When playing football, you should call it GOAT.

Chapter 207 The Era of Roy
In the mixed zone, French players were being interviewed in small groups, all with smiles on their faces.

After all, winning a game with a last-minute winner is always a happy thing.

But Domenech and Henry are clearly not in this category.

The coach was surrounded by reporters. When asked why the goal didn't come until the 89th minute, he kept adjusting his glasses and repeating, "The important thing is that we won."

Henry stood to the side, his expression not looking too good.

From Zidane's first match after his retirement, the contest between Henry and Roy was one-sided.

Throughout the match, Henry seemed to be sleepwalking on the right wing, failing to register a single shot on target or even deliver a decent threatening pass.

In contrast, Roy created danger with three breakthroughs and ultimately saved the team with a free kick.

What's even more awkward is the interaction between the two.

In the 67th minute, Roy broke through and could have passed the ball to Henry, who was in an open position, but instead chose to shoot himself.

In the 81st minute, when Henry received the ball on the right wing, Roy didn't even make a run to support him; he just stood there with his hands outstretched.

These details were captured clearly by the camera, making the so-called "dual-core driven" claim seem particularly ridiculous.

Henry's voice was lower than usual: "To be honest, we still miss Zidane. Every time we train, we think of him on the field; that control is irreplaceable. I know football has to look forward, but some players are just irreplaceable. If I have the chance, I will definitely go and persuade him to come back. I will tell him that the French team needs him, and this team cannot do without his leadership. Even though he has retired, his influence in the locker room is still unmatched. We shouldn't always live in the past, but players like Zidane are worth breaking the rules to win over."

“I called him last week.”

Henry forced a wry smile: "I told you, if you don't come back soon, the locker room is going to be in chaos. Don't laugh, I'm serious. If he's willing, I'll drive to Madrid to pick him up tomorrow."

Before turning away, he left with the final words: "Some geniuses are like air; you take their existence for granted, but only realize how suffocating it is when they disappear."

In the original timeline, his original words were: "We really miss them, but we should start looking forward again. That generation is gone, and we should just remember them. Now it's our generation's turn to take over and step onto the stage. Although it won't be easy, I must persevere. Let's stop bringing up those retired stars every time. If we do, shouldn't Michel Platini also be someone we miss?"

The most awkward moment was when Roy was being interviewed.

When a reporter asked, "Shouldn't this French team be called the Roy team now?" the room fell silent for a moment.

Domenech looked up abruptly, and Henry turned and walked away.

Roy remained calm throughout as reporters bombarded him with questions.

He slowly raised his head, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

"I don't want to say too many polite words. The victory was indeed the result of the whole team's efforts. But to be honest, judging from tonight's performance, we almost only managed to take one point. This is largely due to the team's poor form and lack of adaptation to the new tactics. If it had been a draw or a loss today, I would have been the first to step up and take responsibility—as a striker, failing to score goals to help the team is my dereliction of duty."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the reporters present: "But since I scored that goal, I have a responsibility to speak my mind: None of us players have ever played a 3-5-2 formation at our clubs, so adapting to the new style of play definitely takes time. But the problem isn't that simple. I think we should first determine the most suitable lineup system for our current players. The coaching staff has prepared several tactical plans, but today our coordination with this 3-5-2 formation was simply too unfamiliar."

Finally, he slightly raised his chin: "Perhaps in the next game, we will show a completely different look. This is the direction that the rebuilding French team should take."

The reporter posed the same question to Roy: "What impact will the absence of Zidane have on the French team?"

Roy's answer was straightforward: "The French team will be affected whether anyone is missing or present. But no matter what, we only have one goal: to win. Someone will always step up and take responsibility."

The reporter pressed further, "Then who should bear this responsibility?"

Roy looked directly at the reporter: "You can ask everyone in the locker room, and I believe they are all willing to take responsibility. But since you've asked me, I'll tell you that Roy will take responsibility for the French team."

He smiled slightly: "That's right, that's exactly what I mean. I will take responsibility and do everything I can to bring victory to the team."

Roy's words were practically a declaration that he would become the new core and leader of the French team after Zidane's retirement.

Although the media has made similar comments before, many people still question his qualifications - after all, he is only 19 years old, and many people feel that he should have a few more years of experience.

