SWR: Chapter 1182/1185

Chapter 1182: Real Madrid Will Never Fall

The Champions League final in Kyiv was still in full swing. In Leeds, England, at the world-renowned Amazon Stadium, 67,000 fans sat in the stands, roaring themselves hoarse for the distant final.

The Champions League final was Leeds United's best European performance in history.

As early as last season, when the team reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and tied the club's best European record, countless fans went wild. But no one expected that after selling five core players in one summer, Leeds United would perform even better, not only winning the Premier League and FA Cup, but also reaching the Champions League final.

All of Yorkshire was singing for Leeds United.

At that moment, the stadium's unique circular giant screen, hanging in the middle, was broadcasting the Kyiv final. The booming sound system carried the commentators' voices to every corner of the ground and into the ears of everyone in attendance.

The cheers of 67,000 Leeds United fans blended with the noise from the live broadcast.

Watching the Leeds players launch waves of attacks and threaten Real Madrid's goal again and again, Courtois kept saving Leeds' shots, preserving Real Madrid's clean sheet.

The Belgian international, who once played for Leeds United, drew sighs again and again from the home fans.

The cameras also cut to the touchline from time to time, focusing on the head coaches of the two teams.

Especially Real Madrid's head coach, Gao Shen.

There had been rumors that Gao Shen would leave Real Madrid after this season, but he had declined approaches from many top clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus, and Bayern.

According to Leeds United executives, Gao Shen planned to take a break for a while and live in Cheshire during that time.

In addition to being Real Madrid's head coach, he was also the owner of Leeds United.

Leeds United fans were long accustomed to his dual identity. Even tonight, they would not speak ill of Gao Shen, because they knew that everything Leeds United had now was thanks to him.

The powerful Leeds United squad that made Europe drool, the ultra-luxurious stadium envied by fans around the world, and the second-phase construction in full swing outside.

All of this came from Gao Shen.

Leeds United fans knew this well.

They would cheer for Mané, for Harry Kane, for Mbappé. They would boo and even curse Real Madrid players, but never Gao Shen.

Even so, there was a lingering fear in their hearts.

Because Gao Shen was that incredible.

From the league to the Champions League, people had lost count of how many miraculous comebacks Real Madrid had pulled off this season and how many unbelievable in-game adjustments Gao Shen had made.

Not long ago, Real Madrid's mouthpiece AS claimed that without Gao Shen, Real Madrid would have been eliminated in the Champions League group stage, let alone finished in the top four of La Liga.

Aging, injuries, declining form. Under many influences, this season's Real Madrid had long lost the aura of the invincible European overlord they once were.

By contrast, Leeds United emerged from the group of death in the Champions League group stage and advanced round by round, eliminating Juventus, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid in succession, finally reaching the final.

Leeds United's young guard was the most eye-catching team in this season's Champions League.

But Real Madrid's most threatening weapon was not their players on the pitch, it was Gao Shen on the touchline.

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Therefore, his every move drew the live cameras.

Every time, Leeds United fans grew tense and anxious.

When the camera returned to Gao Shen on the touchline again, everyone was surprised to see that he was not standing there alone. A Real Madrid player was beside him, ready to come on.

Di Maria.

"We can see Real Madrid are preparing a substitution."

"Di Maria is ready to come on."

"It is already the 80th minute. Real Madrid clearly want to gamble in the final ten."

"I wonder if Gao Shen can produce another comeback like before."

"You know, in this season's Champions League knockouts, Gao Shen has orchestrated three straight comebacks."

"If Real Madrid beat Leeds United tonight, this will be a legendary season, as classic as Manchester United's 1998-99 Treble."

"And Gao Shen would also lead Real Madrid to an unprecedented sixth consecutive Champions League title."

The whole Amazon Stadium erupted in boos from Leeds United fans, who obviously did not want to see this.

They booed Real Madrid head coach Gao Shen's substitution.

It filled them with fear.

…

While Leeds United fans were booing at the Amazon Stadium, more than 80,000 Real Madrid fans packed the Bernabéu in Madrid, watching the final on a giant screen specially installed in the stadium.

