Chapter 852 - 18: Poised to Become the Most Valuable Club! Reshaping Football’s Salary Structure Singlehandedly! Champions League Begins_3

The host smiled and pointed at the screen, which showed Messi and Ronaldo’s new contracts, revealing a significant increase compared to before.

"So I must say, Ma’el’s multi-million pound bonuses and future income in a single year have already catalyzed a rise in the earnings of top athletes in the entire football industry!

"With this Pandora’s box opened, it’s highly likely that next year, the current three stars of the football world will jointly enter the top five of the Forbes list!

"This is an inevitable trend in football development... If it’s not Ma’el breaking the salary structure, then it could be Neymar, G?tze, Bell, Griezmann, and so on."

After the exposure of two lists, thanks to the help of major media outlets, keywords like Marome and Ah Huang Saman once again caught people’s attention.

"Arsenal is likely to become the most valuable club! If they win another championship this year and Ma’el maintains his strong form, they could surpass Real Madrid!" — L’Equipe

"Ma’el single-handedly broke the salary system of the world football scene and aims to be in the top three of the Forbes income list next year!" — The Guardian

"It all started with that somewhat ordinary bonus contract. Before that, no one imagined that the 19-year-old would consecutively win nearly all the bonuses from participating in competitions (snicker)!" — Puma Official

"Puma Official reports confirm that Ma’el is a player like no other and has achieved many seemingly impossible feats." — Kroenke’s social media

...

On September 23, in Montpellier, France, the first round of the 12-13 season UEFA Champions League began.

On this day, Montpellier Team will face off against Arsenal, who they recently dealt with in the transfer market, as their main striker Giroud has just been poached by Arsenal.

"Olee olee o...Ohohoh...! Aalle aalle aa...Aaahhh....!"

At Mossan Stadium, Montpellier captain Hilton held a young player’s hand and walked alongside Arsenal captain Ma’el.

During the process, his expression was filled with excitement, revealing an endless sense of honor.

Montpellier is a traditional powerhouse in Ligue 1, but they have had average results in recent years, never reaching the highest stage of European club football.

The situation changed last year when, united and determined, they miraculously clinched the title, beating teams like Paris for the UEFA Champions League!

This year, many in the team have finally fulfilled their dream of standing on this stage.

"Phew.....!"

Hilton took a deep breath to calm his fiery heart, and with a sideways glance, he observed Arsenal captain Ma’el, who had already walked onto the field, with a hint of admiration in his eyes.

Why reach the Champions League?

It’s to compete with the best players in today’s football world and to experience the highest level of today’s football!

They’re not seeking a win, just the opportunity to compete on the same field... For these second- and third-tier European players, it’s already a great honor!

Look at the person walking beside him, the highest-valued player in football today, possibly also the highest-paid, a historic top-class forward!

Hilton was a bit shivery from excitement; in fact, this wasn’t his first time. Yesterday, while watching reports about Ma’el and Arsenal, the thought of facing them tomorrow caused his body to tremble uncontrollably.

Soon after, the players from both teams lined up beside the referee, preparing to play the first UEFA Champions League anthem of the new season.

"Good luck."

"My pleasure."

Wenger and Montpellier’s head coach Girard shook hands at the sideline, then retreated to their respective positions, standing in front of the coaching area, taking a deep breath to prepare for the most beautiful sound in the football world.

On the field, Ma’el stood firmly in front of the young player, his gaze thoughtfully fixed on the UEFA Champions League logo inside the field.

"Da da da da da... Da da da da da...!"

Soon, as the orchestral ensemble began playing, the stirring music pulled at everyone’s emotions, and something different appeared in his expression.

After last year’s Champions League setback, this had always been one of his concerns.

After such a long journey, he finally made his way back to this stage, ready to start the new season’s campaign!

"Es sind die allerbesten mannschaften...!!"

"The main event.....!"

"..."

After a few powerful choir voices resounded across the stadium, the Champions League anthem reached its peak.

"Die meister.....!! Die besten.....!! Les grandes equipes...!!

"The champions.....!!"

Listening to the long-missed voice, Ma’el’s body began to tremble slowly again, overwhelmed with excitement.

For Montpellier, they might not be a strong opponent to him, but he has two opponents on this stage: Messi and Ronaldo.

Given that all the public opinion had already elevated him to a supreme position, he hoped that in the new season, he could settle the score with Messi and Ronaldo on this stage!

Or, in other words, he only has one opponent on this stage, himself.

He wants to pursue a more outstanding professional career and excel beyond himself on this stage!

He aims to rid himself and Arsenal of the Champions League Round of 16 tag, to lead the team to the pinnacle, and to lift the first UEFA Champions League trophy in the club’s history!

"Clap clap clap.....!"

After the performance, Ma’el clapped along with the fans, glanced at the opponent’s goal on the other end, and then felt the pitch with the sole of his foot.

The start of another significant campaign in the new season is about to begin here.