Some even believe that 27-year-old Henry is more suitable to serve as the leader and core player during the transition period, both in terms of age and national team experience.

Domenech turned around and looked directly at Roy.

Roy's first interview was clearly meant for him:
"I don't like your tactics and formations. I feel very awkward playing in this system. I've said before that you have several tactical plans. I hope you really do, and that you're not just talking about some new French team."

Roy turned and left without saying another word.

After making a name for himself in the football world, he attended various banquets and gave interviews, having long since learned to wear a mask in his life.

But those who were fooled by his polite smile have forgotten.

This now-sharp-tongued star was once a fearsome tiger in the locker room when he first started out.

L'Équipe Special Report: Roy Publicly Declares Leadership of the French National Team
In a post-match interview following France's narrow 1-0 victory over Israel, 19-year-old rising star Roy made a remarkable statement.

When asked by reporters who should be held responsible, the young striker gave a straightforward answer.

“You can ask everyone in the locker room, and I believe they will all be willing to take responsibility. But since you asked me, Roy will take responsibility for the French team.”

"That's exactly what I mean. I will take responsibility and do everything I can to bring victory to the team."

This statement has sparked a strong reaction in French football circles.

Young players usually show humility, but this talented player, who already holds the Champions League and European Championship double, chose to declare his leadership in the most direct way.

It is worth noting that Roy's remarks took place in Zidane's first official match since his retirement.

With his game-winning goal and this declaration, the 19-year-old seems to be sending a clear signal to the outside world: the French team has entered a new era.

When asked if he was worried that such a statement would cause controversy, Roy simply replied, "I'm just telling the truth."

He then left the interview area.

This kind of frankness may be exactly what French football needs right now.

Historically, whenever the French national team has faced turbulent times, a strong leader has always stepped forward—Michel Platini's outspokenness in the locker room during Euro 1984 led the team to victory; Jacquet's controversial decision to exclude Cantona from the squad before Euro 1996; and Lemerre's decisive omission of the out-of-form Dugarry during Euro 2000. These seemingly tough decisions have ultimately proven to be the right choices.

Roy's outspokenness is reminiscent of Fontaine in 1958, the striker who made no secret of his desire to score at the World Cup, ultimately setting a legendary record of 13 goals in a single tournament. It also brings to mind General de Gaulle's resolute declaration after France's defeat in 1940: "France lost a battle, but not the war."

The current French national team is in a rebuilding phase in the post-Zidane era, and what it needs most is precisely this kind of straightforward leadership. Roy has proven his worth with goals and actions, and now he's expressing his attitude in the most direct way. On the football field, sometimes the most direct expression is the most effective in uniting people. As legendary French coach Hidalgo once said, "Great players never shirk responsibility; they embrace it."

(Reported by Jean-Marc Perrin from the Stade de France)

After France narrowly defeated Israel 1-0, the entire team returned to their Clairefontaine training ground overnight.

The atmosphere in the locker room was unusually somber, and the players deliberately avoided eye contact as they packed their belongings.

Even the young players who usually love to joke around were now just bowing their heads in silence.

Starting the next day, head coach Domenech called several players to his office for a talk.

But people soon noticed a strange phenomenon—he didn't look for any of the truly important players.

Henry and Vieira, among other veterans, continued their extra training in the gym as usual, but never received a call from the coach.

While Pires was practicing free kicks alone on the pitch, staff members noticed him glancing towards the coach's office from time to time.

Makelele was as quiet as usual, but he spent more time in the locker room than usual after training.

The most eye-catching were Roy and his Monaco friends.

This group occupied the largest table in the restaurant, chatting and laughing loudly, their voices so loud that the entire cafeteria could hear them.

But whenever Domenech passed by, they would suddenly lower their voices, only to resume their laughter and chatter once the coach was out of sight.

The staff at the base all sensed this subtle atmosphere.

Roy began to consciously approach the younger players in the team, taking the initiative to communicate and interact with Mendy, Landreau, Boumsong, Cissé, and others.

Although Roy is only 19 years old, he is already the most dazzling young player in the French team.

Mendy is 25, Landreau is 24, Boumsong is 23, and Cissé is 22.

These players, who should have been teammates of the middle-aged generation, instinctively gathered around this young man.

In the locker room, a unique microcosm of society, the transfer of power is never as simple as seniority.

