From Arsenal to the Ball God

Mendes’ time spent on the opponent is noticeably increasing, affecting his efficiency in solving problems for him.

More crucially, this player, who will only turn 19 next season, is likely to maintain his form and contest with him and Messi for the top spot!

This contest might even begin early in the upcoming European Cup!

Ronaldo is certainly not someone who fears competition. His career has not been smooth sailing; one could say everything he has now was earned and competed for.

He understands that only by maintaining this competitiveness can he keep moving forward and become an even more unstoppable player!

However, the pressure still rushes in like a tide. Ma’el’s journey from obscurity to global fame has been way too fast, so much so that he feels the opponent seems like an alien.

As a star emerging from the Premier League, Ronaldo comprehends the difficulties of the Premier League. Scoring 41 goals there is something not everyone can achieve, and he admits it’s harder than scoring 41 goals in La Liga.

"What are you thinking?" Mourinho insightfully asked about his emotional change. "Feeling pressured?"

Ronaldo did not deny it. He nodded slightly and, after calming his emotions, said, "But I will digest this pressure well and turn it into motivation.

"Next season, everyone will see a better Ronaldo."

"That’s good." Mourinho laughed. He has encountered many great strikers throughout his career, and undoubtedly, Ronaldo is the strongest one.

Even though his emotions for Drogba may be deeper, he is certain that Ronaldo is better!

If such a player can be motivated, it will bring a significant change to the team.

After chatting with Ronaldo, Mourinho saw Florentino beckon him over.

He walked to the back side of the conference room and sat down with Florentino.

"What does Mendes mean?" Florentino immediately talked about Mendes, or rather, Ma’el. "Is he trying to operate a player transfer to Real Madrid?"

"I haven’t heard him mention it recently." Mourinho replied truthfully. He indeed hasn’t heard Mendes talk about Ma’el’s transfer matters recently.

Florentino’s expression soured, and in a hoarse voice, he said, "I’m not good at saying anything about him in front of you, but please convey my message to him. We need a clear answer.

"If we confirm we can’t buy him, we must secure Bell as his replacement."

Mourinho nodded; this matter indeed needs to be planned ahead.

He prepared to speak but heard Florentino continue, "I can’t understand what he is thinking. You and Ronaldo are here working together, creating a great endeavor, isn’t that good?

"Or is Mendes so professional that he can put aside emotions at work?

"Arsenal Club is also perplexing with their massive debt crisis. We could clearly help them with over hundreds of millions of pounds."

Mourinho closed his mouth, not planning to speak further. This was purely venting.

However, as someone who has created countless miracles early in his coaching career, he felt he somewhat understood Mendes and Ma’el.

They want something new, a colossal success created entirely by themselves!

Rather than extending success at an already successful club or sharing the victory fruits with others at a star-studded place.

They are two ambitious people, or rather, one ambitious person accompanied by someone who shelters him from the wind and rain.

...

In Barcelona, inside the conference room, Barça’s entire team was seated watching Arsenal’s match.

Their positions were mostly clear; they hoped to see Arsenal win today, becoming the first team to break the hundred-point mark.

Compared to their arch-rivals Real Madrid stepping on their Dream Three’s glory for massive success, Arsenal achieving an undefeated championship in the Premier League in a historical manner is much more acceptable.

This season, they bore substantial resentment against Real Madrid, including dissatisfaction from having their dominance broken and regret from losing at home in the national derby.

Plus, the historical grudges between arch-rivals... the feuding over the ’Fabregas incident’ with Arsenal seems insignificant.

However, clearly, this situation puts Fabregas in the middle, even directly opposing the club.

He is one of the few, if not the only one in the team, who hopes for Arsenal’s defeat.

On one hand, his love for Barça might not be as deep, and on the other hand, his conflict with Wenger and Ma’el is well-known.

Watching his enemies triumphantly create history is far harder than them losing the championship and experiencing failure.

This season, Fabregas has lived in regret, not being heavily utilized at Barça nor able to replicate his highlights at Arsenal, leaving him sleepless.

To make matters worse, Arsenal has soared ever since his departure, winning consecutive titles in the English League Cup and Premier League, achieving the Double Crown.

And they remained unbeaten in the league, breaking record points, record wins, and today even challenging an undefeated season with a three-digit point tally!

His greatest fear was regretting his move to Barça, but the stark contrast between both places makes it hard for him not to breed such feelings.

Once he senses regret, his pride will place him in a very twisted state, thus fostering greater resentment towards Ma’el and Wenger.