When playing football, you should call it GOAT.

Chapter 222 Crowned with Blue, Oathed with Lion

On November 2, 2004, at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, the Champions League group stage was in full swing amidst howling winds.

Just ten minutes into the game, Chelsea, dressed in their white away kit, were launching an attacking storm on the pitch.

"Chelsea's attack is as fierce as a Siberian cold wave!"

The commentator shouted at the top of his lungs.

Mourinho's coat fluttered in the cold wind on the sidelines.

CSKA Moscow players shouted instructions to each other about their defensive positions, and captain Ignashevich clapped repeatedly to encourage his teammates, but the Blues' attacking onslaught continued.
"Chelsea's quick transition has broken through the defense! Parker's advance is key, Roy now has space!"

Lampard received the ball with his back to goal, looked up to observe, and then made a diagonal pass, accurately finding Parker on the right wing!
Parker received the ball and quickly started his run, shaking off CSKA Moscow midfielder Rahimić, and dribbled straight into the flank!
The opposing left-back, Zhirkov, hurriedly covered, but Parker beat him to it, deftly flicking the ball with the outside of his foot to Roy, who was making a high-speed run down the left flank!

Roy received the ball near the sideline. Facing pressure from the Moscow midfielders, he gently pushed with the instep of his right foot, feigning a breakthrough to the right, before suddenly stopping!

With a deft flick of his foot, the ball spun to the left as if glued to his foot, causing Gusev to lose his balance!
"Roy's fried dough balls are so smooth!"

Amid the commentator's exclamations, he stomped his left foot on the turf, leaped over his opponent's outstretched leg, and simultaneously flicked the ball back to his right side with lightning speed using the instep of his left foot.

Just as Berezutsky came to cover, Roy darted out like a cheetah, dribbling diagonally into the penalty area!
Ignashevich tried to block, but it was too late.

Roy suddenly swung his leg on the left side of the penalty area and unleashed a low shot that flew straight into the far corner!

Akinfeev stretched his body desperately, but his fingertips barely grazed the ball, which struck the inside post and bounced into the net!
"GOAL!!! A magician's dribbling, a killer finish! Roy used the opposing defense as a training ground; this goal, from the start to the shot, was an art!"

Abramovich stood up, smiled, and clapped; the Russian tycoons in the private room also joined in.

His gaze swept across the stands and he spotted former President Yeltsin sitting not far away. Yeltsin raised an eyebrow, nodded at him, and clapped in return.

In the 27th minute of the match, Robben received the ball on the right wing, suddenly accelerated and cut inside, shaking off the defenders, and then unleashed a left-footed shot from 25 meters outside the penalty area, but unfortunately it went just over the crossbar.

Just one minute later, Chelsea came back on top.

Robben received the ball again on the right flank, made a feint and then delivered a brilliant through ball. Roy understood perfectly and made a diagonal run to receive the pass.

On the right side of the penalty area, Roy made no adjustment and skillfully flicked the ball back with his heel, which just bypassed the defender.

Robben followed up in time, deftly dodging the ball and shaking off the onrushing Srmark.

He then calmly adjusted his position and fired a low left-footed shot from 10 meters in front of the goal. The ball skimmed along the grass and flew straight into the bottom right corner!
Goalkeeper Akinfeev was out of reach, Chelsea took a 2-0 lead!

This Champions League match unfolded at a high speed throughout.

In the 32nd minute, Chelsea launched a quick counter-attack. Robben's precise through ball found Gudjohnsen, creating a one-on-one opportunity, but the Icelandic striker's shot from a tight angle was blocked by a defender.

Eight minutes later, CSKA striker Wagner showcased his individual skill, receiving the ball with his back to goal and suddenly turning past three players before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot from 20 meters out, which was brilliantly saved by Cech. Wagner then left the field for treatment due to a muscle strain.

After the break, the tide turned dramatically. Jarosik played a through ball to Sherkov, who won a penalty, but Wagner's shot went high.

The match then entered a heated phase, with Jarosik threatening Chelsea's goal with headers and low shots, while Ignashevich's powerful shot was also blocked.

For Chelsea, Roy was outstanding, his breakthroughs on the left wing frequently creating dangerous opportunities, and one brilliant nutmeg followed by a cross almost resulted in an own goal.

As the game progressed, Chelsea's offensive pressure eased somewhat.

Joe Cole replaced Gudjohnsen, and Roy was briefly moved to center.

Cole received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on the goalkeeper.

In the final stages of the match, Jarosik's volley went over the crossbar, and Lampard's close-range shot in the final moments was also saved by the goalkeeper. Neither side was able to change the score in this intense duel.

Chelsea defeated CSKA Moscow 2-0 away from home, securing their place in the knockout stage with a commanding 12 points from four wins out of four matches, two rounds to spare.

