When playing football, you should call it GOAT.

Chapter 130 Discussing Heroes Over Wine in the Champions League

Highbury Stadium witnessed a Champions League knockout match that was never in doubt.

With two goals from Thierry Henry, Arsenal defeated Celta Vigo 2-0, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 5-2 aggregate score.

Celta Vigo's manager Antić is clearly conserving energy to avoid relegation, resting key strikers Edu and Milosevic.

But substitute Pinilla delivered a standout performance, creating numerous threats.

In the 14th minute, Bergkamp provided a brilliant assist for Henry to open the scoring.

In the 34th minute, Henry scored again after receiving a cross from Ljungberg, sealing the victory.

Despite the Celta Vigo players' best efforts, with Mostovoi even rushing into the stands to try and get the ball, the difference in skill was obvious.

In the second half, Celta Vigo defender Contreras received a second yellow card and was sent off, effectively ending any suspense in the game.

Wenger brought on substitutes such as Nonda and Kanu, and Arsenal easily advanced.

The night at the San Siro belonged to the Rossoneri! AC Milan secured a resounding 4-1 victory, eliminating Sparta Prague 4-1 on aggregate and advancing strongly to the Champions League quarterfinals.

The game started dramatically, with fireworks thrown by fans briefly interrupting the match.

Milan players quickly took control of the game, and in the 45th minute, Filippo Inzaghi, who was celebrating his 100th appearance for Milan, opened the scoring with a brilliant header.

This super striker used his signature goal-scoring instinct to open the door to victory for his team.

After the break, Sparta's young player Jon capitalized on a defensive error to equalize the score.

At the crucial moment, Ukrainian nuclear warhead Shevchenko stepped up: in the 66th minute, he overpowered the defender to score with a header, and in the 79th minute, he sealed the victory with a one-on-one chance.

Gattuso added the finishing touch, sealing the victory with a long-range shot and even excitedly taking off his shirt in celebration.

Throughout the match, Milan dominated possession with 60%, completely suppressing their opponents.

Ancelotti's tactical adjustments have yielded significant results, with the attacking duo of Shevchenko and Inzaghi proving to be incredibly effective.

This victory not only ended Milan's two-game losing streak in the Champions League home games, but also demonstrated the Rossoneri's determination to compete for the Champions League title.

Scene from the mixed zone.

A reporter from L'Équipe was the first to ask: "What are your thoughts on eliminating the Bundesliga giants with a 5-3 aggregate score?"

Roy wiped the sweat from his brow: "I must say we went through two tough matches. In fact, the difference in strength was far less than the score suggests. But for two attacking teams, a portion of the goals are often determined by fate, and the team that scores first tends to score more."

A reporter from Bild immediately followed up: "What were you thinking when you scored against Kahn?"

"Kahn is a top-class goalkeeper."

"Is this the strongest goalkeeper you've ever faced?" the German reporter interrupted.

Roy shook his head: "To be honest, I'm more wary of Peter Cech. Kahn is injured right now, and I didn't experience his prime."

The Kicker reporter then asked, "Which Bayern defender is the hardest to get past?"

“Sagnol, he’s directly matched up against me.”

Roy answered without hesitation, "And he knows my habits too well. As a senior member of the French national team, he has caused me a lot of trouble."

A reporter from Marca squeezed to the front: "Will Deschamps asking you to track back affect the attack?"

“That’s how football is,” Roy shrugged. “Attacking opportunities don’t always exist, and you need to help the team every minute. If you can’t help the team on the offensive end, then you need to put in the effort on the defensive end.”

A reporter from Gazzetta dello Sport asked loudly, "How's your partnership with Giuly?"

Speaking of his teammates, Roy smiled: "Ludovic is a genius. We work well together, both at the club and the national team. He has exquisite technique that is second to none and a great character. He always makes his teammates feel at ease in the locker room, while on the field, he is the opposite for the opponents."

A Guardian reporter posed a tactical question: "How do you adapt to the different paces of Ligue 1 and the Champions League?"

"The intensity of the Champions League is indeed much higher," Roy said earnestly. "All we can do is stay focused. Although we lack experience, we must at least make sure we perform at our best. Just remember that when we feel pressure, we should first make our opponents feel pressure too, and then figure out how to solve the problem."