When they saw Gao Shen sending on Di Maria, they all cheered.

They had been waiting a long time for Gao Shen's change.

Di Maria was on, and Real Madrid's classic trident was back together.

"Long live Gao Shen! Long live Real Madrid!"

"Come on, Real Madrid, we are going to make history!"

"Gao Shen! Gao Shen! Gao Shen!"

Countless Real Madrid fans shouted at the top of their lungs, and on the broadcast, Gao Shen replaced Isco with Di Maria.

"This is somewhat unexpected, yet understandable. We will see what tactics Real Madrid adopt with Di Maria on."

"Isco has been outstanding this season. Along with youngster Marcos Asensio and youth product Marcos Llorente, he is considered one of Real Madrid's best substitutes this year."

"We can see Real Madrid are making a third change. Pogba is coming on for Modric."

"Gao Shen must have considered that Modric's stamina is already spent."

"Real Madrid's players have run themselves into the ground tonight."

"Pogba has been Real Madrid's best player in La Liga this season and the core of the team."

"There is another midfielder, Verratti. Real Madrid have rotated four midfielders in all competitions this season, but Verratti was injured in the previous game and is now in the stands."

"Let's see if Real Madrid improve after Pogba comes on."

"Somewhat surprisingly, Real Madrid have not changed their system, remaining with a back five. Toni Kroos sits in the middle of the midfield three, Pogba on the left, and Di Maria on the right."

"Benzema and Ronaldo remain up front."

"Ronaldo's performance today has been underwhelming, but we must acknowledge he is still the most threatening player on the pitch. After all, he is already 33."

When the Real Madrid fans at the Bernabéu saw this, they burst into deafening cheers again.

Countless supporters shouted and cheered for the team far away in Kyiv.

Their voices soared as if they could be heard in Ukraine.

…

Inside the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv.

Pochettino also sensed the potential danger after Gao Shen's substitutions and signaled his team to intensify their front-line pressing and, ideally, to strike first to cement their advantage.

Leeds United followed the instructions and immediately launched an even more ferocious assault on Real Madrid.

First, Mané received a pass from Dele Alli at the top of the box, shook off Pogba, and drilled a powerful low left-footed shot. Skidding across the turf, the ball flew at great speed toward goal.

Courtois sprang and got a fingertip to it. The ball struck the post and bounced out, leading to a scramble that nearly breached Real Madrid's net.

After that, Mbappé broke quickly on the left of the final third. After receiving the ball, he beat Nacho, cut into the box, slipped past Pepe, and shot with his right, but Courtois saved it onto the crossbar.

The ensuing corner also threatened Real Madrid's goal, but was blocked by center-back Pepe.

Leeds United's barrage made Real Madrid's goal look extremely shaky, and the danger was constant.

It would not have been surprising if Real Madrid had conceded.

But the Real Madrid players showed great resilience.

Gao Shen kept urging his players on from the sideline, and he repeatedly turned and waved to the Real Madrid fans in the stands, asking them to shout louder and give the players more support and encouragement.

"The more critical the moment, the more the team needs support from the fans."

"Gao Shen is calling on Real Madrid fans to give more."

"We have to say, Gao Shen's coaching this season is breathtaking. It might be the most remarkable season of his career."

"Who could have imagined Real Madrid would play with such grit and tenacity?"

"In recent years, Real Madrid have been invincible, whether in La Liga or the Champions League."

"Today, this team worn down by time is still stubbornly defending its bottom line. They are still working to prove they are the best team in world football."

"Even if they are no longer as formidable as before."

"Gao Shen keeps rallying the fans and encouraging the players. He has not given up and still believes in a chance."

"This is Gao Shen."

"And his persistence and resolve have deeply inspired the Real Madrid players on the pitch."

"All of them are still holding on."

"Though under Leeds United's pressure for 90 minutes, they have not abandoned hope."

"This is not just the players' toughness. More importantly, it comes from their trust in the head coach on the touchline."

"As veteran Modric said after the grueling match against Manchester City, as long as head coach Gao Shen is there, Real Madrid will never fall."

"This is Real Madrid."