BBC commentator Gary Lineker commented after the match:
"Chelsea's victory tonight can be largely attributed to the sharp performance of the Roy and Robben duo. Roy's form this season has been truly amazing, with 14 goals and 8 assists in 11 Premier League games and 4 goals and 4 assists in 4 Champions League games. Such efficiency cannot be described as 'hot'; he is currently the most threatening young striker in Europe, without a doubt. His goal tonight was calm, direct, and fully demonstrated his striker instincts."

"Robben, although he has only recently recovered from injury and his statistics are not particularly eye-catching, is irreplaceable. His speed and dribbling are still one of Chelsea's most lethal weapons, and he can create chaos every time he gets the ball. Facing Zhirkov's defense, he made several strong breakthroughs, and even without direct assists, his very presence drew a lot of defensive attention from Roy. In comparison, Duff may be more stable, but Robben has a stronger impact, and his unreasonable breakthrough style is exactly the kind of support Roy needs most."

"Robben's biggest contribution tonight was his running and stretching. He doesn't need to rack up assists or goals every game. As long as he gets the ball on the wing, the opponent has to mark him with two players, which creates space for Roy. Chelsea's first goal is the best example. Robben's running drew away the center-back, allowing Roy to comfortably receive the ball, adjust, and deliver the decisive blow."

"The chemistry between this duo is still improving, and if Robben can stay healthy, their threat will only grow. Mourinho should know very well that Robben's explosiveness and Roy's versatility are Chelsea's most lethal weapons in attack."

首席分析师阿兰-汉森询问道：“加里，咱们都看到罗伊这赛季的状态了英超11轮14球8助攻，欧冠4场4球4助攻。按这个效率，你觉得他赛季结束能进多少球？”

Lineker widened his eyes, made a face, shook his head, and said:
"If he can stay healthy, 30 goals shouldn't be a problem. He's averaging about 1.3 goals per game now, and at this pace, he could score 48 goals in 38 league games. Of course, that's unrealistic; we all know the season is long. Considering injuries, rotation, and fluctuations in form, I think 35 goals is a reasonable prediction."

Hansen: "But historically, only Shearer, Cole, and Henry have scored 30 league goals in a single season."

“That’s right, but Roy is different. He can not only get into scoring positions, but also drop back to organize play and break through on the wings, which makes him more threatening than traditional strikers. Mourinho’s tactics are completely built around him. As long as Chelsea continues to play like this, 35 goals is not a dream.”

莱因克尔说到这里突然坐直了身子：“别忘了关键一点，阿兰-希勒1994/95赛季和安迪-科尔1993/94赛季的34球记录都是42轮联赛踢出来的。现在38轮赛制下，罗伊要是能进35球——”

"This would be one of the most prestigious Golden Boots in Premier League history. Because we can't simply say whether it surpasses Shearer or Cole, but rather that they are not even in the same era by the same standards."

"Shearer and Cole played 42 rounds of the Premier League back then, but they were facing aggressive center-backs like Adams and Bruce. The pitch conditions were much worse than they are now, and the refereeing standards were much more lenient."

"And now? The defensive tactics are more systematic, video analysis has allowed every striker to be thoroughly studied, and the pace of the game has increased by 30%. Roy will have a tough time scoring 35 goals under these circumstances."

"It's like comparing the 1966 World Cup with the present. It's not a question of who is stronger, but rather that football has become a different sport. If Roy can achieve this, his 35th goal will be like a moon landing, becoming a new benchmark for this era."

After the match, the entire Chelsea team attended a celebratory reception hosted by owner Roman Abramovich at the renowned upscale restaurant "Turandot" in Moscow.

This was a low-key yet luxurious private party, and the players changed into formal suits.

Abramovich personally greeted each player at the entrance, especially patting Roy and Robben on the shoulder, clearly satisfied with their performance.

Inside the restaurant, under a crystal chandelier, long tables were laden with caviar, traditional Russian cold dishes, and top-quality champagne.

Mourinho stood in the corner with a glass of red wine, occasionally chatting with other members of the coaching staff.

As soon as Roy sat down to rest, several well-dressed young Russians surrounded him with champagne.

These oligarchs' sons had clearly been eyeing this rising star for some time.

After all, having the hottest striker in the Champions League at your party is a very prestigious thing in Moscow's high society.

After Roy declined the invitation, these Russian rich kids didn't mind; they genuinely admired Roy's rebellious personality and efficient goal-scoring ability.

His fame in Russia is inextricably linked to the deep involvement of Russian capital in European football.

As the star player during Monaco's treble-winning era, the club was acquired by Russian billionaire Rybonov shortly before they won the title.

