The All-Around Center Forward

Inside the Chinese restaurant, the entire Milan team was having a gathering, and the atmosphere was lively.

The purpose of this dinner was to celebrate Suker's recovery and return to the team, combined with their home victory over Fiorentina, so everyone was in a great mood.

Suker sat by the window, with Kaká on his left and Beckham on his right.

Beckham had already been playing at Milan for half a season, but hadn't fully integrated with the team yet, and didn't have many friends.

Suker and Beckham got along fairly well, so Suker sat him beside himself.

"Congratulations on winning the Ballon d'Or!" Beckham smiled and congratulated him.

Suker smiled back and raised his juice in thanks.

Back in November, the 2008 Ballon d'Or was announced.(No way this author just skip it over like that)

The biggest favorite had been Ronaldo, but since Croatia won the European Championship, Suker won the Ballon d'Or again.

This was his second Ballon d'Or.

However, due to injury, Suker did not attend the award ceremony.

"How are you adapting to Milan?" Suker asked.

Beckham replied, "Not bad overall, my form is adjusting well."

Beckham's arrival at Milan drew a lot of attention, but many were skeptical.

They wondered, how well could this "old guy" near retirement still play?

But surprisingly, aside from Kaká, Beckham was currently one of the best performers.

As for Ronaldinho, who had drawn attention before, he was only appearing in gossip news.

"Any news from the national team yet?" Suker suddenly asked.

Beckham was stunned for a moment before smiling and saying, "Not yet."

Beckham's loan to Milan was already a curious matter.

An older player doing well in MLS—why come to Milan on loan?

For Beckham, the reason was simple:

To return to the England national team!

England's current coach was Capello, giving Beckham hope for a comeback.

He must have communicated with Capello, but to return, he had to prove he could positively impact the national team.

Among all the European top clubs, Milan was the best fit for Beckham right now.

Because Milan's transfer policy wasn't picky.

Many veterans chose Milan to settle down, plus Suker and Kaká were there, making success easier.

Considering all this, Beckham chose to join Milan on loan aiming for the national team.

For a veteran like him, the career was winding down, so every national team match was precious, making Beckham treasure every opportunity.

"Are you really going to join Real Madrid?" Beckham asked.

Suker turned his head, "What's wrong with that?"

Everyone knew this by now.

Beckham shook his head, "No problem. Top stars choosing Madrid isn't strange, and Madrid knows how to use business to raise player value. That's better for your pursuit of personal honors."

Suker paused and then asked, "What's the difference between Madrid and Milan?"

Beckham thought for a moment.

"The focus is different!"

"Though both are top clubs and emphasize competitiveness, compared to Real Madrid, Milan's commercial operations aren't that good."

Beckham laughed, "At Real Madrid, you'd feel like you have cameras on your head, with your every move recorded."

"Even going to the bathroom?" Suker frowned.

Beckham shrugged, "Just a metaphor."

Suker smiled, "I'm joking too."

"Wish you success at Madrid!"

They clinked glasses and took a sip.

The gathering ended quickly.

After all, it was just dinner—no drinking.

Afterward, Ronaldinho started calling friends to head to a nightclub.

Ambrosini was annoyed but said nothing.

Suker didn't care.

For him, this half-season at Milan was just about staying steady.

He didn't even expect any honors in this half-season.

Because for Milan now, it was too difficult.

They were out of the Champions League.

The league had Mourinho's Inter, too strong to beat.

The Italian Cup wasn't very prestigious.

So AC Milan's main goal was probably to push for the Europa League.

The next day, Suker received an invitation from FIFA for the "World Footballer of the Year" award.

Currently, the top candidates were three people:

Suker, Modrić, and Ronaldo.

Suker had the Ballon d'Or thanks to the European Championship.

So the World Footballer award was most likely going to Modrić.

After all, Modrić had the Champions League and European Championship titles—if he couldn't win an award, that would be strange.

A year later, Suker was once again at the FIFA awards ceremony in Switzerland.

He was still elegantly dressed, but this time alone, without a companion.

Modrić arrived with his family, including his girlfriend.

"Relax! Look at you, so nervous!" Suker teased Modrić, who was nervously rubbing his hands.

Modrić pursed his dry lips and smiled bitterly, "What if they give it to you instead?"

Suker rolled his eyes.

What kind of talk was that?

Modrić was very nervous.

Beside them, Ronaldo's expression was complicated.

He had worked hard for a year, but it ended empty-handed.

His Ballon d'Or and World Footballer awards should have been his, but because Croatia won the Euros, it all changed.

Had Croatia fallen in the semifinals, those awards would have been his.

Now, he had to watch Suker and Modrić share the two highest honors.

Ronaldo's heart was conflicted.

Modrić winning the World Footballer was embarrassing for him.

Before the Euros, everyone thought Ronaldo would win.

Now, Suker and Modrić had pushed him out of the winner's circle.

The presenter for this World Footballer award was still Brazil's legendary Pelé.

After some buildup, the winner of the 2008 World Footballer award was announced:

"Luka Modrić!"

"Let's congratulate the Croatian midfielder who showed outstanding performances in the Champions League and European Championship. He deserves this award!"

Cheers erupted!

Applause spread everywhere.

Modrić stood excitedly, hugging his family and kissing his girlfriend.

Then he hugged Suker and Ronaldo before stepping onto the stage.

"Good evening everyone. First, I congratulate the other winners. It is an honor to be among so many high-level athletes."

"I want to share this award with my national teammate Suker and my club teammate Cristiano Ronaldo."

"Football is not an individual sport. With their support, I could win this award."

"This award is also recognition for me and Croatian football. Sorry, I'm very emotional now!"

Modrić spoke much, almost all heartfelt.

This former war-torn shepherd boy had risen to the pinnacle of individual football honors.

Suker smiled and applauded.

Ronaldo's expression softened as well.

Though regretful inside, he was happy for his friends' awards.

"Finally,"

Modrić paused, then said:

"At this moment, the brightest moment in my life, I want to share this honor with one of the two most important women in my life."

Suker saw Modrić nervously fumbling his pocket.

"Whoa!"

Suker suddenly shouted and pulled out his phone to start recording video.

"Luka! This guy's going big!"

Modrić pulled out a ring box.

Holding flowers in his left hand and the trophy in his right, he looked a little unsteady.

The entire venue erupted.

Everyone stood up and cheered loudly.

When they saw the ring box, they knew what was happening.

In the audience, Modrić's girlfriend Bosnić covered her mouth, stunned.

Suker looked at the bewildered Modrić and grinned.

"Go! Go up!"

Suker patted Ronaldo on the shoulder.

"Huh?"

Ronaldo looked confused.

Suker dragged Ronaldo onto the stage, took the trophy from Modrić, and Ronaldo took the flowers.

With both hands free, Modrić stepped down and knelt on one knee.

With a trembling voice, he asked:

"Will you marry me?"

Bosnić was clearly shocked—too unexpected.

Suker immediately shouted loudly:

"Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!"

Ronaldo quickly caught on.

The two stood on either side, cheering him on.

Amid the explosive atmosphere, everyone raised their arms and shouted:

Say yes!Say yes!Say yes!

Amid the cheers, Bosnić smiled and accepted the ring.

Modrić created the 'Proposal of the Century'.

He shared one of the most important moments of his life with the whole world.