"This is Gao Shen."

"He is the soul of Real Madrid."

"Now, let us see whether Gao Shen and his Real Madrid can bring us another miracle tonight."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1183: This Is the Profound Real Madrid

Before we knew it, Di Maria was already 30 years old.

Time flies.

Standing at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, the Argentine could not help recalling that night at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal, when he dominated the Champions League final and was named Man of the Match.

That was the beginning of the peak of his career.

After that final, he became one of the world's top attackers. Together with Ronaldo and Benzema, he formed the most classic CBD trident in Real Madrid's history and helped build the club's most prosperous dynasty.

But at some point, they all realized that everything around them had changed.

Ronaldo could no longer run or dribble like before. He stayed high in every game, waiting for teammates to create chances. Benzema had also lost the flexibility of his youth, his body not what it once was, though he still worked tirelessly.

And himself.

He had suffered multiple injuries and was no longer as fast.

When he was young, he never felt it. He always thought he was special, a gift from God. As long as he worked hard, he could still gallop as recklessly as before, sprint with invincibility, and never tire.

But when you truly get older, that feeling and that confidence keep slipping away.

Until one day, you suddenly realize you cannot beat others to the ball, and you cannot sprint anymore.

Only then do you realize you are really old.

…

Di Maria turned his head and looked to the touchline.

At that moment, in front of the bench, Gao Shen was still constantly directing the team and adjusting players' positions.

He had not changed much. He was still full of passion and always hungry to win. He had even joked in the dressing room, saying, my body has declined and I am not as durable as before, but we have better skills and more experience.

Whenever Di Maria thought of the boss's expression when he said that, he could not help but smile knowingly.

Boss, your driving skills are really good.

After the laugh, he felt a deep reluctance.

Even the boss was leaving.

Ronaldo had made it clear that he was leaving. Juventus in Italy, Manchester United in the Premier League, and Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 were all willing to pay a transfer fee and a huge salary for him. At 33, he wanted new excitement.

Modric also wanted to leave. He wanted to retire at Inter Milan.

And Pepe...

Over the years, Real Madrid's overall lineup had been very stable. Although players came and went every year, the core remained largely unchanged.

Players like Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa had basically retired at Real Madrid.

Raul was now an assistant coach for the first team, Gao Shen's right-hand man.

This was a humane Real Madrid where everyone could find their place. The dressing room atmosphere was harmonious and everyone got along.

But everyone knew that in professional football, such peaceful times are rare and short-lived.

When the boss, the giant umbrella that shielded the dressing room from wind and rain, decided to step away, everyone had to be mentally prepared for the coming storm.

In fact, as early as last year, after the Champions League final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, Gao Shen had already started thinking about leaving. It was the dressing room, together with the management and fans, who persuaded him to stay.

At that time, everyone stayed optimistic, believing that as long as Gao Shen remained, everything would continue.

But over the past year, everyone had seen clearly.

In the face of cruel time and nature, humans are like insignificant ants.

Once you think it through, you accept it.

Di Maria also wanted to leave.

Paris Saint-Germain had contacted him and were willing to offer a higher salary to play in Ligue 1.

The competitive pressure there was lower, and Di Maria felt he could adapt better and play more comfortably.

But PSG still needed to negotiate with Real Madrid.

Tonight's battle at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv might well be his last game for Real Madrid.

It might also be his last game under head coach Gao Shen.

Thinking of this, Di Maria took a deep breath, calmed himself, forced the messy thoughts aside, and focused on the game.

Since this is the last battle, there is no need to feel sad or depressed.

Just do it, and do it right.

Do not leave any regrets, this is what the boss taught him.

Thinking of this, Di Maria suddenly shouted and accelerated.

…

Leeds United's attacks were truly ferocious.

This team was not only extremely strong, but also very tough.

Pochettino had injected steel and bravery into the team, along with finesse.

It was not just Dembélé and Mbappé, but also Bernardo Silva, who came on as a substitute.

The midfielder had been one of the best performers in the Premier League this season, but in the final, Pochettino chose the in-form local talent Dele Alli.