A reporter from France Football asked, "Did you study Kahn's save habits before the match?"

“Yes,” Roy admitted. “I have to admit that’s true. I’ve watched his save highlights from the last few seasons, and a lot of ideas are practically etched into my head. For the goal against Bayern in the first round, I told myself, cut one more step to the right and shoot to the far post, because Kahn is a right-footed goalkeeper. And that’s how I scored.”

A Daily Mail reporter asked loudly, "How far can Monaco go?"

"At least we've made it to the quarterfinals, haven't we?" Roy asked with a smile.

The AS reporter then asked, "Who do you least want to face in the quarterfinals?"

Roy thought for a moment: "To be honest, apart from Deportivo La Coruña and Lyon, I don't know much about Real Madrid, Milan, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Porto. This kind of unknown is what makes me worried."

A reporter from the Munich Daily News asked provocatively, "Mateusz said you were overrated?"

“I hope everyone thinks that way,” Roy calmly replied. “Being underestimated is actually a good thing.”

A reporter from Tuttosport asked, "Who is better, Zidane or Pirlo?"

“They are all top midfielders,” Roy answered cautiously, “but I have never played with Pirlo, and I would choose Zidane without hesitation.”

Finally, the London Evening Standard reporter asked, "What do you think of Wenger's Arsenal?"

"They beat Celta Vigo 5-2 and remain unbeaten in the Premier League," Roy analyzed seriously. "Henry and Pires are both very strong, and Bergkamp is a master. Nonda is my former teammate, and I know how dangerous he is. To be honest, I don't want to face Arsenal."

The lights at the Stade Louis II were still on, and fans lingered in small groups outside the stadium, reluctant to leave.

Some people held up beer bottles, others waved red and white scarves, and hoarse voices sang impromptu lyrics: "We beat Bayern Munich!"

The cheers of the fans spread from the stadium all the way through the streets and alleys of Monte Carlo like a tide.

The sound struck the casino's glittering exterior walls and bounced back, even making the windows of a nearby five-star hotel vibrate.

Several wealthy men in sharp suits were about to leave the hotel when they were startled by the sudden noise.

They stopped and looked at the fans waving scarves in the street, their faces breaking into rare smiles.

One of them straightened his tie and said to his companion, "Looks like we'll have to take a detour tonight, but it's worth it."

The waiters at the corner café had long since put down what they were doing and were leaning on the railing, chanting slogans along with the fans.

The shopkeeper shook his head but didn't stop him. Instead, he took out a few more cases of beer to chill.

In the distance, at the yacht marina, several Russian businessmen stood on the pier, holding champagne.

They had been discussing business, but now, caught up in the atmosphere, one of the bearded men raised his glass and shouted in broken French, "Cheers! To football!"

This caused a burst of laughter from nearby fans.

The cheers spread all the way from the stadium to the casino, from the hotel to the dock.

Throughout Monte Carlo, everyone, rich and poor alike, was united by the same joyful sentiment tonight.

The team bus stopped directly in front of Jimmy'z nightclub.

Deschamps was the first to get out of the car. His tie was long gone, his shirt collar was open, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows.

Roy and Juli walked at the front, arm in arm, both dressed in casual clothes—Roy in an oversized hip-hop baseball uniform, and Juli in a fitted suit.

Evra and Rothen walked behind, exchanging fist bumps and high-fives with the security guards at the entrance as if they knew the way well.

As he passed the bar, Evra suddenly stopped, his eyes lighting up.

“Hey, Margarita!” he whistled and walked straight toward the hot blonde bartender.

The woman turned around, a meaningful smile curving her red lips: "Patrice, it's you again."

Evra lay lazily on the bar, his fingers fidgeting with Margarita's nails: "Same as always, Margarita, give me a little extra tonight."

He lowered his voice, a mischievous grin on his face: "Remember when you taught me how to mix drinks?"

Margarita slapped his hand away in annoyance: "Yeah, you can't even hold a shaker properly, but you're pretty good at unhooking my bra."

As he spoke, he poured half a glass of tequila into the glass, the ice cubes clinking loudly.

Rotten rolled his eyes from behind: "Can you two stop showing off in public? There are other people here who want to drink!"

The champagne tower refracted a dazzling light under the laser lights.