He then moved to Chelsea, which happened to be the team of another Russian oligarch, Roman Abramovich.

The presence of Russian capital in European football has ensured that Roy's career has always been closely linked to Russian elements, and has also given him a level of attention in Russian high society that surpasses that of ordinary football stars.

The party lasted until 1 a.m., and most of the players chose to go straight back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the upcoming matches.

2004年11月3日欧冠小组赛，曼联主场6-1横扫布拉格斯巴达。

Van Nistelrooy scored four goals: first, he cleverly capitalized on a defensive error to open the scoring; then, he calmly converted a penalty; he scored with a deft chip on a counter-attack; and finally, he finished with a close-range finish to complete his quadruple.

Ronaldinho contributed 1 goal and 2 assists, scoring a spectacular curling shot after using his signature "cow tail" dribble.

Cristiano Ronaldo received a through ball from Ronaldinho and unleashed a powerful shot to score.

The away team only managed to pull one back through Zelenka, while former Manchester United player Poborsky was sent off after receiving two yellow cards before the final whistle, but still received applause from the Old Trafford fans.

In the other match in the same group, Lyon defeated Fenerbahce 4-2. Lyon secured their place in the knockout stage with 10 points, while Manchester United are in second place with 8 points. Sparta Prague were eliminated early.

After the match, Ferguson gave a brief interview to Sky Sports on the sidelines.

Ferguson, hands in his trench coat pockets, smiled contentedly at the camera.
"Van Nistelrooy's performance tonight was simply incredible; each of his four goals showcased the qualities of a world-class striker. But the victory belonged to the whole team. You all saw Ronaldinho's magic show—that 'elastico' dribble and goal, along with his two exquisite assists. Cristiano's impact and finishing were also crucial, and Wayne's off-the-ball movement created space for everyone."

"Some say Chelsea's Roy has impressive stats? 14 goals and 8 assists are certainly impressive. But Manchester United are never intimidated by individual statistics. We believe in team football. Look at tonight, six goals came from the combination of four different players. Van Nistelrooy was able to score four goals because he had Scholes orchestrating the play, Gary Neville delivering the crosses, and the support of the entire midfield."

"Keane's return is crucial for the team; his leadership and midfield toughness are exactly what we need. Giggs is in good health now and he will rotate with Ronaldinho and Scholes, which keeps us competitive in a tight schedule."

"Football is a team sport. Individual brilliance is certainly exciting, but trophies are won by the team. We respect every opponent, but Manchester United only focuses on its own way of playing."

“There’s still a long way to go in the Premier League. We will patiently wait for Chelsea and Arsenal to make mistakes, while making sure we don’t drop any more points. Although the situation is not easy, I still believe we have a chance to compete for the title.”

"As for the Champions League? Manchester United will always be ambitious about this competition. Tonight's performance proved that we are capable of competing with any of the top teams in Europe. Let's take it one game at a time and see how far we can go in the end."

Arsenal drew 1-1 at home with Porto. Henry opened the scoring with a penalty, but Nishioka's own goal in the second half cost them the game.

Despite a less than ideal start to the Champions League, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger stated that the team still aims to win the title, as only a Champions League victory would be considered a success for Arsenal, whose financial situation is not ideal.

In an interview with British media, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who recently renewed his contract with the team, stated that only winning the UEFA Champions League would constitute a true success for the club. He believes that failing to achieve this in the Champions League would lead to significant financial difficulties.

Wenger stated: "We have £265 million to repay over the next 14 years, which means the club will still be operating with debt until 2018. This is a huge challenge for us, and we must accelerate the repayment of the loans. The only way to do this is to earn more money than our annual budget."

Regarding the club's goals, Wenger stated: "You need to reach at least the Champions League semi-finals to earn a lot of money. My goal is to go as far as possible in the Champions League and try to win the title. Money is very important to us, so we can't ignore it. More money can help us pay off our debts faster or add as many players to the team as possible."

2004年11月6日英超第12轮，切尔西主场1-0小胜埃弗顿，全场唯一进球出现在第38分钟。

After receiving a short pass from Gudjohnsen near the center circle, Roy first feinted past the onrushing Leon Osman, then suddenly stopped and changed direction to shake off Gravesen, before delivering a precise 20-yard lob pass.

Robben made a high-speed run down the right flank, received the ball, and dribbled into the penalty area. Facing the chasing Wel, he suddenly slowed down and, just as goalkeeper Martin came out, cleverly chipped the ball with his left foot, sending it over the goalkeeper's head and into the far corner.

This spectacular goal ultimately helped Chelsea secure all three points, extending their winning streak to twelve games this season.

In a post-match interview, Roy praised Robben's performance as amazing:
“Arjen’s goal showcased his top-level skills. When I made that pass, I knew he could handle such an opportunity.”