The 22-year-old local midfielder was among the best performers in the Premier League and even in Europe this season. His market value had surpassed 100 million. He was strong in both attack and defense, especially in passing, assisting, and late runs into the box.

Despite his youth, he had already posted a double-double of goals and assists in the Premier League this season. With excellent technique, he was dubbed the second Pogba and had attracted interest from many top clubs.

Pochettino brought on Bernardo Silva to further strengthen midfield organization and passing, and to keep launching even fiercer attacks on Real Madrid, not only for the closing stages of regulation time, but also with an eye on extra time.

Real Madrid continued to guard their goal and waited patiently for opportunities.

Battle-hardened, they knew the more critical the moment, the calmer they needed to be.

Although Leeds United had attacked ferociously throughout, that was not necessarily a good thing.

If one attack failed to break through, Leeds United kept piling on the pressure and committed even more men forward.

This group of young players might even become desperate.

That would inevitably expose gaps.

Especially near the end.

They were still young and inexperienced. They had not learned when the most dangerous moments arrive.

But Real Madrid had lived through it and understood it.

More importantly, the series of comebacks this season had given Real Madrid unprecedented resilience and patience.

…

Time ticked by.

The match quickly entered stoppage time.

The fourth official on the sideline raised the board, indicating two minutes added.

Regulation time was in its final moments.

There were only two minutes left, no, a little over one minute.

Leeds United's players began to get anxious.

Their defensive shape became a little messy.

A quick cross from full-back Arnold gave Harry Kane a headed chance, but Courtois caught it cleanly. The angle was too straight.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper threw the ball directly to Marcelo, but Leeds United did not drop off. They pressed immediately near Real Madrid's penalty area.

Marcelo quickly fed Pogba, then to Toni Kroos, who pinged a long pass to the left side of the final third.

Ronaldo had been suppressed all game, but with his experience, he quickly got to the ball on the left.

Leeds United center-back Militao recovered with great speed. Another young center-back developed by Leeds United, together with the Netherlands' De Ligt, he was considered Leeds United's biggest discovery this season.

Ronaldo controlled the ball and faced Militao. A few years ago, he would have boldly driven at him, but now he did not have that certainty.

So he stopped sharply, came back with the ball, and laid it off to the onrushing Pogba. Then he made a diagonal run toward the left side of the box, dragging Militao with him.

Pogba took Ronaldo's pass and carried it forward.

Kanté chased relentlessly and never gave him space to shoot.

At the left edge of the area, Pogba chopped to a standstill, sending Kanté flying past. But the French teammate, not tall but very agile, reacted instantly, stopped, and snapped back toward Pogba again.

As one of the world's top defensive midfielders, Pogba knew Kanté's strength very well.

There are no insurmountable obstacles, only insurmountable Kantés.

Seventy percent of the Earth is covered by water, and the remaining 30 percent is covered by Kanté.

This was Gao Shen's evaluation of Kanté, widely quoted by media and fans.

So, after Pogba's stop, he immediately used his body to shield Kanté, protected the ball, turned his back to goal, and played it sideways with his right.

At that moment, Benzema on the right side of the box and Ronaldo on the left both dragged Leeds United's defenders away, exposing a gap in the middle.

A channel straight to goal.

Di Maria's speed was not what it once was, but he still burst to the edge of the Leeds United penalty area. Seeing Pogba's pass, he glanced at the box, took it on his right, shifted it onto his left, and, after a slight adjustment, struck cleanly with his left foot.

From the acceleration to the touch to the shot, Di Maria's action was completed in one smooth sequence.

More importantly, it was at least 25 meters from goal.

The Argentine's long-range effort was sudden and traveled at great speed.

It bent with a graceful arc.

During the winter break, Manchester City goalkeeper Neuer suffered a serious injury and missed the entire season. The Blue Moon then poached Leeds United goalkeeper Ederson for a huge fee, but in the second half of the season, his replacement Alisson shone and amazed the world.

Throughout the second half of the season, Alisson had made no major mistakes. He saved high and low, and was the primary contributor to Leeds United winning the Premier League and FA Cup.

