Football Association even penned a dedicated letter to Blatter, demanding that he apologize to Wang Shuo and publicly retract his inappropriate remarks.

Meanwhile, the Asian Football Confederation also weighed in, similarly condemning Blatter for using prejudice and discrimination to unfairly target Wang Shuo as a player from Asia.

The media in the United Kingdom went on a full-scale offensive. Blatter and FIFA had already fallen out with them previously. From the World Cup bidding process to the Remembrance Day poppy controversy, and later to Terry's racial discrimination scandal, the two sides were already bitter enemies.

Now, it was out of the frying pan and into the fire. Blatter had unexpectedly tried to drag Wang Shuo down. He had thought the player would be an easy target, only to discover he was a formidable opponent.

The British Sun dropped a bombshell: according to FIFA insiders, Wang Shuo was leading the 2011 FIFA Golden Ball Award voting by a massive landslide!

This exclusive wasn't just confined to the Sun Newspaper; authoritative outlets like France's L'Equipe Newspaper and the German Bild quickly picked up and circulated the story. Even Spain's Marca Newspaper and National Newspaper revealed that the Golden Ball Award results were already overwhelmingly clear.

Wang Shuo was the 2011 FIFA Golden Ball Award winner!

Now, the biggest problem was that Wang Shuo was refusing to accept the award!

This was an unprecedented scenario in the entire history of FIFA's World Footballer of the Year and the France Football Magazine's European Golden Ball Award. An accolade that countless professional players dreamed of had actually been rejected! And the most outrageous part was that his refusal was entirely justified, earning the approval and support of endless media outlets and fans alike.

A perfect storm was already brewing!

It was at this exact moment—the day after their away victory against Aston Villa—that Wang Shuo posted a tweet.

"Respect can only be earned by fighting for it yourself, not by kneeling! Fight! Fight! FIGHT!!"

As soon as this statement dropped, it instantly threw Wang Shuo right back into the center of the maelstrom. It was an abrupt, standalone sentence, lacking context and seemingly coming out of nowhere, yet everyone immediately connected it to the recent wave of public controversy. Especially since the Golden Ball Award ceremony was merely half a month away.

"What's the latest?"

Tomorrow was Christmas. However, on the 24th, FIFA President Blatter was still at the headquarters in Zurich. His nominal excuse was to attend various Christmas events, but in reality, he was waiting for the latest updates.

"We've gone through numerous middlemen," Valcke replied. "Football legends, officials from UEFA and The Football Association, as well as several sponsors and media figures, have all privately reached out and communicated with Wang Shuo and his team."

Valcke's gaze fell upon the emperor of the football world sitting across from him as he spoke. He could tell that Blatter had not been in good spirits lately. The man had lost his usual high-spirited vigor; instead, he seemed to have aged considerably.