“We know each other well, and his return is crucial for Chelsea. He is strong, fast, and has excellent footwork, which means he can choose to cut inside or go outside. He has all the qualities a top player must have, and sometimes he can get past an opponent with just one touch. He is indeed very talented, but equally hardworking; he is always the last one to leave the training ground.”

“We practice this coordination every day in training, and Gudjohnsen knows exactly how to position himself. Coach Mourinho requires the three of us in the front three to maintain perfect understanding, and today’s goal is the best proof of that.”

"A twelve-game winning streak is a good result, but what pleases me even more is seeing a new signing like Arjen integrate into the team so quickly. He brings a different dimension to our attack, and this combination of speed and technique is rare in the Premier League."

"But now is not the time to celebrate, we still have many games to play. The important thing is to stay focused and continue to play according to the coach's instructions."

That evening, the Dorchester Hotel in London hosted a fifth anniversary celebration for Dior's J'adore fragrance.

Roy, who had just finished the match, rushed to the scene as a Dior Homme brand ambassador.

After the performance segment began, Girls Aloud took the stage to perform their hit single "Love Machine" released on November 1st.

"Look, isn't that your latest dessert?"

Jude Law nudged Roy with his elbow and said in a low voice, "Love Machine? The title is quite fitting."

The original meaning of "love machine" is a metaphor for a charming and captivating romantic partner.

The term is often used in popular culture to describe a heartthrob, but Jude Law deliberately misinterpreted it, implying that Cheryl was a plaything for entertainment.

Jude Law is known as a Hollywood playboy with a chaotic and tumultuous romantic history, having gone through multiple marriages and infidelity scandals. He has six children (at least three of whom are biological mothers), and only settled down with his wife, who is 16 years younger than him, in his later years.

Roy frowned and interrupted, "Don't ruin pop music with your film jargon, Jude."

Jude Law raised his champagne glass in a gesture of surrender, then lowered his voice teasingly: "Come on, Roy, don't try to play the nice guy in front of me."

"What I mean is, don't wrong me, I didn't eat any at all."

After the event, Roy and his assistant Heathlen took the elevator to the back door of the hotel.

As soon as I stepped outside, I saw Cheryl standing by the roadside fiddling with her phone, looking troubled.

“What bad luck,” she said, looking up. “The team car has already left. Company policy prohibits using personal vehicles for business activities, but I suddenly remembered I needed to go to the recording studio to pick up something.”

She waved her phone. "Now we can only wait for another car to pick us up. It's hard to get a taxi at this time."

Heathlen turned to look at Roy.

Roy was silent for a few seconds, then smiled and said he could give her a ride.

Cheryl immediately added, "Just to the recording studio in Kensington, only two blocks from your house."

Seeing that Roy didn't speak, she waved her phone again: "If it's too much trouble, I can call Girls Aloud's driver to pick you up, but you'll have to wait."

Roy interrupted her: "How could that be? We're old friends."

He reached out and opened the car door, gesturing for it to be opened.

Cheryl quickly got into her car and sent a text message to her agent: "Don't contact me tonight. Just say I'm going back to Newcastle to see my family."

The agent immediately understood her intention upon seeing the text message.

He has been urging Cheryl to seize the opportunity to get closer to Roy these past few days. In just over a month, the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards will be presented, and it is almost certain that Roy will sweep both awards.

When she attends as Roy's date, her exposure will be astronomical.

The agent stared at his phone screen, a satisfied smile on his face.

Girls Aloud was on a rapid rise in 2004.

This girl group, formed through the reality show *Popstars: The Rivals*, has become one of the most popular pop groups in the UK, despite only debuting two years ago, thanks to hit singles like "Sound of the Underground" and "Love Machine." Their music is youthful and energetic, and their stylish image is especially appealing to teenagers and young men. Their albums frequently chart in the top three, and their tour tickets always sell out instantly. However, to the mainstream music scene, they are still seen as "bubbleg idols from a talent show," lacking genuine artistic merit.

If Cheryl could become Roy's official girlfriend, it would be a huge leap forward for her and her team.

Imagine this: as global sports media cameras focus on the FIFA World Player of the Year award ceremony, 21-year-old Cheryl walks down the red carpet arm in arm with the world's brightest new star.

This is equivalent to giving Girls Aloud free access to top platforms like the BBC and Sky Sports, which normally don't cover pop music.

The group's fame will leap directly from the UK to the international stage, and may even attract collaboration offers from sports brands like Nike.

More importantly, this connection will allow them to shed the label of "flash-in-the-pan talent show stars" and gain serious attention from mainstream media.

After all, how could a woman who can conquer top European football stars be just a simple "pop sweetheart"?
Roy didn't mind this kind of thing.

