When playing football, you should call it GOAT.

Chapter 252 The First Punctuation Mark of the Dynasty

2005年4月20日，曼联客场0-1输给埃弗顿，这场比赛未来将会成为弗格森不愿回忆的一战。

Duncan Ferguson scored a header to breach Manchester United's goal, and Gary Neville and Paul Scholes were subsequently sent off with red cards.

This defeat not only marked Manchester United's second consecutive loss, but also put them in an embarrassing situation.

They originally wanted to avoid the humiliation of watching Chelsea win the title at Old Trafford, but this defeat allowed Chelsea to secure the league title with four rounds to spare after defeating Arsenal 1-0.

Manchester United's defeat ironically paved the way for Chelsea's title celebration at Stamford Bridge.

Although Ferguson's team avoided the embarrassment of being defeated by their arch-rivals at home, their loss at Goodison Park will forever be remembered as a backdrop to this historic moment in the Premier League.

The Manchester United dressing room was deathly silent.

The players sat on the bench with their heads drooping, and no one spoke.

Sweat-soaked jerseys clung to their bodies, but no one was in the mood to take a shower.

An inopportune moment, a small television in the corner was lit up, showing the exciting scene of Chelsea's championship victory, with the Blues players huddled together and the fans in the stands cheering and jumping.

Scholes threw the towel he was using to wipe his sweat onto the ground.

The laughter coming from the TV was deafening, but no one had the energy to turn it off.

The door was suddenly pushed open, and Ferguson walked in with a grim face.

The locker room fell silent instantly, with only the commentator's excited shouts from the television: "Chelsea are the champions!"

Rooney suddenly stood up and slammed the TV off.

The moment the screen went black, the faint chanting of Everton fans could be heard outside, sounding particularly jarring in the empty locker room.

"Wayne, turn on the TV. The Premier League title has been decided, but it's not Manchester United. Look closely at the people celebrating on the screen, remember every smiling face. Success doesn't last forever, but remember today's humiliation. Chelsea won the title in 34 rounds primarily because of their own strength and hard work, and secondly..."

Ferguson paused, his voice growing even lower: "Secondly, there's us, the defeated Manchester United. We dropped points time and time again, handing Chelsea the title. Now look at the standings, we can't even hold onto second place."

"Remember this moment, remember the cheers on TV, remember the Chelsea players lifting the trophy. These images must be etched into everyone's minds. Next season, we must show everyone that Manchester United is not so easily defeated."

"Today's failure is not the end, but a new beginning. But the prerequisite is that everyone must truly accept this lesson."

The Manchester United dressing room was deathly silent.

Rooney sat motionless on the bench with a sullen face, while Ronaldo, who was closest to the TV, slowly stood up and reluctantly pressed the power button.

The moment the screen lit up, Ferguson's roar immediately echoed in the cramped locker room:

"Open your eyes wide and look carefully! This is what a champion looks like!"

“Running away will only make the shame more deeply etched into your bones.”

"Do you think you can pretend nothing happened by just keeping your head down?"

"Look at how they celebrate, listen to how these cheers mock us, remember this moment, remember how we personally put the Blues on the throne."

"If we don't even have the courage to look our opponents in the eye when they win, then this time next year, we'll still be sitting here, listening to the cheers at Stamford Bridge, and watching them lift the trophy again."

Cristiano Ronaldo turned his head to look at the TV screen.

The Stamford Bridge pitch was covered with blue ribbons, and Chelsea players had all changed into championship commemorative T-shirts with gold lettering.

Players' families and fan representatives ran onto the field to hug and celebrate with the players.

The camera panned across the sidelines, where Roy stood with his black hair and bright, dark eyes, sharp as a blade.

He had a white towel draped around his neck, a roguish smile on his lips, and looked sharp and flamboyant.

Sky Sports' Jeff Shareefs handed the microphone to Roy, whose face showed little emotion.

"Roy, first of all, congratulations on securing the Premier League title for Chelsea this season. You contributed the crucial winning goal in the match that just ended. And even more dramatically, title rivals Manchester United lost 0-1 to Everton on the same day, which allowed Chelsea to lift the trophy at home at Stamford Bridge."

"Looking back on your career trajectory is truly impressive: last summer you joined Chelsea from Monaco for a record transfer fee. During your time in Ligue 1, you helped the team win the treble of the league, the Champions League and the domestic cup, and then you were a key member of the French national team to win the 2004 European Championship."

