Chapter 781: Truce! Wang Shuo Won! Wang Shuo, Come Claim Your Golden Ball Award! Who Isn't a Master of Sarcasm?

Chapter 781: Chapter 142: Truce! Wang Shuo Won! Wang Shuo, Come Claim Your Golden Ball Award! Who Isn’t a Master of Sarcasm?

However, starting in November, he had successively engaged in a war of words with Ferdinand, the United Kingdom media, the Premier League, and the United Kingdom government.

After that, he became embroiled in the debate over Wang Shuo’s Golden Ball Award.

This was also the topic everyone was most focused on at the moment.

FIFA was clearly well-prepared for this.

After the routine speeches and briefings, the press conference moved to the open Q&A session. The very first question addressed the highly controversial remarks Blatter had made earlier in Spain, which had caused a massive uproar.

FIFA President Blatter stood before the microphone with a smile. “I am very sorry that the media’s over-interpretation has caused some unnecessary misunderstandings.”

Upon hearing Blatter’s words, everyone present was astonished. The press room suddenly went so quiet that only the CLICKING of cameras could be heard.

“We live in an era of chaotic public opinion, where the media constantly misinterprets our words,” Blatter continued.

“What I originally meant to express is that Wang Shuo is an exceptional and outstanding player. Personally, I am also a fan of his, and I frequently watch his matches for Dortmund and Arsenal.

“As the FIFA President, I respect every player. That’s why I mentioned Ronaldo and Messi. Regardless of who wins the award, I will be proud of them.

“Furthermore, the reason I brought up the World Cup was simply to continue what I have consistently expressed in the past. I regret China’s absence from the tournament, and I hope this powerful nation can further integrate into the international football family.

“This was my true intention, but unfortunately, it was wrongly interpreted by the media, leading to various misunderstandings.”

Blatter then began to harshly criticize the media outlets responsible for the misinterpretation, claiming their rhetoric harmed the football environment and disrupted the internal atmosphere of the international football family.

Who among the journalists present wasn’t shrewd?

Upon hearing this, they immediately guessed the true intentions of FIFA and Blatter.

He was trying to de-escalate the situation.

Or rather, he was providing an out.

Sure enough, the next question came from a reporter asking about the veracity of the rumors that Wang Shuo would win the Golden Ball Award.

Naturally, the FIFA President wouldn’t explicitly confirm the rumor on the spot. He smiled and said, “I respect the three shortlisted players. They are all exceptionally talented and are currently the best players in world football.

“I know who will win, but I’m sorry, I cannot reveal that right now.

“If Wang Shuo wins, I think it will be entirely well-deserved. I would be proud of him and even delighted to present the award to him!”

At this point, everything was crystal clear to everyone. Blatter had practically put his cards on the table. The message was obvious—the Golden Ball Award was Wang Shuo’s, and he just needed to come and claim it.

The third question was still related to the Golden Ball Award.

Would Wang Shuo attend the FIFA awards ceremony to receive the Golden Ball Award?

According to rumors, Blatter had personally called Arsenal and even Wenger, hoping the Gunners and Wenger could persuade Wang Shuo to go to Zurich.

However, both the Gunners and Wenger had stated that they were powerless to help.

“We are still trying, but Arsenal informed me that it is the player’s own decision, and they cannot interfere,” Blatter explained to the press.

“However, I believe that Wang Shuo will definitely appear in Zurich!”

With his previous cards on the table, everyone understood the weight of Blatter’s next statement.

If Wang Shuo didn’t attend, who would the Golden Ball Award be given to?

Thin air?

The first few questions had clearly been staged. When the true open Q&A session began, a reporter asked what FIFA would do if Wang Shuo insisted on not attending.

Blatter replied, “I will not answer such hypothetical questions, because I am absolutely certain that Wang Shuo will attend!”

How would they ensure Wang Shuo’s attendance?

Blatter stated that he, FIFA, and many friends who cared about international football were working together on it.

Finally, Blatter spouted a bunch of high-sounding platitudes, claiming that international football was a united and harmonious family, and so on.

In short, FIFA’s current strategy was to downplay the entire incident as a “beautiful misunderstanding.”

Following FIFA President Blatter’s speech, an increasing number of football legends and icons began stepping forward.

For instance, Pele, the King of Football, publicly stated that Wang Shuo was the most talented and capable young genius to emerge in world football over the past few years, with a limitless future.

“In the history of world football, there has never been anyone who has reached such an Achievement at this age!” Pele proclaimed.

Beckenbauer also gave an interview where he helped clarify the misunderstanding while expressing his hope that Wang Shuo would attend the awards ceremony.

“He is a young man with extraordinary talent and outstanding ability. I know him. He will prioritize the bigger picture of football, and he will be in Zurich!”

Even Ronaldo, whom Wang Shuo had publicly acknowledged as his idol, came forward. “Wang Shuo is the player who resembles me the most over the past few years.

“No, actually, I believe the twenty-one-year-old him is even more outstanding than the twenty-one-year-old Ronaldo!”

With so many legendary figures stepping up, the media’s narrative began to shift.

Blatter’s press conference, in particular, was widely interpreted as the FIFA President walking back his previous inappropriate remarks, even without a formal apology.

Wang Shuo had won!

But he hadn’t won completely!

Two days after Blatter’s New Year address, as public opinion began to cool down and the ball was back in Wang Shuo’s court, David Dunn arranged a meeting with Wang Shuo through Wenger.