But at this moment, facing Di Maria's world-class strike, especially one arcing toward the top-left corner, he was truly helpless and could only watch the ball fly into the net.

Time seemed to freeze.

Then, all the Real Madrid fans and players in the stadium erupted into unprecedented madness.

Especially Di Maria, the hero of the moment. He sprinted off the pitch like a madman.

The live camera caught the tears in his eyes as he ran.

Di Maria rushed to the touchline and hugged head coach Gao Shen in excitement.

The other Real Madrid players also sprinted over, embracing Gao Shen and their teammates tightly.

This scene moved fans around the world.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1184: Six Consecutive Championships

When the Serbian referee Milorad Mažic blew the final whistle, Leeds United, who had been bombarding Real Madrid's goal just moments earlier, suddenly seemed to run dry.

On the pitch, inside and outside Real Madrid's penalty area, players in Leeds United shirts collapsed to the turf.

Many held their heads and cried bitterly.

Last season, they were eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals by a powerful Real Madrid.

Last summer, the team could not keep its stars and was forced to sell five core players, yet this season they did even better, pushing through the semi-finals and into the final.

Not only that, in the group stage, Leeds United beat Real Madrid twice, nearly causing last season's rivals to fail to advance. You could call it revenge.

Before this final, they were ambitious, believing Real Madrid were no longer at their best and that the Real Madrid era was over.

But who would have thought they would lose?

When had these young men in their early twenties ever endured such a brutal blow?

They were so close to the Champions League, and now they had nothing.

It was all over.

…

At the whistle, everyone around Gao Shen rushed onto the pitch at once.

They celebrated wildly, almost forgetting everything else.

Even Carlo, Zidane, and the others completely lost control, either dropping to their knees on the grass or embracing each other.

This turbulent season had been truly hard for Real Madrid.

It was tough and painful from the start. They faced constant challenges, setbacks, and blows. It was like a leaky ship in a storm, sailing the deep seas on the brink of breaking apart.

But Captain Gao Shen always stayed firm and clear-headed, leading the team to overcome obstacles and ride out the waves.

At last, they reached the final.

And now, they had won the title.

This was a sixth consecutive Champions League title.

An unprecedented six in a row.

How strong were Leeds United this season?

Harry Kane, Mbappé, and Mané topped this season's Champions League scoring charts with 12 goals each.

In other words, those three accounted for 36 goals.

There was also Vardy, the 31-year-old veteran, who scored 7.

Leeds United scored 29 goals in the group stage, a record for the most in Champions League group-stage history.

It shows how formidable Leeds United were this season. Pochettino's team had virtually swept across Europe.

But in the end, they were beaten by Real Madrid.

So they had every reason to feel dissatisfied and disappointed by this final's result.

Gao Shen took a deep breath, calmed himself, and walked toward the Leeds United bench.

Pochettino saw him and came over.

They said nothing, just hugged.

"Tonight, I am proud of you," Gao Shen said with emotion.

He spoke as the owner of Leeds United.

"What a pity, we were just a little short," Pochettino replied in disappointment.

He had been on the verge of making history.

"If not this season, then try again next season," Gao Shen said with a smile.

Pochettino looked at his boss with some bitterness. "Will we still have a chance next season?"

"Of course we will," Gao Shen said confidently.

"When I finish here and get to Cheshire, I will talk it through with you in detail. Believe me, we will definitely have a chance."

Pochettino regarded Gao Shen as both teacher and friend, and had complete faith in him.

Gao Shen walked onto the pitch, hugging everyone he met.

If it was a Real Madrid player, he congratulated him. If it was a Leeds United player, he offered comfort.

Reaching the semi-finals last season and the final this season was a great success for a club like Leeds United. Behind it was not only a professional and efficient management team, but also the advice and guidance behind the scenes.

At the very least, the current core of Leeds United's squad largely came from high-level recommendations.

Of course, Gao Shen's benefits could not be summed up in a few words.

Leeds United had changed players many times over the years, but the team's overall strength had steadily increased. Now they were Champions League runners-up. Leeds United were even regarded as part of the Premier League's Big Six, the most promising and dynamic side among them.