In the locker room, club president Campora, his face flushed, announced, "I'll pay for tonight's expenses."

The nightclub was booked out entirely, and even Rothen, who was used to big events, whistled: "This is way too extravagant!"

Roy grabbed his shoulder and yelled in his ear, "Are you stupid?! We just helped him earn at least ten million euros in Champions League prize money, what's wrong with drinking a few bottles of his wine?"

The players swaggered into the nightclub with their female companions, followed by a large group of glamorous women. Blonde, blue-eyed Eastern European models, tanned Latina beauties, and tall, sexy women—all types were represented, flooding into the VIP area like a fashion show.

Roy whistled loudly: "This lineup is even more impressive than our bench!"

Rothen counted the number of players and said to Evra with a wicked grin, "Looks like we'll be splitting the game in two halves tonight."

Deschamps frowned. He usually hated these kinds of occasions, but he made an exception and didn't say anything tonight.

Sitting in a corner booth, I watched this group of crazy kids shake their heads and smile wryly.

Juli had already jumped onto the table, his shirt buttons undone, and was swaying to the rhythm of the music.

Evra had somehow pulled bartender Margarita over as well, and the two were kissing behind the champagne tower.

The nightclub's laser lights flashed wildly, and figures swayed on the dance floor.

Evra had just finished belting out Nelly's "Hot in Herre," his shirt already soaked with sweat. He shoved the microphone into Roy's hands: "Boss, it's your turn!"

He stepped aside and started belting out the chorus: "California love~"

The DJ switched to the instrumental version of 2Pac's "California Love" at just the right moment.

Roy took the microphone, shook his head and smiled shyly, looking just like a student being called on by the teacher to answer a question.

But just when everyone thought he was going to decline.

He suddenly raised his head, his eyes instantly becoming sharp and confident.

Evra immediately dropped his nonchalant expression and obediently stood behind Roy as a backup singer.

The microphone twirled gracefully in his hand, and the next second, fluent American English flowed with explosive energy:

"Monaco-side in the house!"

Roy suddenly changed "Westside" in the original lyrics to "Monaco-side," and this impromptu change exploded like a bomb.

The change was so fast that Evra almost bit his tongue.

One second he was a shy boy next door, the next he transformed into a hip-hop king who commanded the entire scene.

Roy even casually loosened his tie and hung it around his neck, a casual gesture that drew screams from the girls in the audience.

His voice was deep and powerful, with each syllable perfectly timed.

"What the hell?" Juli rubbed his eyes. "Is this some kind of split personality?"

Morientes smiled and shook his head: "No, this is the real Roy."

When Roy launched into his Dr. Dre rap, he suddenly turned the microphone toward Evra: "Your turn, rookie!"

Caught off guard, Evra yelled out the last sentence in a broken voice, then burst into laughter and collapsed.

The crowd started to cheer, and who remembered that he and Roy almost came to blows over that little thing with Shabani Nonda?

That's how Roy is. He gives everyone face in the locker room. When they win, everyone shares the credit, and when they lose, he takes the blame himself.

But if someone doesn't appreciate his kindness, he can turn on them more ruthlessly than anyone else.

At that moment, Roy pulled Evra up, shoved the microphone back into his hand, and winked: "Next time, I'll give you a couple more lines in the chorus."

Evra had just grinned when Roy added, "As for the restaurant, you should at least come up with a concrete plan. How long has it been dragging on?"

Evra's eyes lit up; it was a done deal!

Previously, he had been desperately trying to get Roy to partner with him in opening a restaurant in Paris, even suggesting that Roy wouldn't have to put up any money and could just be listed as a co-owner to get a 30% stake.

Who doesn't know that Roy's fame is skyrocketing right now?

The mere fact that "Roy is in charge" is enough to keep the restaurant packed every day.

"Don't worry, boss!" Evra patted his chest and assured him, "I've already thought of the menu, the signature dish will be called 'Monaco-side Steak'!"

Evra is a decent person, just a bit short-tempered, but overall he is quite protective of his reputation.

Furthermore, he also brought Juli along, so Roy was willing to agree.

Deschamps clapped softly in the booth. Why does Roy always manage to explode at crucial moments?

This seemingly quiet young man has always harbored such energy within him.

On March 11, 2004, helicopters roared over the French countryside.