The vacuum left by Zidane's retirement has given everyone a sense of opportunity.

The veterans are still reminiscing about past glories, while the middle-aged players are at a loss. This is the perfect opportunity for Roy.

Just as street gangs always elect the toughest person, a team's locker room is also looking for a new leader.

Will Domenech be sacked? Will Zidane make a comeback? None of that matters.

The important thing is to get the teammates into a habit—to consult with Roy when there's something to discuss, to celebrate a goal with Roy, and to seek Roy's help in solving problems.

Domenech sat on the coach's bench, like a temporary figurehead.

Coaches can be replaced, but the team will always belong to the players.

That's how the power struggles in the locker room have always been.

Head coaches come and go, but the truly talented players are the ones who truly settle down here.

Domenech is still strategizing today, but he might pack his bags and leave tomorrow.

But Roy is different; he's only 19 and can play for this team for at least another decade.

So Roy isn't in a hurry.

He managed the relationships in the locker room as if he were running his own territory.

He passes the ball to his teammates during training, pays the bill at meals, and helps young players out of trouble after matches.

These steady, long-term investments are all aimed at consolidating one's foundation.

Veterans will eventually retire, and the coaching staff may undergo changes, but Roy wants to ensure that whoever becomes the "decision-maker" will have to rely on him, the "local bigwig."

On August 5, Real Madrid's official website published an exclusive interview that shook the football world.

Wearing a white training kit, Zidane gave an exclusive interview to the club's reporters at the training ground in Madrid.

The interview was published on Real Madrid's official website.

"By the way, have you watched any of the French team's matches?"

"No, I'm watching a Madonna concert."

How do you feel now that you've left the national team?

"I'm fine. Saying goodbye doesn't feel bad. I've served the national team for ten years. After much consideration, I've decided to leave. I don't want to say anything more about it. I still have three years left on my contract with Real Madrid, and from now on, I will only be associated with my club. I hope the new national team players can bring more victories to their country."

"But they don't seem quite used to your departure?"

“I know, but all good things must come to an end. My departure is necessary because more opportunities should be given to younger players. Jacquet has said something similar. I know they may be going through a difficult period, that's for sure. I've said before that my time with the national team is over. I don't want to say anything more, my career isn't over yet.”

"Will we see a better Zidane, more relaxed and more energetic?"

"I hope to show everyone a better Zidane. I'm happier now than ever, and I don't have as much responsibility. I'm going to relax. You know, I'm 32 years old, and in two or three years it will mean I have to end my football career. Now I'm leaving the national team, and in the future I will leave the football field and truly retire."

"You've already got almost everything, what more do you want?"

“I want to keep winning, especially after last season’s defeat. A team like Real Madrid has only one goal from beginning to end. We have no other choice.”

"Are these the league and Champions League titles for this year?"

"I don't want to say which competition we want to win. We're focused on how to beat every team and how to improve ourselves. Ultimately, we'll get what we want. I would never say I want to win the league title or the Champions League."

"You seem to be looking for revenge for last season."

"Yes."

But the most crucial remarks came in the last two minutes of the interview.

When asked by reporters about the possibility of a comeback, Zidane did not directly deny it: "In the world of football, never say never."

This seemingly casual conversation was immediately reprinted by media outlets around the world after it was published.

Of particular note is that Zidane specifically mentioned that he had "received many calls from his French teammates recently," and added meaningfully, "especially Thierry, who calls me almost every day."

This meticulously crafted interview exudes a clear message: when the French legend begins to openly discuss "missing the national team," a crucial defeat in a single match often serves as the catalyst for his official comeback.

The Faroe Islands are an autonomous territory of Denmark located in the North Atlantic Ocean. They consist of 18 volcanic islands and are known for their rugged coastline, windy climate, and Viking culture.

9 month 6 day.

The French team departed from Paris, first flying to Copenhagen, Denmark for a layover, and then taking a small plane to the Faroe Islands.

The plane landed at Vog Island Airport on the west side of the main island, more than 40 kilometers from the competition venue, Tórshavn.

After the team disembarked from the plane, they boarded a pre-arranged bus and drove for more than an hour along the winding coastal road before finally arriving at their hotel in Tórshavn.

The whole journey took about seven or eight hours, starting from Paris.

