Chapter 405: A respectable opponent
Looking at Wang Feng rushing madly along the sidelines, with the rest of the Real Madrid teammates chasing closely behind him, and finally embracing him in a group, Cristiano Ronaldo felt his vision blur.
Why? He toiled for a full 120 minutes, only to have all hope shredded at the last moment. He would rather enter that damn penalty shootout and personally miss a penalty to suffer defeat than feel this way now!
The Portuguese felt immensely hopeless at this moment. Manchester United had undoubtedly reached their peak strength, and he himself had remained calm throughout the game, even witnessing the miraculous equalizer in the dying moments of regular time.
At that moment, he truly felt like the unique protagonist, ready to overcome his opponents and lift the Champions League trophy, ascending to the pinnacle of world football!
"So the world's number one position still belongs to him."
A few years ago, when he first heard Wang Feng's name, Cristiano Ronaldo was just a little-known substitute for Sporting Lisbon. When the Portuguese media hyped up his genius performances, he felt quite disdainful. He thought it was absurd that people were amazed by someone who was still in obscurity.
Yet the Chinese superstar rose like a comet, quickly becoming as renowned as Ronaldo, Zidane, and others, ascending to the peak of world football. At this point, Ronaldo's pride and disdain had long disappeared, replaced by a faint admiration and longing.
Joining this European powerhouse of Manchester United, the Portuguese star had prepared to showcase his talents, but things didn't go as smoothly as he hoped. He wasn't mature enough yet, and Wang Feng continued to dominate football. So he quietly prayed, hoping that the Chinese superstar wouldn't fade away too soon, waiting for him to challenge.
His prayers were answered, but perhaps a bit too harshly!
From the era of the extraterrestrial Ronaldo, the legendary Zidane, the magical Ronaldinho, the son of the wind Kaka, to the current era of the Ronaldo-Messi duo, how much longer would Wang Feng reign over football!
Seeing Wang Feng's winning goal, UEFA President Platini, like all other fans in the VIP stands, stood up and applauded. It was truly dramatic!
There wouldn't be much added time left, which meant Real Madrid would become the second club to defend the Champions League title since its restructuring!
The first naturally was Inter Milan a few years ago, and Wang Feng was the one who achieved it for them. Sometimes even Platini had to admit that Wang Feng truly deserved the title of the King of the Champions League.
Why is it so difficult to defend the Champions League? Because there are too many unknown factors involved. The best clubs from all over Europe gather together, competing to determine the sole winner. To a certain extent, the Champions League is already the highest-level football competition in the world.
"What a miraculous player." Platini couldn't help but marvel. He believed that even if Wang Feng were placed in his era, he would have been a dominant force, sparking off fireworks when facing legends like Beckenbauer, Maradona, and others.
At the same time, the UEFA President was filled with anticipation. How high would Wang Feng ultimately ascend?
Manchester United kicked off, but after just a few passes in the back, time ran out, and the main referee didn't hesitate to blow the final whistle.
Amidst a scene of jubilation, Wang Feng felt a sense of relief. He sat down exhausted on the ground, quietly savoring the joy of victory.
But his teammates clearly wouldn't let him relax like this. Cassano was the first to rush over and lift him up. "Champions League champion! I actually won the Champions League!"
Although the Italian didn't get any playing time in the final, he was equally excited. This was a glory he had never dared to imagine before.
"Okay, okay, don't get too excited, Antonio. I have to remind you that standing in front of you is a five-time Champions League winner!" Wang Feng shrugged jokingly.
"You damn guy, you're really making people envy and admire you!" Cassano's eyes lit up with fierce determination, as if the passion for football that had been lost was slowly recovering, and he fell in love with football again!
Then Raul, Guti, Casillas, and others also gathered around Wang Feng, discussing their holiday plans. Some wanted to travel, while others wanted to go to China to watch the Olympics.
"Will you represent the national team in the Olympics?" Raul asked. "Yes, I will participate as an overage player. After all, it's a competition in my homeland." Wang Feng nodded.
"It's just bullying kids." Guti couldn't help muttering, "You'll become the biggest star in the history of Olympic football!"
As usual, the Real Madrid players lined up in two rows under the guidance of the staff, welcoming the runners-up Manchester United onto the podium to receive their medals.
The taste of failure was very unpleasant, especially when success was so close at hand. Most of the Manchester United players hung their heads and didn't want to say much, but some players shook hands with the Galaxy Warship players out of courtesy, congratulating them on their victory.
When Cristiano Ronaldo passed by Wang Feng, he paused for a moment, reached out and shook his hand. "Congratulations, but I will never admit defeat!" His eyes were somewhat red, but his gaze remained clear and determined.
"Very well, welcome you to challenge again." Wang Feng said solemnly. Regardless, the Portuguese was a respected opponent.
After all the Manchester United players received their medals from Platini, none of them chose to wear them around their necks. Instead, they silently walked off the podium with the medals in their hands. Platini comforted them one by one. Tonight, although the Red Devils lost, they could still hold their heads high.
Next was the presentation of awards to the referees, and finally, it was the turn of the champions. As the Real Madrid players each took their turn to step onto the podium, the entire stadium erupted in warm applause and cheers from the fans.
When it was Wang Feng's turn, the atmosphere reached its peak. Platini personally placed the champion's medal around his neck and smiled, "You're quite popular, and it's all because of your strength. Congratulations!"
The Chinese superstar responded with a smile. This time, he didn't downplay anything. To come this far, he had every right to dominate football!
Finally, when Real Madrid lifted the Champions League trophy, the Luzhniki Stadium began to light up with dazzling fireworks, reflecting in the hearts of every Galaxy Warship fan!
At the post-match press conference, as the best player of this Champions League with 18 goals and 9 assists, Wang Feng received the focused attention of all media.
"We played our best, and the players worked very hard for 120 minutes. They are all heroes of this victory."
"Manchester United was very resilient, especially when Cristiano Ronaldo equalized in the 88th minute. To be honest, we were all a bit discouraged, but fortunately, coach Schuster timely encouraged us."
"And to all those who were there at the stadium, cheering for us every moment, and those watching on TV, it was the collective strength that produced the final miraculous goal. It's not just my achievement alone."
"As for next year's goal? Well, I know it's very difficult, but I want to keep winning! Whether it's the league or the Champions League, I will do my best to create a Real Madrid dynasty for this era!"
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