Roy crossed his legs, flipping through the thick product catalog, his fingertips tracing the pages of coated paper.

His sportswear brand is called AETHOS, a sub-brand of his ROI X.

Derived from the Greek word aithós, meaning "pure flame" or "supreme energy".

The intention is to express the idea that "technology empowers the pinnacle of sports".

Just like Nike uses "Alpha" to represent first place.

They specialize in practical accessories such as sports protective gear and training equipment, taking a professional approach.

Claire handed a stack of documents to Roy.

Amid the noise of the propellers, she raised her voice and said, "Final version of the dual-company structure plan."

Roy took the document and turned to the page highlighted in red: "AETHOS is registered in Ireland, with a corporate income tax rate of 12.5% ​​and no capital gains tax."

“The ROIX trademark is held by the Dutch company,” Claire added. “Under the patent box system, the effective tax rate on franchise revenue is 5%. AETHOS pays 5-8% of sales to ROIX annually, which is tax-deductible in Ireland, and enjoys preferential treatment in the Netherlands.”

Roy flipped through the documents and nodded.

The reason for not choosing Monaco is that the US market would impose a 20% withholding tax, and the EU is also keeping an eye on Monaco.

The Netherlands has 72 tax treaties, making capital flows safer.

She suddenly laughed, "By the way, Evra asked you last time if you wanted to open a restaurant together? This structure applies to that too."

Roy raised an eyebrow: "How did you know I'd already agreed?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

"As long as Evra makes the national team just once, this investment will be a sure win."

She paused meaningfully, "Besides, you've already hinted in three post-match interviews that Santini should consider him and Abidal."

Roy chuckled softly.

This is the survival rule of the locker room—as the eldest brother, you have to fight for the national team opportunities for your younger brothers, and then they will fight hard for you in the locker room and on the field.

Trading a national team spot for a profitable restaurant—everyone knows the value of this deal.

Roy pushed the documents back: "Have the Dublin lawyers draft an agreement this week, focusing on confirming it."

“The arm’s length principle and the percentage of royalties,” Claire continued, “we’ve already scheduled a flight from KPMG’s tax advisor to fly over today.”

(KPMG, one of the Big Four accounting firms, headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Claire finished her presentation.

“The existing protective gear line is selling well,” he said, pointing to the pages on basic protection. “Wristbands and knee braces have the highest repurchase rates.”

These sales figures are no accident. "ROI Tactical Room" is now one of the top five sports radio programs in France, and lucky viewers are drawn to receive gifts during each program.

After receiving the Golden Boy Award, Roy was often seen wearing AETHOS sports protective gear when the media photographed his daily training sessions.

Not to mention, when they were interviewed by L'Équipe, the team used the interview rights to directly exchange for nearby advertising space in the current issue of the article.

Claire leaned closer and saw that the catalog listed: knitted compression ankle braces, elastic knee braces, and wrist braces with anti-slip silicone strips.

The entire color scheme is cool tones of black, gray, and blue, exuding a sense of professionalism.

Roy flipped to the training aids category and tapped on the picture of the squat shoulder pads: "We'll be focusing on this next quarter. Those guys in the gym who scream and howl on leg days will definitely need it."

It also points to personal care products, saying, "Antiperspirant sprays and antiperspirant hairsprays are the blue ocean of the future. Don't be fooled by the low technical threshold; there are currently no grooming products on the market specifically designed for athletes."

“But the most profitable items are probably these little gadgets,” he suddenly laughed, flipping to the category of practical small items—waterproof gym bags, sneaker deodorizing sets, and non-slip water bottles, each labeled with “gross profit margin 65%+”.

Claire's eyes lit up: "Those fitness enthusiasts love collecting these little things."

AETHOS and Nike are complementary rather than competitive: Nike focuses on athletic footwear and apparel and trend culture, while AETHOS focuses on fitness protective gear, training aids and high-margin sports accessories (such as sports protective gear, sweat spray, and deodorant sets), taking a professional and practical approach.

Although there is some overlap in users between the two, AETHOS focuses on functional niche markets that Nike has not penetrated (such as high-frequency demand in gyms), relying on functional repeat purchases rather than brand premium.