On the bus from the airport to the hotel, no one spoke for a full hour.

Domenech frowned as he looked out the window; the players were either looking down at magazines or pretending to sleep.

The air inside the car seemed to freeze, with only the hum of the engine reminding everyone that time was passing.

No one expected that the French team would be so nervous when they came to the Faroe Islands, north of Scotland, to compete.

Although they won against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a warm-up match and narrowly defeated Israel in the qualifiers, the whole team was on edge.

The young players are under even more pressure.

Domenech said he wasn't worried, but he was more anxious than anyone else.

This match against the Faroe Islands is not only related to the reputation of the French team, but also directly determines whether he can continue to coach.

Standing on the desolate beach, he wrapped his gray suit tightly around himself and stared at the waves for a long time in a daze.

Just like this lonely island surrounded by the sea, he was also overwhelmed by doubts from all sides.

Domenech's situation is actually quite delicate. Although he has reached an agreement with the French Football Federation, the contract has not yet been officially signed and filed.

The contract clearly states in black and white that the Football Association has the right to dismiss the head coach unconditionally at any time at the end of each year based on match results. In other words, even if they win this match against the Faroe Islands, his job will still be in jeopardy if he misplays the next two.

This feeling of walking on thin ice made Domenech feel like a pawn crossing the river on a chessboard.

They had no choice but to grit their teeth and push forward, without even a chance to look back.

Every match is a life-or-death battle; if you lose, you're out immediately, without even a chance to retake the test.

Now, when he stands on the sidelines directing the game, he can't help but think of the copy of the contract in his office, as if those thin sheets of paper could turn into a termination notice at any moment.

On September 7, Domenech unusually did not announce the starting lineup for the following day at the training ground.

This should have been an important sign of his commitment to "transparent coaching".

During the group matches, he continued to practice the 3-5-2 formation, but everyone could see that the head coach was having an internal struggle.

Halfway through the scrimmage, Roy suddenly cut inside from the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a curling shot that was saved by goalkeeper Landreau.

He casually chased after him and kicked him again, but suddenly stumbled as if he had missed a step and fell heavily onto the grass.

"ankle."

He frowned and waved his hand toward the sidelines, indicating that he could not continue.

Domenech's expression changed instantly, and he rushed onto the field in three quick steps.

If Roy gets injured, how can we play this match against the Faroe Islands?
The team doctor rushed over to check, but Roy just looked down and rubbed his ankle.

After checking several times, the team doctor frowned and shook his head at Domenech.

There was no swelling or bruising in my ankle, and my range of motion was completely normal.

Roy insisted that it was a dull ache, and every now and then he would pretend to wiggle his ankle. "Will you be able to play in tomorrow's game?"

Domenech stared into his eyes and asked.

Roy avoided the coach's gaze and bent down to tie his shoelaces: "Maybe... it shouldn't be a big problem."

Domenech finally succumbed to reality at the last minute before the match.

He quietly changed the three-defender formation on the tactics board to a four-defender formation, a decision that forced him to temporarily adjust two or three starting lineups.

For someone as decisive as him, such indecisiveness is truly rare.

Ironically, the opponent that caused him such distress was the Faroe Islands, ranked 137th in the FIFA rankings.

The European Championship-winning team has played terribly since he took over, and French fans are already full of doubts. What they want now is not just a victory, but a resounding and decisive one.

Domenech knew better than anyone that talking about "tactical revolution taking time" at this point would only make him look more ridiculous.

9 month 8 day.

The match began in the cold winds of the Faroe Islands.

Domenech ultimately abandoned his long-held 3-5-2 formation and opted for a more conservative 4-4-2.

Surprisingly, Roy was not in the starting lineup.

He sat expressionless on the bench, wearing a substitute's vest, while Cissé took his place and started the game.

During the pre-match warm-up, Roy's ankle seemed to have "healed," and he had no problems running, changing direction, or shooting. However, Domenech was clearly still influenced by his "injury" in his decision.

The camera panned to the bench several times, where Roy sat quietly, occasionally whispering to his teammates, showing no emotional fluctuations.

Surprisingly, the home team dominated the French team for the first 5 minutes.

They won two corner kicks in a row, and in one of the goalmouth scrambles, Coupet had to stretch out his leg to block a close-range shot from the opponent.