This transparent and transparent way of getting along actually made him feel at ease.

If a woman is after his fame, wealth, and media exposure, and he enjoys her youth and beauty, it's a perfect match where each gets what they want, and everything is clear.

He finds women who constantly talk about "love" the most annoying, not to mention silly things like marriage and having children.

Just thinking about it made him feel uneasy, as if someone was choking him.

If it's just a simple and direct exchange of benefits, where no one owes anyone anything, it actually makes him feel relaxed.

He was willing to use his connections and resources to help those girls, like investing in a promising stock.

He helped her connect with fashion resources, took her to high-end events, and even used his connections to get her featured in better magazines.

These were just simple favors for him, but they earned him a glamorous partner who knew the rules of the game.

As long as the girl doesn't use the word "love" to bind him, he'd be happy to give her a push within his capabilities.

As the car drove through the London night, Roy tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel.

He glanced at Cheryl, thinking to himself, "I hope she's smart enough not to suddenly start talking about feelings one day."

Inside the car, Roy, with one hand on the steering wheel, asked, "Which street in Kensington is the recording studio exactly on?"

Cheryl pretended to rummage through her handbag for a notebook, then suddenly exclaimed, "Oh dear! I made a mistake. There shouldn't be anyone on duty at the recording studio tonight."

Roy laughed: "So what's the arrangement now? Should I take you back to your place?"

She looked up at Roy, her fingers fiddling with the seatbelt. "Actually, I don't have any plans for tonight."

Roy raised an eyebrow and glanced at her: "Want a drink?"

Cheryl loosened her fingers from the seatbelt and pretended to think for two seconds: "Well, as long as it's not a football-themed bar, it's fine."

She tilted her head and gave a mischievous smile. "Last time I went to a place like that, the walls were covered with huge posters of you. It was kind of scary."

They both accepted the invitation and subtly praised the other party's fame.

Roy chuckled, deftly activated the turn signal with his right hand, turned the steering wheel, and the car smoothly drove onto the brightly lit streets of the Mayfair district.

In a private room at The Connaught Bar, Roy told funny stories about the team, making Cheryl cover her mouth and laugh.

After three drinks, her eyes became glazed over. She suddenly stood up and said she was going to touch up her makeup, but instead plopped down next to Roy.

They stared at each other for two seconds, then Cheryl suddenly threw herself into his arms.

Roy's hand naturally wrapped around her waist and slowly slid down to her shapely buttocks.

Cheryl straddled his lap.
"let's go."

Amidst the passionate kiss, Cheryl, panting, whispered, "Let's get out of here now."

"Do you have an address this time?" Roy asked.

Cheryl wrapped her arms around his neck, her breath sweet with the scent of champagne: "Oh my god, I love you to death. Seriously, I want to take you to the recording studio right now."

Roy chuckled softly.
He casually picked up her coat from the sofa and swiped his card to pay the bill with practiced ease.

The Sun's gossip section headline:
Premier League striker Roy and Cheryl had a late-night rendezvous! They spent three hours together at a bar and left in the same car.

Contents:

According to exclusive photos taken by our reporter, Roy (20 years old), a football superstar who is very likely to win the Ballon d'Or, and Cheryl (21 years old), a member of the popular girl group Girls Aloud, had a private date at The Connaught Bar in Mayfair late Tuesday night.

The two stayed in the VIP room until the early hours of the morning. When they left, Cheryl was flushed and held Roy's arm tightly as they walked quickly to the parking lot. An eyewitness said, "They looked very intimate. Roy chivalrously put his coat on her, and then they left together in a car."

The two had no intention of separating! At 1:45 a.m., they returned together to Roy's luxury apartment in Knightsbridge. Interestingly, although Roy left for training promptly at 7:30 a.m. this morning (caught by our photographer), Cheryl did not leave alone until 12:15 p.m.

What is particularly intriguing is:

Cheryl was wearing an ill-fitting Givenchy sweatshirt when she left; this newspaper photographed Roy wearing the same sweatshirt.

Her chestnut-brown long hair was messy and unkempt, and she kept her head down the whole time, avoiding the camera.

His personal assistant followed closely behind, carrying two bulging brown paper bags, presumably containing a change of clothes.

This is the second time the two have been photographed together. On the 16th of last month, Roy, wearing a baseball cap, was spotted having dinner with a girl in a hoodie (whose hairstyle and figure strongly resemble Cheryl) at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Mayfair district. Even more intriguing is that just recently, the Girls Aloud lead singer was photographed by fans in the stands at Chelsea's home stadium, precisely on the day Roy scored his hat-trick.

An insider revealed, "She screamed for him the whole time, and even went to the players' tunnel after the game."

