We made you the King of Prisoners, and now you've become the King of Football?

Chapter 103 Mr. Millionaire

The next day.

Latourby Training Centre.

Physiotherapy room.

The players were all lying in bed, enjoying muscle relaxation provided by the club's professional physiotherapists.

Mbappe lay on the bed like a turtle.

He was holding his phone, scrolling through different football news.

Suddenly, Mbappe's finger paused, hovering over an interface.

"Ginger—" Mbappe's tone was tinged with excitement.

"What's wrong?"

Mbappe sat up abruptly, startling the physiotherapist.

He held up his phone and moved it in front of Jiang Ming.

Jiang Ming knew about the website on the screen.

It seems to be a media outlet called Transfermarkt.

The core of this media outlet is to do two things.

First, they report on transfer activity across Europe, including which clubs have contacted players and what prices they've offered; their information is always readily available.

Secondly, it involves estimating the market value of players based on factors such as on-field performance, age, remaining contract years, and league platform.

It's arguably the most recognized market value in football right now.

Many clubs use it as a reference standard for player recruitment and media reports.

And in Mbappe's phone screen.

His face, which resembled that of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, was prominently displayed in the center of the screen.

Below that is a price similar to that of a wanted poster from One Piece.

Name: Kylian Mbappé.

Current market value: €500 million.

Team: Monaco.

League: French Ligue 1.

"How was it? Isn't your Mbappe amazing?" Mbappe's grin stretched almost to his ears.

"My transfer fee was only 5 euros in my first start against Caen."

"It's already increased a hundredfold! Looks like these Germans know their stuff!"

Fabinho, who was standing nearby, looked up and chimed in, "Sure!"

"You've already reached half my market value in less than half a season."

"I remember my last update was only 1000 million euros, I wonder how much it is now —"

Mbappe swiped his finger and replied, "Your market value has been updated too! €1400 million!"

Even Bernard, who usually doesn't participate in these discussions, joined in.

"What about mine?"

Bernardo ————

"Your current net worth —"

"2100 million! My God! That's enough to buy four and I'd still have some left over!"

"He's surpassed Moutinho and is now the team's most valuable player!"

The physiotherapy room suddenly became lively.

It's no wonder everyone else is like this.

After all, Monaco's current squad is mostly made up of young players in their early twenties.

The transfer fee is the most direct assessment of them by the outside world.

Every player gets extremely excited when they see their market value rise.

This means that their recent performance has been recognized by the media and fans.

Just then, Mbappe had a sudden thought.

"Let me see what Jiang's current transfer value is."

After Mbappe said those words, the physiotherapy room immediately quieted down.

Others were also curious about what level Jiang Ming's market value could reach, given his explosive performance this season and the Chinese market behind him.

Fabinho spoke first: "If we follow the usual pattern of those media outlets, Jiang has only played for most of the season, so in their eyes he should lack consistency."

"So I think it should be able to reach 900 million, and with a little more we can buy two Kylians."

Bernardo Silva shook his head: "I think it should reach 1200 million. Although the media thinks the stability is not enough, Jiang's performance in major competitions is very impressive."

"Whether it's against Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, or Liverpool."

"Jiang didn't falter even once; such a strong heart definitely deserves extra points."

"Besides, Tottenham's Dele Alli is only 19 years old and already worth 1200 million."

"Jiang certainly can't be worse than him—"

Everyone nodded in agreement; B. Sid's words made sense.

Just then.

"watt?!"

Mbappe let out a shout and jumped up.

He looked up at Jiang Ming as if he had seen a ghost.

This piqued Jiang Ming's curiosity.

"What's my net worth? Enough to make you yell like that?"

"It's not really like Fabinho said, that they can buy two of you, is it?"

Mbappe did not respond, his eyes flashing with hesitation, before turning his phone toward the Monaco crowd.

Name: Jiang Ming.

Current market value: €2000 million.

Team: Monaco.

League: French Ligue 1.

Upon seeing what was displayed on the screen, the people of Monaco couldn't help but gasp in shock.

A net worth of 2000 million euros.

He's now worth the same price as veteran Moutinho within the Monaco team.

It's only 100 million less than Bernardo Silva's latest market value.

Although he has the Chinese market behind him.

It needs to reach a new level in terms of commercial value and brand awareness.

But isn't this price a bit outrageous?

Is this really the level that an 18-year-old player who has only played for most of the season can achieve?

ginger----

It's truly terrifying!

This outrageous news also reached China.

Fans are discussing it heatedly.

"Huh? Did I see that right? How many zeros are there after the number 2? It seems like there are so many zeros?"

"Two million euros is a bit low—Holy crap! Twenty million!"