"Now, in your first season with the Premier League, you've not only won the league title, but your personal goal tally is also just one step away from breaking the single-season goal record from the 38-game era. At this moment, could you share your feelings with us? What do you think is the most crucial factor in the team's strong performance and your own outstanding form?"

Roy took the microphone, smiled at the camera as if considering his words, and then made his signature Roy-style statement:

"Yes, we won the championship, and it's a well-deserved result. The reason is simple: we are the strongest team in the Premier League, as proven from the first round to the thirty-fourth round. We were better than other teams in every position, and that's the fundamental reason for winning the title."

"As for myself? I also believe that I am the best player in the Premier League. Chelsea paid a record transfer fee to sign me, and the fans gave me unconditional support. So, both spiritually and materially, I have a responsibility to give 100% to fight for every title. This is not only my personal ambition, but also my commitment to the club."

"Now we need to set our sights higher. The FA Cup, the Champions League—we'll fight for every trophy we can. The league has five games left, including the rescheduled matches, and the team that wins all of them will get an extra gold trophy, just like Arsenal did last season. We've come this far without a loss, and there's no reason for us to fall in the final rounds. Finally, I want to say that starting next season, when other Premier League teams see Chelsea, they'll know very well: the defending champions are here, and they are just challengers."

Stamford Bridge erupted in cheers, with Chelsea fans creating a deafening roar.

Just as Roy was being interviewed on the sidelines, a deafening roar erupted from the stands:

"Roi the Demon!"

"Super Roi!"

"The Special One!"
"King of the Bridge!"

The cheers were interspersed with fans shouting "Le Monstre" (Monster) in broken French.

The die-hard fans in the North Stand even unfurled a huge banner depicting Roy wearing a crown, with the words:

"Our Roi - The Destroyer"
Jeff Shareefs narrowed his eyes slightly, held the microphone closer to Roy, determined to get a more sensational story, and threw out a question that hit the nail on the head:

"Do you think I mean right now, that you are not only the best player in the Premier League, but also the best player in world football? The best striker in the world? In other words, does our English league have the best footballer on the planet?"

Roy looked directly into the camera: "Yes, I'm sure I am. But the true king of the world needs to prove himself with the crown at the top of the world."

He paused briefly, his voice steady and powerful: "I will not claim those territories that have not yet been conquered. The Champions League trophy and the World Cup are the medals a true king should possess." His words resonated with conviction, demonstrating absolute confidence in his own abilities while subtly foreshadowing future challenges.

The cheers from the fans in the stands grew louder, and shouts of "The King!" echoed throughout Stamford Bridge.

At that moment, Lineker stood next to Mourinho, holding a BBC microphone, the Chelsea manager still wearing the excitement of winning the title.

"José, congratulations on leading Chelsea to the Premier League title. This team has shown amazing dominance throughout the season. What do you think makes you so special?"

Mourinho straightened his tie and answered with a firm gaze: "From day one, we established a unique belief. These players not only possess extraordinary talent, but more importantly, their professional attitude. In every training session, in every match, they maintain a hunger for victory."

"This championship belongs to the entire club."

He continued, "I'm happy to bring joy to the fans, but this honor belongs first and foremost to everyone in the locker room. They proved themselves throughout the season. Mr. Roman (Abramovich)'s dedication, Peter (Kenyan)'s management, and the fans' unwavering support—everyone was an indispensable part of this championship."

“Roy. I have to mention him separately. He is indeed a special case. Throughout my coaching career, I have always believed in the importance of the team, but when a player is strong enough to rewrite a game or even history on his own, you have to adjust your thinking.”

"This is not a compromise, but a higher level of collectivism. Just like a peerless sword, you can't expect it to be used like ordinary ironware. True team wisdom is about enabling each member to maximize their value in the most suitable way."

“Every tactical detail I designed for him was to amplify that lethality. While other players were solidifying the defense, Roy's job was to stay sharp and deliver the decisive blow at the most crucial moment. That's why.”

“When he said he was ‘the special one,’ I completely agreed. Because special geniuses should be treated in a special way.”

When asked about the goals for next season, Mourinho smiled confidently: "We should enjoy this moment now, but we will start preparing for next season the moment the season ends. At Chelsea, we will never be satisfied with just one trophy."

