Chapter 469: Chapter 126: Advancing to the Final! Wembley, Here We Come! New Contract Signed! Wenger’s Memories!

"I think so." Philip nodded, and they immediately heard the sound of singing and dancing coming from the locker room.

"A last-minute victory over Liverpool! Arsenal advanced to the English League Cup final, facing Cardiff City from the Championship! Wenger is hopeful to bring the team a trophy again after seven years!" — "Football Record"

...

After this match, Arsenal only had one game left in their schedule for the month, on January 30th, the 22nd round of the Premier League against Manchester United.

They would have about a six-day rest and preparation period. Whether they could withstand the wave of injuries would depend on the outcome of this last game.

Just how strong Manchester United under the Old Lord is probably doesn’t need much elaboration.

Calling this game the toughest in the second half might not be an overstatement.

After consecutively fighting off Fulham, Swansea, and Liverpool, they now face such a tough opponent. Arsenal’s schedule can be described as perilous.

However, they also brought it upon themselves. If they had easily won against Fulham and Swansea at the lowest cost, the team wouldn’t feel as exhausted at the end of the month.

But as He Wei said — please don’t believe that victory is as easy to grab as dandelions on a hillside.

Every trophy laden with glory must have faced many risks and difficulties.

And precisely because of this, the championship is something that people pursue, believe in, and recognize!

Because at the moment you lift the trophy, people will know that you possess not only the best football skills but also the strongest mindset and the most resilient character, making you the undisputed best!

"Clap-clap... boom!"

Ma’el hadn’t laid off training these days. He spent most of his time with Jose, only joining Davis when he needed to train speed and some skill-based skills.

He had thought about adding another physical training plan but, after careful consideration, he gave it up.

During this critical period of the schedule, he couldn’t add too much intensity to the training; the current intensity was just right, balancing training and matches well.

"Kyle Walker has sparked controversy recently, with Tottenham and Arsenal fans going back and forth."

During fancy training that day, Jose told him about this amusing topic, "Tottenham fans think the kid developed by the team won’t leave, while Arsenal fans think he will join the team."

"Over there, they are very worried, afraid of a repeat of the Campbell scenario, joining a rival and then helping them lift a championship trophy at their home ground.

"Moreover, when Campbell was at Tottenham, Tottenham didn’t really value him much; now everyone knows Kyle Walker could become a top defender."

Ma’el dribbled the ball under his feet, smiling, "From my point of view, I hope he can come."

"How’s the new contract going?"

Jose asked with a smile, "I heard Arsenal is preparing to give you a salary raise and also provide some rights to ’Football Record’?"

"Yes," Ma’el nodded, "Mendes is already negotiating, and with the winter window closing soon, the contract will likely be signed in a day or two. At that time, I will wear the number 7 shirt.

"As for the ’Football Record’ rights, it’s considered a signing bonus in my new contract, just in another form."

Jose didn’t ask more and continued to accompany Ma’el for some serious special training.

After training, Ma’el opened the skill level panel and glanced at the growth of various skills.

[Skill: Rapid Charge Lv4]

[Skill Level: (299/5000)]

[Skill: Violent Bombing Lv4]

[Skill Level: (542/2000)]

[Skill: Header Power Lv3]

[Skill Level: (291/800)]

[Skill: Fancy Dribbling Lv2]

[Skill Level: (714/800)]

[Additional Skill: Fancy Techniques Lv1]

[Skill Level: (547/1500)]

"Fancy Dribbling is almost there."

Over twenty days had passed, and the improvement was quite noticeable. At this rate, roughly speaking, he could upgrade a new skill every month and wouldn’t halt the rhythm of improving his strength.

Looking at the increasing level of Long Shot, he smiled. Perhaps, the first Lv5 skill wasn’t too far away.

On January 26th, the new contract came through.

"Weekly pay of 145,000 pounds, the highest in the team, aside from you, there’s only one other person receiving this; you should know who it is."

Mendes’s voice on the phone was noticeably excited, as if completing a significant task, "This salary isn’t low in the Premier League, only lower than those players from wealthy clubs.

"And..... the signing bonus is 5 million pounds, 3 million pounds even after tax! Another new high! Not to mention the various rights the team is giving you, are you satisfied?"

"Of course, I’m satisfied." Ma’el’s face hadn’t lost its smile since the call connected.

Arsenal’s sincerity is indeed commendable; giving 5 million pounds as a signing bonus to a player with a four and a half-year-long contract is a direct way of securing him.

It’s a very practical, albeit crude, method, but it’s certainly fascinating.

"Mr. Wenger has a small request: he wants you to participate in the signing alone. Perhaps he wants to say something to you."

Mendes’s voice continued, "I agreed; I’m just about to head to Puma Headquarters to see what their thoughts are over there."

"Okay." Ma’el nodded and asked, "When is the signing, today?"

"It depends on your time; Wenger should be calling you soon."

"Then today."

...

Half an hour later, Ma’el, fully dressed, waited at his doorstep with Wenger planning to come and pick him up.

The coach personally driving over to pick up a player for a contract signing... this is a rather magical situation, something Ma’el had never heard of before.