Ah!!! Why did my hand shake?
"Keep your eyes on Ronaldo!" the commentator's voice boomed over the broadcast. As his words echoed, a precise lobbed pass cut through the defense, landing right at Ronaldo's feet.
"The ball's with Ronaldo, he's through on goal! Is he going to shoot?"
"Bruno! He's making a run!" The commentator's voice rose with Bruno Fernandes' swift movement. Bruno received Ronaldo's pass, quickly adjusted his steps inside the box, and slotted the ball home.
"GOAL!!!" The commentator nearly screamed.
"Bruno Fernandes with the finish!"
The stadium erupted in thunderous cheers, and the commentator reached a climax: "What an assist! Ronaldo proves yet again he's not just a scoring machine,his vision and soccer intelligence are just as breathtaking. That's his eighth assist in the Euros, tying him as the top assist provider! What a historic moment!"
"Ronaldo's assist is just tear-jerking!"
"Cristiano! Cristiano! Cristiano!" The crowd chanted Ronaldo's name.
The summer of 2024, the fever of the Euros swept across the continent. Teams and fans from various countries gathered, witnessing this grand event. As the world focused on Ronaldo's assist to Bruno's goal, Rohan Singh, wearing sunglasses, also celebrated in the stands.
"If only I could get a photo with Cristiano."
"I wish I could play for the Portuguese national team," a conversation between two kids sitting next to Rohan caught his attention.
"Hey, kids, I'm a friend of Ronaldo, can you give me your contact info? I might be able to make your wish come true."
"You're friends with Ronaldo? Really? Mister, you're not a scammer, are you?"
"Why not give it a shot? It might be true," Rohan took off his sunglasses.
"You are... the Indian team's... Rohan Singh, the legend!!!"
Legend?
...
It all started with Ronaldo's first collaboration...
November 23, 2015.
Madrid, Spain.
Rohan watched the scoreboard on the big screen, unconsciously clenching his fists.
0:3!
Only sixty minutes in, and his team, Real Madrid, was being trounced by their fierce rivals Barcelona, who boasted a terrifying attacking lineup of Messi, Neymar, and Suarez.
At that time, Rohan was an Indian substitute player for Real Madrid.
Now, just two days into his stint with Real Madrid, he was facing the prospect of unemployment.
Rohan was once a prominent football player in India.
Determined to change the state of Indian football and to lift the Hercules Cup, he boldly chose to come to Europe, the land of football.
Dreams are beautiful, but reality is often harsh.
Even though he was exceptionally talented and trained hard back home, his performance in matches often fell short.
Whether it was a misplaced pass or missing an open goal, his on-field performance was underwhelming.
Gradually, almost all the teams were only willing to offer him short-term contracts, after which the head coach would decide his fate based on his performance.
But without exception, Rohan failed to impress any of the coaches.
Over two years in Europe, he moved between several teams, but never stayed more than a month with any.
As time passed, his reputation grew, albeit negatively.
Many fans even secretly labeled him a failure.
The clubs that signed him were only interested in the Indian market and financial backing from his sponsors, never truly valuing his skills.
Thus, Rohan's time on the field grew increasingly scarce.
Recently, he was only brought on during the final minutes of stoppage time, used merely as a tool to waste time.
Joining Real Madrid was just a dream before he planned to return to India.
He didn't expect to get even a minute on the field with the talent-laden Real Madrid.
Rohan sighed quietly, starting to plan for his future career.
Just then, Zidane, dressed sharply, appeared before him, smiling, "Rohan, warm up, you're going on for Modric in five minutes."
What?
Everyone looked at Zidane, puzzled and confused.
At this point, a comeback from three goals down seemed nearly impossible.
But for a team known as the 'Galacticos,' surely they could score one goal to salvage some pride.
Putting on a substitute who had barely played any matches at this critical moment?
Most importantly, the substitute was an Indian player who hadn't shown any special talent in training.
It was utterly baffling.
If the players on the bench weren't worried about offending the coach's authority, they'd have asked, "Coach, have you lost your mind? Letting this Indian guy play?"