“We will take every game seriously from now on. We aim to finish the season unbeaten. Arsenal has proven that this is possible. At the same time, we also aim to set a new Premier League points record, which is another goal we are pursuing.”

"Of course, the Champions League title is our ultimate goal. The entire Chelsea club shares a common ambition: to bring London its first Champions League trophy. We don't want to wait any longer; starting this year, we will go all out to achieve this highest honor."

"This is not just empty talk, but a goal we strive for every day in training and every game. This team has the ability to make history, and we will prove it with our performance on the field."

The podium was set up in the center of Stamford Bridge, with the gleaming Premier League trophy on a long table covered with a Chelsea blue tablecloth.

The announcer's voice came over the loudspeaker:

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now proceeding with the 2004-2005 Premier League title presentation ceremony!"

First, the FA chairman presented 40 championship medals to Chelsea's coaching staff and substitute players.

Then, the starting eleven players walked up to the podium one by one along the laid-out blue carpet.

As each player bows their head to receive their medal, highlights of their season are played on the big screen.

When captain Desailly walked to the front of the stage, the stadium erupted in the loudest cheers.

The FA Chief Executive solemnly handed him the gleaming Premier League title trophy.

Desailly stood in the center of the podium, took a deep breath, and raised the heavy Premier League title trophy high above his head.

In an instant, tens of thousands of blue ribbons shot out from all around the stands, making the entire Stamford Bridge seem as if it were raining blue.

Behind him, the entire Chelsea team was immersed in the joy of winning the title.

Roy, Lampard, Duff, Thiago Mendes, Makelele, Terry, Abidal, Maicon, Carvalho, Cech, Joe Cole, and the injured Robben were all gathered together.

Mourinho stood to the side, a satisfied smile on his face.

Not far away, owner Roman Abramovich was watching the championship team he had built.

The stadium echoed with the cheers of Chelsea fans, and blue confetti rained down from the stands.

Immediately afterwards, Desailly turned and handed the trophy to Roy, who was standing in the center of the front row.

As the team's top scorer this season accepted the trophy, a unified chant of "KING ROI" suddenly erupted from the North Stand.

Roy gripped the trophy base with both hands and lifted it upwards with all his might, the trophy reflecting a dazzling light under the spotlight.

At this moment, the stadium's big screen switched to a highlight video of Chelsea's title-winning journey this season, with Queen's "We Are the Champions" playing in the background.

The players took turns raising the trophy for photos, and staff brought out a prepared champagne tower, turning the entire Stamford Bridge into a sea of ​​blue celebration.

Facing the media cameras, Abramovich solemnly stated in English with a Russian accent:
"Roy is undoubtedly the best player in the world, without a doubt. Chelsea will do everything in its power to keep such a talent; he is not only our present, but also the future of the club."

“We are witnessing the beginning of a new era. Just as Santos had Pelé and Napoli had Maradona, Roy represents the perfect relationship between a club and a legendary player. Every moment he creates at Chelsea is writing new history.”

“I assure you that the club will fully support his continued growth. Chelsea will provide him with the best platform, both in terms of on-field investment and facilities. We believe this is just the beginning of a great chapter, and he and this team can win even more honors together.”

"When people look back on Premier League history years from now, Roy's time at Chelsea will be remembered as long as Pelé and Maradona. This is not an exaggeration, but a rational judgment based on the extraordinary performances we have already witnessed."

Chelsea's Premier League title in the 2004-2005 season was certainly an important achievement, but this honor alone cannot fully define Roy's value.

Because in football history, Chelsea did not fail to reach the top of the league without him.

The true measure of a legend is never repeating what others have already accomplished, but rather breaking through the uncharted territories of history.

For Roy, the significance of this trophy lies not in repeating Chelsea's past glory, but in creating his own era.

He needs to fill the void at Stamford Bridge with the Champions League trophy, redefine the upper limit of Premier League strikers with a record number of goals, and prove that this Blues team is a true dynasty with consecutive titles.

As all the legendary superstars have proven: great players are never content with following in history; their mission is to rewrite it.

This Premier League trophy was just the beginning of Roy's Chelsea career.

As he raised the silver cup with both hands, Stamford Bridge was witnessing the birth of a new era, the first chapter of a legendary story for "the special one" had just been written.

The true epic always begins after the champion.

There must be extraordinary people in the world before extraordinary things can happen.

Extraordinary deeds are accomplished only when extraordinary circumstances arise.

(End of this chapter)