The road to godhood starting from Ligue 1

Chapter 251 I want to tell you my story

This scoreline also puts Paris Saint-Germain one point behind Bastia again.

In the post-match interview, the reporter compared the performance of PSG and Bastia, asking Ancelotti how he felt about being behind Bastia in the standings.

Ancelotti raised an eyebrow (o_O) and then said, "First of all, I want to say that this is the beauty of football, isn't it? Huge investments don't necessarily translate into a lead in the standings."

It provides the possibilities and lays the foundation for building a strong team, but ultimately, the outcome of a match is always determined by the team's performance for 90 minutes, team cohesion, and individual player brilliance.

The reporter continued to ask about Gaião, saying that Gaião scored 23 goals and provided 11 assists in 15 appearances in 17 league matches, which is incredible. What is your evaluation of him?
Ancelotti shook his head. "Evaluation? I think the whole of European football is talking about Jan Gaio right now. I must say, for an 18-year-old, he is writing an extraordinary, almost fairytale story. He is exceptionally talented, mature beyond his years, and his technique, speed, goal-scoring instinct, and the rationality of his ball handling are all far beyond his years."

At just 18 years old, he shoulders the captain's armband, becoming the undisputed core and spiritual leader of a newly promoted team, which in itself speaks volumes about his exceptional qualities. 23 goals and 11 assists in 15 games—such statistics are phenomenal for any player, let alone someone who is only 18!
He has proven himself to be the most decisive player in Ligue 1 right now, without a doubt. His goals are diverse, his assists demonstrate exceptional vision, and he has almost single-handedly reshaped people's perception of what an 18-year-old can do. His performance absolutely deserves all the praise.

However, Ancelotti still mentioned Bastia, saying, "Of course, Bastia's overall tactics are very clear and effective, and the team discipline is very strong, but Gaio is the finishing touch that turns tactics into goals and opportunities into victories. He is the engine and core of their miracles."

Speaking about the next two matches, Ancelotti said, "Our goal is, of course, to win every game."

Upon seeing the interview with PSG, Gaio was surprised by Ancelotti's high praise of him.

To be honest, for a long time, his biggest impression of Ancelotti was when he coached Bayern Munich.

At his retirement press conference, Alonso spoke about his Liverpool career: "I miss my time in England. It was the first time I left my homeland when I was only 22 years old. Liverpool is a very special club with a long history, and I realized that from the first day I joined the team. I was honored to participate in the Istanbul Night and win the Champions League."

Sitting to the side, Ancelotti couldn't help but interject: "You should know that this championship belongs to me."

Only after this scene did Ancelotti achieve his other accomplishments.

As the year draws to a close, the festive atmosphere in Bastia is gradually building.

For fans, the results of two more matches will affect whether they have a happy Christmas.

Bastia training base.

Hagi Bejić no longer gives the team many training tasks; most of the time, the team doctor and physiotherapist lead the players in muscle recovery.

Hagi Begic was worried about the players getting injured.

however,
On December 18th, during the away game against Montpellier, a scene occurred that made Hagi Begic uncomfortable.

De Bruyne twisted his ankle.

In the 62nd minute of the second half, De Bruyne slipped and twisted his ankle during a midfield challenge with an opponent.

Gaio immediately went over to inquire about De Bruyne's condition, but the team doctor shook his head slightly.

De Bruyne's face was full of dejection, and there were even tears in his eyes. He knew he was injured and that he would definitely miss the next game.

He was hurt by getting injured when his teammates needed him the most.

Gaio hugged him. "It's okay, I'm here. Focus on getting better and we'll wait for you to come back."

De Bruyne managed a weak smile.

Other teammates came over to comfort De Bruyne, telling him that they were there for him.

De Bruyne eventually left the field with the help of the team doctor.

After De Bruyne was substituted, Bastia's attack relied entirely on Gaio and Mane on the wings to create scoring opportunities and put pressure on Montpellier.

Bastia had already established a 2-0 lead in the first half, with De Bruyne contributing a goal and an assist, and Gaio scoring a goal. So even though De Bruyne was forced off injured, Bastia still held the lead away from home.

however,
Misfortune never comes singly.

In the 75th minute, Joplin suddenly collapsed again, clutching his hamstring muscles.

Falling to the ground without any resistance!

At that moment, Hagi Begic's expression instantly turned serious. Joplin, having gone through half a season of experience, was gradually finding his form in the center-back position.

The team doctor quickly entered the field and, after a simple test, immediately signaled to Haji Begic to substitute Joplin, as he could not continue.

Hagibis had no choice but to bring on Klose, moving Angura back to center-back.

In this way, the defensive line becomes Klose, Angula, Kahusac, and Sidibé.

Hagi Bejic shook his head; the players were still tired.

Gaio watched as Joplin was helped off the field by the team doctor, his expression equally grave.

A wave of injuries seems to be heading towards Bastia.

This match was truly brutal.

With De Bruyne and Joplin both off the field, Gaio could only stay on the court, and Hagi Begic repeatedly gestured to him – slow down the pace and don't force your way through.

Hagi Begic only intended to make Gaio a threat on the field, not to have him continue dribbling the ball into Montpellier's defense.

Fortunately, when the game ended, the score was still 0-2, and no one else was injured.

The TF1 commentator remarked, "This is a Pyrrhic victory for Bastia! Perhaps their only good news is that their next opponent, Nancy, is not a strong team, that's all."

Even though the Bastia fans knew the team had won, they didn't celebrate much. They were worried about De Bruyne and Joplin.

After the game, Hagi Bejic said, "The team doctor needs to conduct further tests to know the specific situation of the injured players. I don't know how they are right now, but I hope they are not seriously injured."

As for the possibility that if Bastia remains at the top of the standings and wins the next match, they will be able to secure their first-ever top-flight league mid-season title.