It's worth mentioning that Cheryl had previously stated in an interview that she was a "die-hard football fan," and Roy will be competing for the FIFA World Player of the Year award next month.

Roy's agent responded, "We do not comment on the player's private life."

Cheryl's agent stated, "It was just a casual get-together with friends."

The FIFA awards ceremony will be held as scheduled next month. Will the rumored couple appear together at the ceremony? Stay tuned for our follow-up reports.

2004 11 Month 9 Day.

France Football magazine officially launched the 50-man shortlist for the 49th Ballon d'Or and a traditional interview with last year's Ballon d'Or winner, Nedved, thus officially kicking off the annual Ballon d'Or selection process.

France Football magazine selects the best player of the year each year through the Ballon d'Or.

该杂志将候选名单发给52个欧足联国家的59名专业记者评委（多为杂志特约记者），评委们有一个月的评选时间，最终结果在圣诞节前的周二（2004年为12月21日）正式公布。这是该杂志全年最重要的活动。

2004 was the year of the European Championship, and the performance in the European Championship became a decisive factor in the Ballon d'Or selection.

However, Roy set an unprecedented record of 10 goals in this tournament (breaking Platini's record of 9 goals in a single tournament), and won both the European Championship Golden Boot and Best Player awards.

He not only scored a hat-trick against Portugal in the semi-finals, but also scored a brilliant lob, turn and blast shot in the final to break through the Greek goal, almost single-handedly leading the French team to victory.

This dominant performance meant that the Ballon d'Or voting did not fall into the expected chaos, but instead lost its suspense early on due to Roy's outstanding performance in the European Championship.

In a Ballon d'Or interview, Nedved frankly admitted: "To be honest, I don't want to win before Roy. Years later, people will definitely compare us. But that's the reality. I'm sure he will win this year's Ballon d'Or; there's no other choice. Deco? Shevchenko? Ronaldinho? Zidane? Honestly, even if you gave them the award, they would refuse to accept it; it would be an insult to the award."

"Let me tell you what true extraordinary is. Last season, Roy had the craziest single season in football history at Monaco: 45 goals in Ligue 1, breaking a long-standing record, while also winning the league title and Player of the Year; and in the Champions League, he scored 17 goals to lead the team to victory, setting a new Champions League single-season goal record. And just when everyone thought he needed a rest, he turned around and scored 10 goals in the European Championship, not only breaking Platini's record, but also almost single-handedly bringing the Henri Delaunay Trophy back to France."

“Look at his stats at Chelsea right now: 14 goals and 9 assists in 12 Premier League games, and 4 goals and 4 assists in 4 Champions League games. This can no longer be explained by normal standards. Usually, players would decline in form after such a dense schedule, but Roy is getting better and better. He not only maintains a terrifying goal-scoring efficiency, but also creates a lot of opportunities for his teammates.”

“Our generation has witnessed Ronaldo’s explosiveness and admired Zidane’s elegance, but Roy is creating a new benchmark. He perfectly blends the finisher’s ruthlessness, the organizer’s vision, and the leader’s responsibility. In my opinion, he is not only the sole nominee for this year’s Ballon d’Or, but may also usher in a new era of football.”

When asked a question by a reporter, Hernaud, editor-in-chief of France Football, smiled and shook his head: "Usually we expect fierce competition, but Roy created the miracle of 10 goals in the European Championship while maintaining the club's top level. This is not a complicated choice, but a moment to witness history."

In the European Championship and the Champions League, which have the greatest impact on the selection, Monaco and France's unexpected rise in these two major competitions has brought some new names. Nine players from European champion France have been selected: Roy, Zidane, Henry, Vieira, Makelele, Giuly, Barthez, Evra, and Pedretti.

Three Greek players, Charisteas, Dellas, and Zagorakis, were also selected for the squad.

Compared to the earlier announced FIFA World Player of the Year list (which only included one Greek player, Zagorakis), the Ballon d'Or list clearly places more emphasis on a player's performance throughout the year than their reputation.

Seven players from South American champions Brazil were also selected.

The defeats of Real Madrid and the three traditional powerhouses, Germany, Spain and England, in the Champions League and the European Championship meant that familiar names such as Raul, Roberto Carlos and former Ballon d'Or winner Owen were absent from this year's list.

As Roy lay in bed receiving a congratulatory phone call from Zidane, the noise woke Cheryl, who was fast asleep with her head resting on his arm.

She rubbed her eyes, the straps of her silk pajamas slipped down, and she pressed herself against Roy's chest.

As Roy answered the phone, he reached out and gently pulled the slipped shoulder strap of her nightgown back onto her shoulder.

“Zizou”

Before Roy could even gesture for silence, Cheryl deliberately moved closer, asking in a sleepy, nasal voice, "Who is it?"