Gao Shen basically comforted the Leeds United players and encouraged them to step out of the shadow as soon as possible, especially those he and the club valued greatly, such as Mbappé.

"Believe me, do not make any hasty decisions this summer. We will try to come back again next season," Gao Shen said.

Mbappé trusted Gao Shen. He had been developed by Leeds United over the past few years since joining, and Gao Shen made time every year to meet them several times and talk at length. They knew each other well.

Last summer, Mbappé almost joined Paris Saint-Germain. After prising Neymar from Barcelona with a sky-high buyout clause, PSG wanted Mbappé for 150 million euros.

At that time, Gao Shen urged Real Madrid to sign Mbappé. The young Frenchman had always wanted to play under Gao Shen, so he chose to wait for Real Madrid. In the end, Florentino chose to keep Ronaldo, so Mbappé stayed.

Now, PSG were bound to come for Mbappé again this summer, but Gao Shen still wanted to steady the talented striker first.

"Let's find time to have a proper chat later," Gao Shen said with a smile, patting Mbappé on the shoulder.

He had a feeling this summer would be anything but calm.

The French forward nodded firmly. He could not refuse Gao Shen's invitation.

…

"Dad!"

As Gao Shen walked down from the pitch, he heard a clear shout from afar.

Then a gust of wind, and a small figure hurled himself into his arms.

He knew by the voice alone that it was his beloved son.

Little Gao Ming was already five years old, six by the lunar calendar. He was healthy and ran fast.

He had been training in Real Madrid's youth system since he was very young, and now he could play quite well.

Speaking of which, he had a godfather to thank.

Zidane walked over, feigning a sulk, and ruffled the boy's hair. "Kid, who brought you in? Now that you have seen your dad, you do not want your godfather anymore, is that it?"

Little Gao Ming giggled and clung to Zidane's hand. "How could that be? Godfather, I love you the most."

Zidane, delighted, picked him up.

"Come on, Godfather will take you to the podium to collect the trophy today."

"OK!"

Gao Shen was left behind, amused. "You are an assistant coach, and you are bringing a little kid up there to receive the award?"

Little Gao Ming's popularity at Real Madrid was impressive.

He was young, but quick-witted and sweet-tongued, especially good at winning people over. He tagged along with Zidane in the Real Madrid dressing room all day, knew everyone, and often showed up on social media.

One day competing with Ronaldo at shooting. Another day heading with Benzema. Then juggling with Di Maria.

Ramos said he had the makings of a center-back. Toni Kroos thought he was a natural passer. Modric thought he should be the midfield orchestrator. Ronaldo thought he had the potential to inherit his legacy.

Before long, he became a little internet celebrity with plenty of fans.

At first, Gao Shen and Su Qing worried he might be led astray and neglect his studies. They did not expect he had the top-student genes from his parents and produced outstanding grades.

Gradually, seeing he could balance study and play, they let him be.

That made him feel even more at home at Real Madrid.

Even Florentino liked him very much and had said more than once that he would be a future leader of Real Madrid.

All in all, he was doing as well in Real Madrid as his father.

In the middle of the pitch, the players tossed him into the air again and again, while he danced and shouted in delight, thrilled and satisfied.

"Were you like this when you were little?" Raul asked enviously.

He had brought his own children to Real Madrid many times, but none were as adored as little Gao Ming.

Sometimes he felt the boy possessed some of Gao Shen's qualities, like a natural affinity.

"I was much more obedient than him as a child," Gao Shen denied.

Raul smiled and let it go.

"Sorry, Raul."

"Why?" Raul was a bit surprised.

"I have to go," Gao Shen said helplessly.

He had wanted to take Raul with him a while longer, but time did not allow it.

Raul nodded. "I understand."

For Gao Shen, the best time to leave was last year, but at that time everyone at the club, from fans to players to management, tried to keep him. Even the King of Spain called on him to stay.

No one imagined how difficult the following year would be.

Now, they all knew.

"Yesterday, when I met Ferguson, I told him I am not as strong as he is. I cannot stick it out for decades. I am very tired, truly tired."