He simply said, "Mid-season champion? What kind of champion is that? Is there a trophy? Will this honor be written into the team's history? If not, then it's just an ordinary competition. I won't care about such honors. What I need is for my players to play the whole season in good health."

That night.

Bastia released information about the two players late at night, and fans didn't see the specifics of their injuries, only the time they would be out of action.

De Bruyne will be out for at least two weeks, while Joplin will be out for four to six weeks.

hiss!
Upon seeing this news, Bastia fans felt as if the sky had fallen.

De Bruyne and Joplin are both key players for the team; one is the midfield core, and the other is the defensive backbone.

One person is out for at least half a month due to injury, and the other is out for at least a month due to injury.

What about the remaining matches?
PSG's comeback was too aggressive, resulting in a hard-fought victory for Bastia, while PSG easily defeated their opponents.

The pressure on Bastia is immense!
Gai and his teammates went to visit De Bruyne and Joplin, as the two were being tested at a hospital in Montpellier. The rest of the team did not return to Bastia but stayed there for the night, planning to go back to Bastia together the next day.

When Gaio saw De Bruyne, the latter was in a bad mood, clearly uncomfortable from being sidelined for at least two weeks due to injury.

As always, Gai patted De Bruyne on the shoulder and said in a slightly relaxed tone, "Don't worry, just focus on recovering. At this time last year, I was also leading the team by myself. Don't worry, I have experience leading a team as a single leader."

As he spoke, Gaio glanced at Joplin on the bed next to him, "You too, you know, I'm very good." Hahaha.

Gaio's words eased the tension in everyone's mood, and they all started to laugh.

Haji Begitch and Chatham, who had just entered, shook their heads and smiled helplessly when they heard Gaio's words.

Yes, last season they relied on Gaio to carry the team forward.

They ultimately won the team's record for the most championships in a season and the most in a year.

What now?
It was still this excessively young boy who shouldered the burden of Bastia and forged ahead.

At that moment, everyone present seemed to understand what it meant to be a "captain".

While the others were chatting, Chatham called out to Gaio and asked him to follow him to a corner of the stairwell to talk.

"I still think you'll only play half the game in the next match. After Christmas, when you get a good rest during the winter break, you'll get more playing time."

Chatham got straight to the point. He knew that Gaio had told Haji Begitch that he wanted to play the full match in the next game, and he was there to dissuade Gaio.

Now De Bruyne is injured, Joplin is injured, but Gaio cannot be injured!
Gaio shook his head.

This time he seemed very determined, "No, I need to play the whole game, I want to win this match! The more difficult the situation for the team, the more someone needs to step up and give the fans hope! And also give ourselves hope!"

As he spoke, Gaio looked up at Chatham, who was a head taller than him, his eyes shining.

"but."

Chatham looked into Gaio's eyes and involuntarily lowered his voice.

He could sense Gaio's burning desire to win.

He also agreed with Gaio.

However, this is not in the team's best interest. What the team needs is a healthy Gaio. From a rational point of view, he is unwilling to gamble on Gaio not getting injured for the sake of one game.

“Chatham, no buts.” This time, Gaio didn’t use any honorifics and called Chatham by his name directly. Chatham didn’t mind and continued listening to what Gaio had to say next.

"You know, the team needs someone to step up, and as captain, I have to shoulder the responsibility! Do you want to see a cowardly team captain? Have you forgotten Bastia's iron-fisted style?! Come on, let's fight together to win this game!"

Gaio reached out his hand to Chatham.

Looking at the gleam in Gaio's eyes, Chamta felt a sense of disorientation for a moment.

He seemed twenty years younger, now answering the call of the Bastia captain: "Come on, Chatham, you are Bastia's most reliable defender!"

Chatham reached out his hand, and the cheers of the Bastia fans echoed in his ears—

"Chatham! Bastia's defensive stalwart!!"

"Fight, Bastia!!"

Gay, wearing the number 10 jersey, stood on the court, smiling and extending his hand towards him.

When two hands are clasped together.

The roaring cheers vanished, the green field, the net, the spotlight—everything vanished.

The two were standing at the corner of the hospital stairwell.

late at night.

The Bastia players had all returned to their hotel in Montpellier.

Gaio had trouble sleeping.

He had so much to say and so much to express.

I thought about it.

After washing up, Gaio didn't go to sleep. Instead, he took out paper and pen and sat down at his desk.

The first line of text begins to fall—

"Gaio's Handwritten Letter"

Then came the opening line, "I want to tell you my story."

Gaio was engrossed in his own world, but he did not finish writing the entire piece.

There's still half a chapter left blank; he'll finish the article after the next match.

He looked at the article; it was his first handwritten letter to the fans and the outside world.

He decided to refuse the interview and instead express himself through a handwritten letter published in the newspaper.

"The fans should accept it, right?"

Gaio thought to himself.

When he looked out the window again, the sky was already beginning to lighten.

Its daybreak.

Bastia.

Newspapers on every street corner reported on last night's narrow victory, and some fans who managed to watch the broadcast last night felt as if the sky had fallen when they heard the news.

The day.

Hagi Bejic, in an interview, said, "This was our toughest moment. Every player gave their all, yes, their all. I believe the fans saw the players' hard work and the goals we scored."

When he finished speaking, he couldn't help but say, "When the Golden Boy award is presented, when the game against Nancy is over, and before Christmas, I believe you will receive a surprise about Gaio. He has a lot to say to the fans."

Hagi Begic's last words have made fans eagerly anticipate what's to come.

Because in their minds, Gaio never gives interviews.

He is a player who keeps a low profile.

The match between Bastia and Nancy will not be held until the 23rd.

And it happened on the 21st.

The Golden Boy Awards have been officially presented!

(End of this chapter)