Rohan was also stunned, taking a while to snap back to reality, then said excitedly, "Thank you, coach."
Zidane just smiled, nodded, and patted him on the shoulder, "Go on, just do your best, God will bless you."
Rohan nodded vigorously, starting to warm up on the sidelines.
He could sense that Zidane had already given up on the game, but playing for Real Madrid was every footballer's dream.
Rohan was no exception.
[Would you like to bind to the Legendary Player System?]
Rohan stopped in his tracks, his face barely containing his ecstasy.
A system, it was actually a system.
He was all too familiar with these things.
For any underdog wanting to shine and become stronger, a system was almost a must-have magical tool.
"Bind."
Without any hesitation, Rohan spoke in his mind.
[Binding successful]
[Newbie Gift Pack Received - Instantly max out one skill]
[Display Attribute Panel]
Player Profile: Rohan Singh
• Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
• Weight: 154 lbs (70 kg)
Attributes:
• Speed: 70
• Acceleration: 60
• Strength: 50
• Physicality: 55
• Defense: 50
• Passing:
o Right Foot: 60
o Left Foot: 40
• Dribbling: 50
• Shooting:
o Right Foot: 60
o Left Foot: 40
• Heading: 50
• Free Kicks: 50
• Stamina: 70
Overall Rating: 59
• Highest Rating for Active Players: 90
[Please select the skill you wish to maximize]
Rohan's excitement froze as he saw the ratings.
These stats, these ratings? Apart from decent stamina and speed, everything else was below par.
Even though he was aware of the level of domestic players, his jaw nearly dropped in surprise.
With these attributes, he was considered a prodigy back home...
Rohan was thoroughly convinced.
He looked at those dismal ratings, his heart torn.
What he really wanted was shooting.
On the soccer field, scoring was the most glorious thing,dribbling, physicality, speed—all could take a back seat.
But given his current situation, choosing passing was undoubtedly the best option.
A player skilled in passing and assists was always popular, no matter the team.
And with Real Madrid yet to score, if he had max-level passing, combined with the formidable front line, there might not be a comeback, but scoring one or two goals was still hopeful.
That way, staying at Real Madrid wasn't entirely out of the question.
But the prerequisite was that you had to be able to hold onto the ball.
On European soil, players of average talent were hardly trusted, and almost no one on the field would choose to pass to him.
Not to mention someone with a reputation as a perennial water boy.
After much deliberation, driven by professional considerations, Rohan decided to max out his passing.
Just as he was about to select passing, he felt someone push him hard from behind.
"Rohan, do you not wish to fight for Real Madrid?"
"Ah? I do, I do."
Rohan turned around, apologetic: "Sorry, coach, I got too excited."
Zidane smiled and nodded: "I understand, I was nervous too when I first stood on the sidelines in a Real Madrid jersey, but don't worry, just get on the field."
"Alright."
Rohan turned and jogged back to continue warming up.
But he hadn't run two steps before he froze again.
Frozen along with him was his handsome face.
He had accidentally maxed out free kicks!!!
Damn it!!!
Ahhhh!!!
Why did my hand shake like that?
And coach.
Why the heck did you push me at that moment? That was the only chance for a turnaround.
Rohan felt dizzy, almost on the verge of vomiting blood.
Max-level free kicks, seemingly awesome, but actually useless?
Firstly, Real Madrid was currently being dominated by Barcelona, the ball hardly making it past midfield, so where would he get a chance to take a free kick?
Moreover, according to the pecking order, free kicks near the penalty area were mostly taken by Ronaldo, then Bale, then Kroos.
As for him, frankly, he'd only rank after the goalkeeper!!!
What's the point then?
Rohan, who had been ecstatic just moments ago, now felt as if doused with cold water.
All his fantasies, utterly extinguished.
Ah!
Rohan swung his fists at the sky, venting his frustration and regret.
Zidane watched his silhouette, musing, "Rohan's way of warming up is certainly unique."
Ps: This is my first novel, please support generously. Seeking continued following, votes, and all else!!!
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