It wasn't until the 10th minute that the French team slowly regained their rhythm.

Giuly capitalized on a passing error by the opposing defender and took a shot from the right side of the penalty area, but unfortunately it went wide.

The atmosphere on the field was becoming increasingly tense.

In the 19th minute, Vieira brought down Fredericksberg with a vicious tackle, and the referee immediately showed him a yellow card.

In the 25th minute, the French team finally launched a decent attack.

Pedretti unleashed a sudden shot from 25 meters out, but Faroe Islands goalkeeper Mickelson reacted quickly, diving to push the ball out of bounds.

A gasp rippled through the stands; no one had expected this weak team to hold its own against France for so long.

Cissé was clearly eager to prove himself, making frequent forward runs after the start of the game, but the French team's attack seemed somewhat sluggish, far less fluid than when Roy was on the field.

Domenech glanced at the bench from time to time, seemingly observing Roy's condition or weighing the timing of a substitution.

In the 29th minute, the French team finally produced a brilliant combination – Giuly and Henry exchanged passes on the right wing before passing across the middle, where Cissé turned and shot with his back to the defender, but unfortunately the angle was too straight and goalkeeper Mickelson caught it securely.

Just two minutes later, Pires unleashed a long-range shot from outside the penalty area. Mikkelsen made a diving save, but Giuly pounced on the rebound like a ghost. Although the goalkeeper got a fingertip to the ball, he couldn't stop it from rolling into the net. 1-0!

The French team finally broke the deadlock.

In the 34th minute, Faroe Islands' Jacobsen attempted a long-range shot, but the weak shot was easily saved by Coupet.

In the 40th minute, the French team almost extended their lead.

Pedretti delivered a precise corner kick, and Henry outjumped the defender to head the ball towards goal, but the ball slammed against the right post and bounced out!
Squillaci followed up with a volley in the ensuing scramble, but the ball went straight into the stands.

Domenech on the sidelines shook his hand in frustration, while Roy on the bench continued chewing gum expressionlessly.

After the start of the second half, the Faroe Islands semi-professional team played with increasing vigor.

In the 52nd minute, Johansson unleashed a powerful volley from the edge of the penalty area, the ball whistling over the crossbar and giving the French team a scare.

The situation took a sharp turn for the worse in the 56th minute.

When Vieira and Henry went down in the penalty area while combining, referee Thomson did not hesitate to pull out a second yellow card, determining that he had dived.

Vieira protested angrily, throwing his hands up, but could only leave helplessly.

This ruling put the French team in a passive situation of playing 10 against 11.

Roy, standing on the sidelines, suddenly stood up and, taking advantage of Domenech turning around, leaned over and said, "Coach, let me play!"

Domenech gritted his teeth and made a bold decision: to replace Henry with Roy!
This substitution caused an uproar, but everyone could see that the French team desperately needed Roy's dribbling ability to break through the passive situation.

Henry was bending down to tie his shoelaces when the fourth official raised the substitution board.

He looked up and saw his number on the substitution board. He froze for a second, then ripped off the captain's armband that Vieira had just put on him and slammed it onto the grass.

As Roy jogged past him, neither of them glanced at the other.

After Roy came on, the French team's attack immediately came alive.

In the 62nd minute, he received a short pass from Pedretti on the right flank, and with a deft turn, he got rid of the marking defensive midfielder. He then used the outside of his foot to pass the ball to Giuly, who had made a run forward, but unfortunately, Giuly's shot from a tight angle was blocked by the goalkeeper.

Three minutes later, Roy once again demonstrated his individual skills.

He received a long pass from Evra in midfield with his back to goal, flicked it with his heel, and dribbled past the onrushing Jacobson.

Facing the center-back who came to cover, he suddenly changed direction and cut across, unleashing a low shot from the edge of the penalty area that grazed the post and went wide.

In the 71st minute, Pedretti intercepted the ball in midfield and played a through ball to Roy, who cut inside to the right flank. Roy first feigned a cut inside to deceive Johannesson, then suddenly accelerated down the flank and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from an almost impossible angle, sending the ball into the top corner of the near post! 2-0!

This goal completely ignited the morale of the French team, sweeping away even the fatigue of playing with one less player.

