Chapter 742: First Major European Title
[Ding!]
[Career Achievement!]
[First Major European Trophy Secured]
[You've received a Mystery Box]
[Would you like to open it?]
Hiro's ear rang as he heard the notification from the system. He was already overwhelmed by the achievement. On top of it, he also received a reward from the system.
This further added to his jubilation.
'A reward. I'll gladly take it,' Hiro's grin widened.
The celebration was ongoing on the field and he was also a part of it.
On the field, the Atletico players ran wild. Grinning ear to ear they cheered on each other. Some with moistened eyes hugged those close to them.
On the other hand, the opposing side couldn't even bring themselves to look straight. Their complexion was pale, their eyes dull and listless as they walked around the field.
Some of them had fallen to the ground with their head hung low in shame.
'So, it's over huh?' Kang Joon-Seok stared blankly at the scoreboard.
He could hear the chime of celebration going around him. However, he couldn't bring himself to grieve over their loss.
He didn't feel frustrated at the defeat.
Neither did he feel irritated about the celebration going around him.
He just stood at his spot with an impassive look.
'Finally, it's over. Now, I don't have to push myself more. I can rest…' He exhaled before falling to the ground.
'We've lost, haven't we? But we fought well… We didn't give up until the end.'
He began to recall their efforts to console himself. However, he couldn't shake this hollow feeling that gnawed at him from within.
"We tried… sob! Didn't we?"
Like a lump of dark cloud about to rain, tears welled up in his eyes. He had been trying his hardest to hold back from tearing. But he couldn't hold back those tears any further.
He even tried to console himself.
"We… sob! Lost! I… lost!"
Though he didn't cry out loud, he couldn't stop himself from grieving. In this match, he had pushed past his limit. His whole body was a mess. Especially, his legs. The constant sprinting had drained him and he couldn't even move an inch.
The constant agonizing pain coursing through his veins made it more difficult to stand on his feet.
During his final sprint, he had even staked a career-ending injury.
Yet, he lost in the end.
This defeat was more tantalizing than the physical pain he experienced.
Hence, he didn't seek for medic despite being in a severe condition.
"What are you looking at? Let's celebrate!"
While Hiro found himself staring at the defeated look of the opposition, Diego came over to him and spoke.
"You've been exceptional today. This victory wouldn't have been possible without you," Diego said with a glee on his face.
Hiro turned to look at him and smiled.
"Thank you, sir. But I think we won because we all have played our role well today. It wouldn't have been possible without others," Hiro responded kindly.
"Still as humble as ever, huh?" Diego grinned.
"But let's celebrate for now. After all, it's your first major European title. So, we should celebrate this moment. Don't hold back today," Diego continued before wrapping his arms around his back.
Hiro could palpably feel his emotion. Hence, he didn't push him away.
Instead, he wrapped his arms around his back and smiled, "Thank you for this opportunity, sir."
He felt thankful for Diego from the bottom of his heart. Because of him, he was here right now. Hence, he couldn't help but express his gratitude.
The celebration lasted for a while before the trophy was brought out.
The fans lingered around the stadium buzzing in jubilation, excited for the finale.
The medals were handed before they could lift the trophy. To hand out the medals some important personalities took the stage.
"You were exceptional today, Hiro."
"Good game, Kid."
While on his way to receive the medal, Hiro was congratulated. He graciously accepted their compliments and the medal.
On his way to the celebration podium, Hiro glanced at the silvery trophy glistening with ethereal radiance before him. The trophy was carved intricately and polished like a porcelain vase.
Hiro could see his reflection in the cup.
Enchanted by the beauty of the cup, Hiro couldn't resist the allure of the mesmerizing cup before him. Instinctively, he extended his hand to touch the cup.
A chilling sensation coursed through his finger as he glided his fingers across the cup.
A subtle glee tugged his lips as he glided his fingers across the smooth surface of the silvery trophy before him. Hiro's eyes glistened with euphoria.
"My first major European trophy, huh?" He mumbled with a glee before walking to the podium to join others.
Oblak was the last to receive the medal.
Being the captain, he had to be the one to lift the trophy.
After receiving the medal, he walked to the trophy and lifted it. Then while swaying the cup, he made his way to the celebration podium where his teammates awaited him.
They were excited about this moment— the trophy-lifting moment.
"YEAH!!!!"
As Oblak lifted the trophy, they jumped on their toes, excitedly shouting at the top of their lungs. The crowd rallied as they shared this beautiful moment with their players.
Different colorful fireworks lit up the sky, dazzling the viewers.
With the departure of the opposing supporters, the stadium was partly vacant. Nonetheless, the buzz in the stadium grew even louder.
Turn by turn, the players took turns lifting the trophy.
Hiro, however, didn't step forward. Instead, he watched his teammates lift the trophy.
"Here, take this."
Alvarez came over to him with the trophy and pushed it to him.
Hiro stared at him blankly.
"I knew it. You wouldn't step forward. But don't back down now. Just lift it for our sake," Alvarez said with a smile.
Hiro was about to reject. Even though he vowed to enjoy this moment, he couldn't bring himself to step forward willingly.
"Yeah, just take it, will you?"
The others insisted he lift the trophy. They were staring at him with expectant gazes.
"Alright!"
Conceding to their insistence, Hiro took the trophy. However, before lifting, he stared deeply at the cup in his hands. The cup still looked mesmerizing, its dazzling brilliance bewitching.
Hiro could feel the solid grip of its handles.
He could smell the fragrance of champagne and beer spilled earlier.
He held the cup with pride.
Then he tightened his grip, the realization of him being a winner settling gradually.
'I've done it, haven't I?'
Beaming a bright smile, Hiro lifted the trophy.
The sound of the shutters mixed with the roar of cheers echoed as Hiro lifted his first major European title in his first season at the club.