Chapter 779: Cruyff Turn! The Emperor's New Clothes! Hellish Christmas Schedule! Respect Is Not Earned by Begging on Your Knees

Chapter 779: Chapter 141: Cruyff Turn! The Emperor’s New Clothes! Hellish Christmas Schedule! Respect Is Not Earned by Begging on Your Knees

The contract lasted a full four and a half years, running until 2016.

On one side was Arsenal’s main sponsor, and on the other was Arsenal’s star player. The powerful alliance between the two parties actually left Arsenal feeling quite envious.

Why?

While others might not be aware, the Gunners knew a thing or two.

The sponsorship fee for Wang Shuo’s contract reached a staggering four million euros per year.

This was Wang Shuo’s current market value!

In comparison, despite also being sponsored by Emirates Airline, the Gunners only received a meager six million British Pounds annually for their jersey naming rights.

To put it in perspective?

Just by showing his face and shooting a commercial, Wang Shuo could earn more than half of what Arsenal made from their chest sponsorship each year.

This didn’t even include the various perks of being a global spokesperson, such as free business-class flights.

At the signing ceremony, the CEO of Emirates Airline, Tim Clark, attended in person.

“As one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, we have always maintained a leading position in the global aviation industry. Therefore, partnering with the world’s best and most famous sports star is only natural.

“Signing with a global sports star like Wang Shuo will further consolidate our market position.”

Tim Clark stated that Wang Shuo’s image perfectly highlighted the service and quality of Emirates Airline.

In return, Wang Shuo remarked, “I am very grateful to Emirates Airline. Being the global ambassador for such an outstanding airline is my greatest honor.”

Next, Wang Shuo would take some time during his national team training camp to shoot a commercial for Emirates Airline.

The Golden Ball Award ceremony would be held on January 10th.

However, the dispute between Wang Shuo and FIFA President Blatter was still ongoing.

At the scene, a reporter asked Wang Shuo if he would attend the ceremony to accept the award.

“If you are notified that you’ve won, will you attend in person?”

This was clearly a probing question.

Wang Shuo smiled. “Whether I attend the award ceremony has absolutely nothing to do with whether I win. These are two separate matters.

“As the most influential individual award in world football, I believe the Golden Ball Award will not lose its value just because of my absence.

“And as a football player, I have always believed that the pitch is the only place where I can prove my worth.

“Many years from now, the impression the fans have of me will be the truest reflection of my value.”

Wang Shuo’s words earned an enthusiastic round of applause from the audience.

Sitting below the stage, Wenger couldn’t help but smile and nod.

There had to be a mastermind behind Wang Shuo!

The purpose of his statement was clearly to continue isolating Blatter.

The underlying message was that he had the utmost respect for the Golden Ball Award, and he had no issue with FIFA; the only reason he wasn’t going was purely because of that guy named Blatter!

The media at the scene were clearly not entirely satisfied, pressing him further on exactly what it would take for him to attend the Golden Ball Award ceremony.

This was already bordering on a direct confrontation.

Wang Shuo was absolutely certain that this media outlet from Switzerland had definitely been instructed by FIFA.

“That doesn’t depend on me, does it?”

Wang Shuo remained calm and unhurried, a smile playing on his lips.

“From the very beginning, I’ve said that all I want is respect!

“I don’t understand. Am I not being clear enough? Or is there a problem with my phrasing?

“Respect—isn’t that the most basic form of courtesy?”

Wang Shuo looked straight at everyone present, completely open and candid.

“It’s like any one of us here. If you were insulted, if you were humiliated by someone, how would you go about forgiving the person who humiliated you?

“Wouldn’t you want an apology?

“Isn’t this a very simple thing that even a child can understand?

“I don’t get it. Is it that hard to apologize?

“Or is it that some people have been treated specially for so long that they are unwilling to apologize?”

Having said this, Wang Shuo stopped pressing the issue and chuckled instead.

“Even though I’m only twenty-one, my parents, family, teachers, and everyone around me have been teaching me a very simple truth since I was a child.

“Respect is not something you beg for on your knees!”

The reporters at the scene broke into an uproar once again.

Thunderous applause erupted anew.

It was entirely predictable that Wang Shuo’s words would trigger another heated discussion and resonate with countless people.

Why wouldn’t Blatter apologize?

It was because he was that special person!

It was like the Emperor’s New Clothes—everyone knew it, but no one dared to say it.

Now, Wang Shuo had mercilessly torn it away.

Blatter…

This foolish old man really had it coming!

Of all the people he could have messed with, he just had to provoke Wang Shuo!