Five minutes later, he broke into the penalty area after a series of one-two passes with Rothen on the left wing. Facing three defenders, he calmly passed the ball back to Cissé, who followed up with a shot to score, making it 3-0!

After scoring, Cissé was stunned for a moment, then suddenly turned around and rushed towards Roy.

He opened his arms and hugged Roy tightly, slapping the other's back hard.

In the final moments of the match, Pedretti delivered a precise lob pass, and Giuly broke the offside trap to score a one-on-one goal, sealing the score at 4-0.

When the final whistle blew, Domenech finally smiled.

When the final whistle blew, the French team's 4-0 score seemed like a cause for celebration, but the atmosphere in the locker room was somewhat subtle.

Henry finished showering early and packed his luggage without saying a word.

He was clearly still angry when he threw down his armband as he was substituted; it was the armband that Vieira had personally put on him when he was sent off.

Makelele sat in the corner, silently tying his shoelaces; his face was gloomy as he sat on the bench all game.

Although Pires played for half the game, he was substituted early and went straight back to the locker room without even participating in the celebrations.

The most awkward one was Vieira.

He received a red card for impulsive defense and had to take a shower and change into casual clothes beforehand.

When Roy and Cissé walked in arm in arm, the previously noisy locker room suddenly fell silent for a few seconds.

The young people laughed carefree, while the veterans each had their own worries.

Domenech stood at the doorway, opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing.

Behind this resounding victory, undercurrents are swirling.

Makelele's gaze swept across the locker room and landed on Gallas, who was tidying up his shoes by himself.

He suddenly remembered what Gala had said in a low voice when he bent over to hit the ball at the billiards club half a month ago: "Roy is too arrogant now."

Indeed, Roy has been a completely different person during this period.

The once humble and polite boy has now become cold and domineering.

He made no secret of establishing his authority in the national team and deliberately recruited young players to form cliques.

Although Roy has always had a good relationship with the younger players, this blatant attempt to form cliques suggests that he has made certain promises.

He completely disregarded the veterans' feelings, and even showed no respect for head coach Domenech, a stark contrast to his usual gentle and refined image.

On September 9, 2004, Roy's girlfriend, Leticia Costa, returned to Paris from a vacation in Sardinia.

The two had previously been in a cold war due to a conflict, and Leticia chose to go out alone to clear her head.

Roy, on the other hand, focused on preparing for France's World Cup qualifiers.

After the first match, Roy took the initiative to call Leticia.

Instead of arguing, he calmly analyzed the problems between them and ultimately proposed breaking up.

"Letty, I've been thinking about our problems seriously lately. The fact that we're apart so often has caused our conflicts to build up, and the excessive media attention has amplified our differences."

“You want a formal marriage commitment, but I can’t give it to you. I’m like an empty shell, I can’t even fill myself up, let alone meet another person’s expectations. You can’t stand that I always put the competition and business first, and I can’t accept that you take your anger out on the media every time we argue—even hiring a private investigator to investigate me, even though my life consists of training and investment meetings. We’re both trying to force each other to become the ideal version of ourselves, and the result is just mutual torment.”

“We’re both trying to adapt to each other’s pace, but that’s only making us more exhausted. It’s not fair to anyone to continue like this, so it’s time to calmly separate.”

This decision caught Leticia completely off guard, and she found it hard to accept at first.

On the same day, at the Clairefontaine training base.

After the tactical debriefing meeting, the players walked towards the parking lot in twos and threes, and the training base gradually quieted down.

Roy carried his backpack, his face grim.

Rothen walked over and bumped him on the shoulder: "Why do you always have such a long face? It's fucking scary."

Roy shook his head: "That's not true."

"Come on," Rothen grinned, pointing to the black sedan not far away. "Come on, get in my car. Stay at my place tonight, I'll take you to a nice place."

Roy frowned, but Rothen had already snatched his backpack without saying a word: "Stop talking nonsense, just let me, the newcomer, get acquainted with Paris."

He blinked. "I promise I won't get you drunk."

In Rothen's apartment, the lights were dim, and several empty wine bottles were scattered on the coffee table.

The rich aroma of brandy filled the air. Rothen sank into the sofa, his cheeks flushed, his collar slightly open, and a wine glass swirling between his fingers.

"Roy, you little bastard. Damn it."