They can coexist in the short term, and if AETHOS grows stronger in the long term, it may trigger Nike's interest in acquiring it. However, at present, they are significantly different and there is very little conflict.

Outside the porthole, the Parisian skyline gradually came into view.

Roy closed the catalog, and the gold-embossed "AETHOS" on the back cover gleamed in the sunlight.

He hopes that this brand, which started with protective gear, will become synonymous with a sporty lifestyle under his leadership.

“We’ve secured that shop in the Marais district,” Claire reported amidst the engine noise. “The rent is 20% higher than our budget, but there’s a high-end gym right next door.”

She flipped through the photos of the selected locations, saying, "Those wealthy people who have finished their leg workouts can just walk a few steps to the store and make a purchase."

Roy rubbed his temples; the bruise on his right knee from the tackle by the Bayern defender was still throbbing.

Today's schedule is packed: an interview with L'Équipe in the morning, a meeting with a KPMG accountant at noon, a fitting at Dior in the afternoon, and a visit to the new store in the evening so that the tabloids can take some photos.

I'm flying to Nyon, Switzerland early tomorrow morning to meet up with Deschamps and Giuly for the Champions League quarter-final draw.

He stared at the clouds outside the porthole, his eyelids growing heavier and heavier until he drifted off to sleep.

William Hill just updated the odds for the Champions League quarter-finals, and European bettors are in an uproar.

Arsenal - 5/2 (Odds 2.5)

Top favorite, unbeaten season in the Premier League is in full swing.

Real Madrid - 13/5 (Odds 2.6)

The Galacticos boast a formidable lineup, but their defensive vulnerabilities are being viewed with caution by bookmakers.

AC Milan - 5/1 (Odds 5.0)

The defending champions, but stumbles in the group stage affected their rating.

Monaco - 5/1 (Odds 5.0)

With odds matching those for Milan, Deschamps' young team is considered a dark horse.

Chelsea - 6/1 (Odds 6.0)

The new leader after Abramovich took over has slightly less experience in European competitions.

Deportivo La Coruña - 13/2 (Odds 6.5)

They defeated Juventus twice to advance in the round of 16, but their squad depth remains questionable.

Porto - 12/1 (Odds 12.0)

Mourinho's team has not yet received enough attention.

Lyon - 18/1 (Odds 18.0)

The French Ligue 1 champions, Xiaozhuang, are second only to the emperor, but their poor performance in European competitions makes them the least favored team.

Arsenal beat Real Madrid to the top of the table, with odds of 5-2 leading many veteran bettors to exclaim, "Is the Gunners really going to take off this season?"

But the most surprising result was Monaco.

The odds of 5-1 being on par with AC Milan immediately sparked controversy at various betting stations.

A bearded Spaniard standing nearby shook his head and said in accented English, "Don't be silly, Real Madrid is the safe bet. 13 to 5, Zidane and Ronaldo are both there, what do you Premier League teams know about how to play in the Champions League?"

Someone in the corner chimed in, unconvinced: "What about Liverpool?"

The Spaniard chuckled dismissively: "Liverpool? They didn't even qualify for the Champions League this year."

After saying that, he deliberately looked around and asked, "Has anyone seen Liverpool?"

This caused several guests around to burst into laughter.

The most controversial case is Monaco.

A Marseille fan posted on a forum: "Why are Monaco's odds the same as Milan's? How many of their players have ever played in the Champions League?"

Someone immediately retorted: "Have you looked at Roy's stats this season? The bookmakers are scared when the odds are 5-1!"

Milan fan Marco is placing a bet over the phone: "Give me 200 euros for Milan, Shevchenko and Kaká, they're the best team to beat the Premier League."

Meanwhile, Pedro, a Portuguese student, secretly bet on Porto: "12-1! Mourinho's team, the upset specialists!"

The most conflicted are Chelsea fans.

The odds of 6-1 are neither high nor low.

"How far can Ranieri, this nice guy, lead Chelsea?"

John, a farmer in Kent, grumbled but eventually exchanged his £500 note for a Chelsea and Deportivo La Coruña combination bet slip.

The main event is the draw on Friday.

The bookmakers watched nervously as a potential showdown between the two sides came into play.

If Arsenal were to draw Real Madrid, or Milan were to face Chelsea, the odds would be completely reversed.