"The most valuable player in the history of Chinese football was Sun Jihai at his peak in 2006, whose value was around 450 million euros at the time."

"Jiang Ming has quadrupled the record?"

"China's first millionaire!"

"But I feel that 2000 million is a bit low for Jiang Ming, isn't it? Other wealthy families can easily buy him, right?"

-

"Value and transfer fee are not the same thing, just like Martial in Monaco last year."

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"His market value was 800 million, but Manchester United spent nearly 6000 million in transfer fees to bring him in."

"I see. If Jiang Ming were to sell this, wouldn't it cost at least seventy or eighty million?"

"Heh, I feel Monaco wouldn't sell for less than 100 million —"

Time flew by amidst the uproar over the players' skyrocketing market value.

Following the French Ligue 1 season, the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals will take place immediately.

The two sides battled for ninety minutes in the first leg at Anfield Stadium.

The match ended in a 3-3 draw.

According to the away goals rule in European competitions.

Monaco not only finished the aggregate score at level, but also held a significant advantage with three away goals.

Liverpool want to advance.

They must win by at least one goal at the Stade Louis II.

-

Alternatively, if the score is tied again, Liverpool's total goals must be at least three for them to have a chance to force extra time.

Match day.

"Welcome to the second leg of the 2015-16 UEFA Europa League quarter-final."

"In this match, Monaco will host Premier League giants Liverpool at their home stadium, the Stade Louis II."

"The 3-3 scoreline in the first leg left the suspense until the very end, with Liverpool facing elimination while Monaco had the advantage of being well-rested."

"Judging from the starting lineups of both sides, Klopp has indeed gone all out, with Firmino returning from injury to lead the attacking trident, and Henderson moving forward in midfield, it seems that he intends to continue the tactic of high pressing."

"As for Monaco, Jiang Ming has dropped back to the defensive midfield position, while Mbappe and Lemar are up front, clearly indicating that they are going to focus on counter-attacking."

With the referee's whistle.

The competition has officially begun.

The game has just started.

Liverpool's players then pressed forward with all their players.

The high press extended directly to the edge of Monaco's penalty area.

Henderson stayed glued to Jiang Ming's side, never leaving his side.

It was clear they wanted to cut off Monaco's passing options.

But the Monaco team was prepared.

The mistake made in the first round will not be repeated.

Jiang Ming frequently moved laterally, causing Henderson to shuttle back and forth in midfield.

Gradually, they opened up gaps in Liverpool's midfield.

"Jiang Ming moved to the wing to receive the ball."

"Henderson followed suit, leaving Liverpool's central area wide open!"

Jiang Ming turned around and kicked directly.

"A long, overhead pass!"

The football transformed into a streak of white light.

It streaks across the night sky above the Stade Louis II.

Mbappe understood perfectly.

A burst of energy erupted from beneath his feet.

Like a black lightning bolt, it rushed towards the back of Liverpool's defense.

Klein turned to chase after him, but couldn't keep up with Mbappe.

Mbappe crossed the ball directly from the byline.

Lemar made a run to the far post and hit the crossbar.

Sidelines.

Klopp frowned.

He had reminded the defenders to pay attention to their positioning before the game.

As a result, Monaco caught them off guard just twenty minutes into the game.

Thankfully, that ball didn't go in.

Jiang's long passes from the backfield were incredibly accurate.

Add to that Mbappe's speed.

It's the perfect combination for a counterattack.

Even Florence's Bernardeschi can't keep up with Mbappe.

Klein had no chance of catching up.

Monaco's attacking opportunities.

Free kick.

Bernardo Silva stands in front of the ball, raising his right hand.

The whistle fell silent.

The ball was lobbed towards the far post of the penalty area.

People moved about inside the restricted area.

The players from both sides crowded together, vying for the landing point.

-

Carvalho leaped high and headed the ball ahead of Sakho.

He didn't shoot directly at the goal.

Instead, he gently flicked the ball towards the far post.

"Back point!"

"This is—Jiang Ming!"

"He's behind Liverpool's defense!"

"Another lob pass into the penalty area!"

"Lemar!"

"Heading shot!"

"Goal!!"

"In the 21st minute of the match, Monaco scored from a set piece!"

"3D Pinball!"

"1-0! Monaco takes the lead at home! 4-3 on aggregate!"

Liverpool are completely pushed to the brink!

Live stream chat.

"Liverpool dominated from the start?"

"Everyone was watching Jiang Ming's positioning at the front, but he sneaked off to the back."

"Liverpool is in danger. They are behind on aggregate but still have to attack, which will only widen the gaps behind them."

"Klopp needs to come up with a solution quickly, otherwise they'll get thrashed on the counter-attack."

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The cheers at the Stade Louis II continued for a long time.