He let out a hiccup, squinted at Roy sitting opposite him, and grinned:
"Wasted out of Real Madrid's youth academy for 300,000 euros! Now all of Europe is scrambling to pay 40 million, hahaha."

Roy leaned back on the single sofa, holding a half-eaten glass of wine in his hand, his expression calm, but his eyes, reflected in the lamplight, appeared exceptionally deep.

"18 goals and 6 assists in half a season. Ligue 1 Player of the Year, Top Scorer, League Cup Winner."

Rothen tilted his head back and took a swig, the liquor sliding down his chin to his collar. "You fucking hiccup... you play football like it's your life."

"Summer. Manchester United and Real Madrid all came, and you just stayed in this dump after renewing your contract."

Rothen suddenly sat up straight and pointed drunkenly at Roy.

"Looking back now, it was totally worth it! Treble winner! 17 goals in the Champions League! 45 goals in Ligue 1! 10 goals in the European Championship!"

His voice was exceptionally loud in the quiet living room, even echoing slightly.

Roy frowned slightly, but did not interrupt him.

"You're the first to arrive at training and the last to leave every day. You're involved in commercial activities for the national team and clubs. You even personally review the scripts for those commercials."

Rothen stood up unsteadily, staggered over to Roy, leaned over and braced himself against the sofa armrest, the smell of alcohol wafting over him.

"Are you fucking a robot?!"

Roy looked up at him, and the two were so close that they could see each other's reflections in their pupils.

"A 19-year-old Golden Globe favorite."

Rothen's voice suddenly lowered, tinged with a vague sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex emotion encompassing both regret and admiration), "All of France sees you as the new Zidane. The media watches you every day, fans are hoping you'll score goals, sponsors want you to do commercials."

He tapped Roy's shoulder with his finger. "Aren't your shoulders heavy?"

Roy didn't move, but simply replied, "I'm used to it."

"Let me tell you... hiccup... what I admire most isn't how many goals you've scored."

Rothen suddenly laughed, reaching out to ruffle Roy's hair haphazardly. "It's you, fucking... always playing your craziest when you're under the most pressure. A hat-trick at the Bernabéu, a Champions League final, a European Championship."

He swayed and almost fell on Roy, but Roy caught him.

Rothen straightened up with the help of the glass, then tilted his head back and gulped down the last mouthful of wine. The empty glass crashed onto the marble coffee table with a clatter, rolling twice before coming to a stop.

He slumped into the sofa, his collar soaked with sweat, but he was still laughing.

"But Brother"

He suddenly reached out and grabbed Roy's collar with a strong grip, but his voice was hoarse, "Seriously, aren't you fucking tired?"

The living room suddenly fell silent, with only the faint hum of the air conditioner vents remaining.

Roy glanced down at Rothen's hand, where the veins were bulging, then looked up to meet his reddened eyes.

Alcohol and emotions mixed together, making this usually carefree guy look unfamiliar and disheveled.

Roy didn't answer immediately, but instead reached out and pried open Rothen's fingers, slowly smoothing out the collar that Rothen had pulled askew.

His movements were steady and meticulous.

"Tired."

He concluded by speaking so softly it was almost inaudible.

Suddenly, the sound of Parisian sirens came from outside the window, approaching from afar and then gradually fading away.

Rothen was asleep with his head tilted to the side, breathing heavily, with wine stains on the corner of his mouth.

Roy picked up the coat draped over the back of the chair, gently covered him with it, and then got up and walked to the French windows.

The lights of the 16th arrondissement spread out beneath my feet, while the lights of the Eiffel Tower twinkled in the distance.

Roy pressed his hand against the glass, feeling the cold touch coming from his palm.

His reflection was clearly shown on the window—a nineteen-year-old face, but with eyes that only an old man would have.

He remembered that he had to rush back to London tomorrow, and there was a Premier League match the day after.

Thinking about next week's Champions League pre-match press conference.

I recalled the endorsement contract and business report that Claire sent me last night.

He recalled the meaningful pats on the shoulder in the locker room, and the glances his teammates exchanged after his mistakes.

The fans' banners always read "Roy, score another one," as if he were a goal-scoring machine that could be turned on at the drop of a coin.

The reflection in the glass gave him a wry smile, an expression that wasn't quite a smile.

"got used to."

He said it again, but this time no one heard him.

(End of this chapter)