Standing in front of the odds board for Lyon's 18-1 victory, a bespectacled college student finally slipped in 50 euros: "Give it a shot, and you might just turn a bicycle into a motorcycle."

On the evening of March 11, 2004, Real Madrid's private plane flew to Nyon, Switzerland.

The following is a rough translation of the conversation inside the cabin:

Amidst the rising smoke of cigars, Florentino Pérez, holding a glass, asked with a smile, "With so many strong teams rising in Europe today, which of the eight quarter-finalists do you think is the true champion?"

Valdano poured wine and stepped forward: "My lord, Lyon in Ligue 1 is a formidable team. Their coach, Le Guen, is skilled at training his troops, and Juninho is an expert marksman, scoring eight out of ten free kicks last year."

Florentino scoffed, "Just bones in a tomb! They only scored one goal in two matches against Real Sociedad. If they were to face my Zidane's strategic planning and Ronaldo's daring attacks, they would be as easy as wiping out dry leaves."

Valdano: "Milan's squad is at its peak, Shevchenko and Inzaghi form a formidable duo, Seedorf is a master of both archery and horsemanship, always capable of capturing enemy generals and flags, and Kaká is a young prodigy, his swift runs and deadly through balls are unstoppable. Defending champions!"

Florentino: "The old lion is getting old! Maldini's temples are already gray, and he is nearly forty but still goes into battle. Ancelotti's tactics are conservative, defending seven out of ten times. He will be captured by me sooner or later."

Suddenly, an assistant exclaimed, "Chelsea's new owner, Abramovich, spent lavishly last year, assembling a massive squad and spending hundreds of millions, including my former player, Makelele!"

Florentino: "A monkey in a crown! A nouveau riche with nothing but the stench of money. Ranieri hesitated at the last minute. Last year, he led in six games but was pegged back every time. What's the point!"

Valdano: "Arsenal are unbeaten so far, and their player Henry possesses unparalleled bravery, breaking through defenses single-handedly as easily as taking candy from a baby."

Florentino: "Truly a tiger general! However, his goalkeeper Lehmann is as fiery as fire, and has repeatedly made mistakes by abandoning the pass to attack; Ljungberg is brave but suffers from many injuries, like an eagle with broken wings or a dragon without clouds, and will eventually be unable to take flight."

Valdano: "Deportivo La Coruña won against stronger opponents, keeping a clean sheet in both matches against Juventus. Their coach, Irureta, is adept at using unconventional tactics, with Valerón able to deliver deadly through balls amidst a sea of ​​enemies."

Florentino sneered: "A despicable scoundrel! Pandiani is not a good shooter, yet he has scored twice against Juventus. It must be fate that he is doomed. If he goes to the Bernabéu, he will be exposed for what he truly is."

Valdano: "Monaco's young player Roy broke through Bayern's defense seven times in two matches, scoring two goals and providing two assists, his speed is like the wind."

Florentino: "This young man is indeed brave enough to fight ten thousand men! However, his coach Deschamps has just taken command and has almost no experience in European competitions. Monaco relies solely on youth and vigor. Such tactics are like a young tiger fighting an elephant, and it is difficult to maintain a winning position for long."

"It's a pity that a pearl is covered in dust! And yet..."

His gaze swept coldly over Valdano.

Bardano's forehead was beaded with sweat: "My lord, you are wise; back then..."

"The once-promising star of Real Madrid's youth academy has now fallen to the level of a rough and unrefined team like Monaco. Only when they witness Zidane's brilliant strategies and Ronaldo's divine strike will they know what true dragon spirit is."

Valdano understood and said, "Your Majesty is wise. Once Monaco suffers a crushing defeat, this boy will surely realize the regret of having been cast aside. At that time..."

Florentino's eyes blazed: "That's exactly right! Let him taste what it's like to fight alone. Once he's battered and bruised, he'll be begging to return to the Bernabéu. Only then will the might of my Galactic Battleship be truly revealed."

Valdano: "Porto Mourinho"

Florentino threw down his glass and laughed: "Fame-seekers! The Portuguese league is a shallow pool; how can it recognize a true dragon? Just wait and see!"

The strategists exclaimed in unison, "The heroes of the world are none other than Real Madrid!"

(Read a chapter about daily life first.)

(End of this chapter)