Once Monaco took the lead, they played with more composure.

Jiang Ming was stationed at the back of the field.

They made precise long passes to find openings in the attacking third.

Mbappe and Lemar, one on the left and one on the right, took turns attacking Liverpool's defense.

Liverpool's defenders had to frequently track back to cover for their positions.

The high-pressure pressing that started the game gradually lost its momentum.

But Liverpool is, after all, a Premier League powerhouse.

They won't surrender so easily.

After stabilizing their position, they gradually gained control of the midfield.

Coutinho kept roaming around the edge of the penalty area.

Firmino dropped back to receive the ball and orchestrate a play.

The offensive gradually became more organized.

The 39th minute of the match.

Liverpool finally seized their chance.

Henderson delivered a short pass from midfield.

Coutinho received the ball and cut inside, shaking off Fabinho who was marking him.

-

Without the slightest hesitation, the Brazilian sent out a through ball.

Firmino made a run to the far post and shot directly at the goal without stopping the ball.

Subasic made a diving save, but couldn't even touch the ball with his fingertips.

"Goal!"

"Firmino!!"

Liverpool equalize away from home! 1-1! 4-4 on aggregate!

"That kick was of such high quality; it's a complete display of individual skill!"

"Both sides are back to square one! The suspense is back!"

The away team's stands erupted in a deafening roar of cheers.

Klopp was on the sidelines, pumping his fist and roaring.

Yaldin frowned.

He raised his hand to signal the players to steady their pace and not to rush forward rashly.

-

Halftime is over.

The two teams returned to the locker room with a score of 1-1.

The two sides switched sides for the second half.

Liverpool's attack intensified.

Klopp replaced Emre Can with Lallana.

This move further enhanced the attacking force in the frontcourt.

Monaco retreated entirely.

Only Mbappe was left in the attacking third to draw defenders away from the field, patiently waiting for a counter-attack opportunity.

Time passes little by little.

The competition on the field became increasingly intense.

Henderson's defensive moves became increasingly aggressive.

Every time Jiang Ming receives the ball, he faces being surrounded and tackled by at least two people.

72 minutes.

A turning point has arrived.

Carvalho intercepted Coutinho's cross in the backfield.

He passed the ball directly to Jiang Ming in midfield.

Henderson pounced on him immediately.

He stretched out his leg, trying to intercept the ball.

Lucas also came to the rescue from the side.

This forms an encirclement.

Just as the two of them pressed against each other.

Jiang Ming lightly stepped on the ground and pulled the ball back.

Then he poked with his toe.

The football slipped through the gap between Lucas's legs!

"Hiss!"

"A nutmeg dribble! Lucas got played!"

Henderson's tackle missed!

Jiang Ming dribbled the ball forward two steps.

I looked up and glanced at the scene before me.

He then delivered a low, through ball.

The football flew precisely through the gap between Lovren and Sakho.

They headed straight for the back of the defensive line.

Mbappe has already started.

It shot out like an arrow released from a bow.

He successfully beat the offside trap and was one-on-one with Mignolet.

Mbappe remained completely calm.

With a gentle push of the right foot.

The football rolled past the goalkeeper and slowly nestled into the far corner of the goal.

"Goal!!"

"Mbappe! In the 72nd minute, Monaco has taken the lead again!"

"2-1! Final score 5-4!"

"Jiang Ming delivers another deadly through ball!"

"That pass was absolutely perfect, hitting Liverpool's defense right where it hurts!"

"Liverpool now needs two more goals; there are less than twenty minutes left!"

"Monaco has one foot in the Europa League semi-finals!"

"The Red Army's path to the quarterfinals is now completely in jeopardy!"

The live stream chat exploded.

"Lucas has completely lost face, he's been groined cleanly."

"Mbappe's speed is outrageous; Lovren can't even catch a whiff of his exhaust."

"2-1! How can Liverpool turn this around? They're behind on aggregate, and time is running out."

"Jiang Ming scored three goals and provided two assists in the two matches, home and away. This performance is simply phenomenal!"

"Europa League semi-finals! Monaco, go for it!"

Sidelines.

Yaldin finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The cheers at the Stade Louis II almost lifted the roof off.

Twenty-four thousand Monaco fans chanted Jiang Ming's name in unison.

Red and white scarves formed a sea of ​​color in the stands.

Time passed by, second by second.

Despite Liverpool having several threatening attacks later in the game.

However, the gap in score and away goals made it all worthwhile for them.

"—as if~as if~like,—"

Finally, the referee blew the final whistle.

Monaco ultimately defeated Liverpool 2-1 at home.

With an aggregate score of 5-4, they successfully advanced to the Europa League semi-finals!

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