The sound was just loud enough for the person on the other end of the phone to hear.

The two have been inseparable at night these past few days, but Roy has never publicly acknowledged their relationship.

This seemingly casual question was actually her hidden scheme, designed to force him to tacitly acknowledge the relationship in front of his most respected senior in the football world.

Zidane chuckled softly on the other end of the phone and said in a low voice, "Congratulations, Roy. This award is rightfully yours."

Upon hearing Zidane's congratulations, Roy subconsciously pinched the bridge of his nose: "Zidane, isn't it too early to congratulate him? You're all saying that. If it's not me when the results are announced, L'Équipe will probably write a column about me—'The Most Embarrassing Ballon d'Or Candidate in History'."

Zidane laughed and said, "Ha! If you don't get the Ballon d'Or this year, L'Équipe should put a statement of apology on the front page. Aren't they always touted as the most professional French media?"

The two exchanged a few more pleasantries, discussing everything from Beckham's new advertisement to his recent league performance, but both tacitly avoided the sensitive topic of the national team.

Roy then changed the subject: "By the way, Claude (Makelele) asked me about Christmas plans the other day. He seems to be thinking of organizing a get-together for us all."

"Will you come?"

The call between the two suddenly fell into a brief silence. Makelele's invitation to the Christmas party, ostensibly a reunion of teammates, actually concealed a hidden agenda.

Since Roy publicly declared "I will take responsibility" and lead the French team into a new era after winning the European Championship, he has essentially closed the door on Zidane's return to the national team.

Zidane had hoped that if the French team performed poorly during their transition period, he could "restore France's glory, which is our duty," but he didn't expect that despite their abstract playing style, France would not lose a single game.

Although the two always praise each other in the media, there are many rumors circulating: Zidane privately complained that Roy was too eager to seize power.

It was also said that Roy's teammates revealed that he had implied in the locker room that "the shadow of certain predecessors is still affecting the team."

Zidane pondered for a moment, then replied casually, "If there are no special arrangements, I'll bring a bottle of good wine."

His tone was calm, yet it was impossible to discern his true thoughts.

November 10, 2004, English League Cup.

Chelsea will face Newcastle.

Mourinho opted to rest seven key players who participated in the weekend league match. Babayaro, Cech, Carvalho, and Makelele were all absent from this game, while Lampard, Robben, and Roy were placed on the bench.

Cudicini, Glen Johnson, Gallas, Bridge, Parker, Joe Cole, and Gudjohnsen started the game.

Newcastle suffered a humiliating 1-4 defeat to Fulham at the weekend, prompting manager Graeme Souness to drop Harper, Elliott, Aaron Hughes, and Bowyer from the starting lineup.

Given and Robert returned to the starting lineup, while Brambo and Ronnie Johansson reunited as the center-back pairing.

In his 150th appearance, O'Brien was assigned to mark Duff in an unfamiliar right-back position.

Shearer made his League Cup debut since December 2001.

Chelsea fielded a 4-2-3-1 attacking formation, with Maicon pushed into midfield and playing as a right winger.

Just two minutes into the game, Gudjohnsen missed a golden opportunity for a one-on-one chance.

Newcastle gradually found their rhythm, with Bellamy and Shearer creating threats one after another, but Cudicini made several brilliant saves to keep the goal intact.

In the second half, Roy and Lampard came on as substitutes and changed the course of the game.

With the match nearing its end, in the 87th minute, Gudjohnsen intercepted the ball in midfield and delivered a precise through pass. Roy made a lightning-fast run, calmly rounded the onrushing goalkeeper Given, and easily slotted the ball into the empty net.

In stoppage time, Robben received a pass from Parker on a quick counter-attack, broke into the penalty area, and scored with a low shot, sealing the score at 2-0.

Despite being on the back foot for most of the game, Chelsea secured a crucial victory through efficient counter-attacks.

Ever since Cheryl first spent the night at Roy's apartment, she has often secretly gone to see him.

It is rumored that Roy's assistant has been frequently seen near Cheryl's current residence in Notting Hill, secretly looking for a luxury apartment.

Paparazzi discovered that he frequently visited local real estate agencies, and there are reports that he even used Cheryl's current shared apartment address as a reference.

The Daily Mail joked, "It seems the Premier League superstar is planning to build a castle just for Girls Aloud's little princess."

Sources revealed that Roy wanted to find a property with a private elevator and underground parking so that Cheryl could avoid the media and freely travel to and from "their secret love nest".

Although the two have not publicly acknowledged their relationship, sharp-eyed media noticed that Cheryl recently wore a sparkling Bulgari snake-shaped diamond watch on her wrist at an event.

