Chapter 678 - 127: Transforming Arsenal! The Curse of the Number 9 Jersey! The Highest Signing Bonus in History and the World’s Highest Salary

Accompanied by them, Wang Shuo underwent a medical examination according to the hospital’s procedures.

Although he was on vacation, Wang Shuo hadn’t been idle. He made time to train every day, so he had maintained excellent physical condition.

After the medical exam, Wang Shuo and his entourage headed to Emirates Stadium.

Although Arsenal didn’t hold a special unveiling ceremony for him, the event still attracted a large number of media members and fans.

When Wang Shuo arrived, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause.

Thousands of Arsenal fans were there to welcome Wang Shuo!

Next came the contract signing and photo session.

This brought up another matter.

His jersey number.

From Mainz to Dortmund, Wang Shuo had always worn the number 9 jersey, the same number as his idol, Ronaldo.

The number 9 jersey at Arsenal was vacant, so it was naturally available.

However, the Gunners had suggested that Wang Shuo wear number 10, 11, or 8 instead.

Number 7 belonged to Rosicky, and the Czech midfielder even offered to give it up.

Why?

Because the previous owners of Arsenal’s number 9 jersey had all met rather unfortunate ends.

Or to put it another way, their careers at Arsenal hadn’t gone as planned.

Of the most recent players to wear it, the one who fared best was Anelka, but he was quickly sold to Real Madrid.

After him, players like Reyes, Baptista, and Francis Jeffers all failed to live up to expectations.

The most embarrassing case was Francis Jeffers.

In the 01/02 season, when Arsenal won the Premier League title, he, as the team’s number 9, didn’t even receive a winner’s medal due to not making enough appearances.

But the most tragic case was the last one, Eduardo Da Silva.

Everyone knew the fate of the Brazilian-born Croatian forward. After suffering a horrific leg break, he never managed to regain his form and had to leave Arsenal unceremoniously.

As a result, no one wore Arsenal’s number 9 jersey last season.

Ever since the Premier League was founded, Arsenal’s number 9 jersey seemed to be cursed.

Even Wenger advised Wang Shuo to choose a different number.

But Wang Shuo chose number 9 anyway!

After signing with Arsenal, Wang Shuo gave a brief interview to the media.

When asked why he chose the number 9 jersey, Wang Shuo explained, "I’ve never believed in so-called curses. I’d much rather believe in hard work and diligence!"

While answering questions, Wang Shuo maintained his trademark humility and caution, responding to every query with a calm and composed demeanor.

Wang Shuo had long since learned to recognize and handle the tricky questions reporters threw at him.

As for why he chose Arsenal, Wang Shuo said with a smile, "Because of Wenger!"

The answer was a great show of respect for the manager.

Wenger, standing to the side, was beaming and nodding repeatedly.

"I love Arsenal’s style of football. I think Wenger is an incredible manager; he always helps the team play beautiful, attacking football, and that’s what I’m looking for."

Wang Shuo stated that he chose to come to the Premier League and to Arsenal because he wanted to take on a brand-new challenge.

"I’ve received so many well wishes. A lot of people have been giving me advice to help me adapt and integrate into Arsenal and the Premier League as quickly as possible. I’m already eager to play a match at Emirates Stadium!"

When the reporters brought up Wang Shuo’s treble in the Bundesliga and his two consecutive European Golden Boot awards, he humbly replied that it was all in the past.

"Whether I was at Dortmund or now at Arsenal, whether my coach was Klopp or Wenger, they have one thing in common: they emphasize the collective and teamwork."

"I came to Arsenal to win trophies, but that’s not something I can do on my own. It requires every single person on our team to help each other and work together."

"Choosing between individual honors and team trophies has never been a difficult choice for me. I will always choose the team!"

"I hope that my new teammates and I can have an incredible time at Arsenal. Together, we can write an extraordinary new Chapter for this great club and create an even brighter future!"

"I also want to tell the Arsenal fans that I, along with all my teammates, will give my absolute all and strive for success and for titles!"

After Wang Shuo finished speaking, the room erupted in warm applause.

Even Arsenal’s CEO, Gazidis, couldn’t help but join the applause.

"Very well said!"

Wenger’s smile grew even wider. "He’s definitely going to be a success!"

...

The feedback from his first press conference was excellent.

Wang Shuo’s composed demeanor won the approval of the British media, while also showing his ambition to the Arsenal fans.

More importantly, he consistently emphasized the collective and the team.

After the press conference, Wenger even pulled Wang Shuo into his car and drove him directly to the Colney Training Base.

Wenger personally gave him a tour.

Before the Champions League final last season, Dortmund had trained here for two and a half days, but many areas hadn’t actually been fully open to them.

Wenger mentioned that areas like the data analysis group hadn’t been accessible. He explained that data analysis in the Premier League still lagged behind the Bundesliga. Some managers didn’t believe in it at all, while others were almost superstitious about it.

The same went for training.

It wasn’t just that the training facilities in the Premier League were poor; the standard of training was low as well.

As Wenger showed Wang Shuo around, he constantly asked about how things were done in the Bundesliga.