This luxury watch, priced at over £3, was the most popular model among the wives of Premier League stars back then.

The design, with its snake-like body, was particularly eye-catching on her slender wrist.

However, the British tabloids are not so optimistic.

Two of Roy's past high-profile relationships have been unearthed: neither of Roy's previous relationships lasted more than a year. First, he was with Dutch model Doutzen, and later with French actress Leticia.

British media are now speculating about how long his relationship with Cheryl will last.

The Mirror poured cold water on the idea, saying, "Our pop princesses are likely to follow in their footsteps."

One media outlet bluntly commented: "Although Roy doesn't openly seek out prostitutes like some Premier League players, he's definitely not a devoted family man. His only difference is that he knows better how to maintain a respectable image."

In response, BBC presenter Gary Lineker bluntly stated on a sports program: "First of all, those players who spend all their time clubbing won't score sixty or seventy goals a year. Secondly..."

He couldn't help but laugh: "If Roy suddenly turned into a sweet-talking 'Mr. Nice Guy' one day, I'd find him completely unattractive. Would he still be the killer on the court we know?"

Shortly after Roy's rumored affair with Cheryl was exposed by The Sun, Terry also made the gossip headlines.

Terry has recently had two pieces of good news: first, he renewed his contract with the club for 5 years, with his weekly wage rising to £9.

His relationship with Page 3 girl Lauren Poppy was widely reported by the media.

This 26-year-old Page 3 girl, who was once rumored to have had an affair with Prince Harry, is known as a "handsome guy killer" because of her enviable 34-26-35 figure.

According to witnesses, he quickly fell for her after they met at a London nightclub.

In the locker room, several Chelsea players were pointing and whispering around an open copy of The Sun when they saw Terry enter and immediately burst into laughter.

Someone whistled.

Terry, his face flushed, grabbed a towel and threw it at Joe Cole, who was making the most noise. Laughter and curses filled the locker room.

"What are you laughing at! Joe Cole, try twisting again! And you, Lampard, stop pretending. Do you think I didn't know about your text messages with that female host last week?"

He suddenly turned and glared at the corner: "Roy, why is nobody talking about your affair with Cheryl? Are the people at The Sun all blind?"

Roy tilted his head back and took a sip of water, glancing at Terry with a half-smile: "John, I'm picking a decent girl, not a man-eating praying mantis."

He tightened the bottle cap and tapped it lightly against the locker.

"Besides, I never lose control in nightclubs. You should really learn that."

On November 11, 2004, Chelsea Football Club of the English Premier League held a press conference to officially announce the club's new logo.

This move is intended to celebrate the centenary of the company's founding and will officially take effect next May.

The logo features a simple circular design, with the main body consisting of a blue lion pattern.

This crowned, upright lion is derived from the club's long-standing traditional coat of arms.

The lion holds a scepter in its left forepaw, continuing elements from the classic 1950s team crest.

The most striking change is the removal of the original complex football pattern and ribbon decorations, with the overall design adopting a monochromatic treatment: a blue background with a white lion, surrounded by the simple white "CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB" lettering below.

This modern design retains the majestic features of the lion while conforming to the flat design trend of 21st-century brand visuals.

Then-CEO Kenyon said the new crest symbolized Chelsea’s determination to move into a new era while maintaining its traditions.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said: "The lion in the new logo looks more aggressive and intimidating, reflecting the club's ambition."

He said Chelsea not only wanted to win the league title, but also "a week or two in advance" as the best gift for the club's centenary.

The annual Bonfire Night celebration in Britain, held on or near November 5th, commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 (Guy Fox's plan to bomb Parliament).

On Friday night, while the UK was celebrating the holidays, Tottenham Hotspur dropped a bombshell: manager Santini had resigned!

This happened very suddenly, because just the day before, the Frenchman was training with the team, preparing for the London derby this weekend.

Santini said he was leaving for "family reasons," mentioning that his mother-in-law was seriously ill and that he and his wife were living apart.

British media speculated that the real reason was a falling out with sporting director Arnesen, coupled with the team's poor performance (scoring only 6 goals and conceding 8 in 11 league matches), which made chairman Levy unhappy. He was running away before being fired.

Therefore, Tottenham Hotspur made it clear that they would not give him a £300 million release clause.

The club immediately assigned assistant coach Martin Jol to temporarily fill in.

Santini only worked at Tottenham for 128 days, winning 5 out of 13 games. His playing style was extremely conservative, and neither fans nor the media liked it.

Since Argentine Ardiles took over in 1993, Tottenham Hotspur have had eight managers, with only Francis serving for more than three years.

The 10 players combined have only won the League Cup once.

Pritt, who served as acting head coach twice, is the only coach with a 50% winning percentage.

(End of this chapter)