"I still remember when I first became a head coach. It has been almost 13 years. Busy every day, really exhausted. I want a good rest, then decide what to do next."

Gao Shen had not figured out what came next.

All he wanted was rest.

How long would he rest? He did not know. He was not short of money now.

"Are you going to live in Cheshire?" Raul asked with concern.

"My wife has chosen a school for the boy in the UK. But I will not sell my house in Madrid. We will still come back often, do not worry," Gao Shen said with a smile.

Florentino had already said Gao Shen should have a good rest and that Real Madrid would welcome him back anytime.

Gao Shen felt his life was destined to be tied to Real Madrid. From his debut to now, and through the triumphs of recent years, they had been bound together.

So he rejected many offers from wealthy clubs and declined Qatar's sky-high offer to coach their national team. He truly wanted to rest.

The best life is waking up naturally every morning.

Perhaps, after resting enough, the itch would return and he would come back.

That would be a brand-new beginning.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1185: Record-breaking Transfer

After winning the championship, many things started to proceed by the book.

Gao Shen was repeatedly tossed into the air by the players. When he went on stage to receive the award, his son stole the spotlight. During the team photo, the boy was placed on top of the trophy by the Real Madrid players. When interviewed by reporters, Gao Shen reiterated his decision to leave Real Madrid.

Everything seemed to follow the script.

The Real Madrid players partied from the dressing room all the way to the hotel, and in the end everyone was drunk and passed out.

This was definitely the most difficult season since Gao Shen took over. They encountered too many setbacks and challenges, and too many difficulties. That was why, after overcoming them all, especially after winning tonight, everyone was extremely excited and thrilled.

Even the always cautious Carlo got drunk, shouting and venting with Gao Shen. Zidane even said this was the toughest final of his life, and the one he was proudest of.

Real Madrid made history.

From now on, each of them is part of that history.

At that moment, little Gao Ming burst in, raising his drink and shouting loudly, "Me too, I'm part of history!"

Everyone adored the kid and dragged him into the celebrations.

Gao Shen eventually lost track of time.

In any case, his son kept insisting on sleeping with his godfather, so Gao Shen sent them back to their room and returned.

His wife Su Qing had been waiting in their room for a long time. Hearing that their son was going to sleep with Zidane, she was relieved, though she was a little resentful that Gao Shen indulged the boy too much.

In their family, the mother was strict and the father kind.

Gao Shen's parents and his in-laws had long grown used to him leading teams to Champions League finals. At first they wanted to watch his matches. Later they lost interest.

They were getting older and less willing to cause a fuss.

In public, Su Qing always displayed elegance, intelligence, and poise. Only when they were alone did she reveal her tenderness and affection. This was why they were still so close after so many years of marriage.

This night was destined to be sleepless.

…

"Great Real Madrid. Great Gao Shen."

"How lucky we are to live in the same era as this profound Real Madrid."

"This is the greatest moment in world football history. Gao Shen and his Real Madrid have created an unprecedented six straight Champions League titles, booking the title of best club of the 21st century in advance."

"In Kyiv, we witnessed the birth of great history."

Around noon the next day, the entire Real Madrid delegation departed Kyiv amid flowers and applause from the global media.

After nearly five hours in the air, they arrived at Madrid's capital airport in the afternoon.

By then, the entire airport was surrounded by fanatical Real Madrid supporters. Thousands either rushed into the terminal or waited at the entry and exit passages, blocking the way.

Real Madrid had already arranged an open-top bus. All the trophies won this season were brought to the airport and, together with the Champions League won in Kyiv, placed on the bus as it slowly drove toward the Bernabéu.

There, in Real Madrid's trophy room, everything would be displayed. Although it had been renovated and expanded a few years ago, it had already become too small again. It was expanded once more this season, which had become quite the story.

Who could compare with Real Madrid in recent years? Like a harvester of titles, they won wherever they went.

As the open-top bus crawled toward the city center, fans gradually noticed that head coach Gao Shen was not on board.

At first, they thought he had not returned to Madrid with the team, so they surrounded the bus and chanted Gao Shen's name. Their voices grew louder and louder, picked up by the Spanish National Television broadcast.

In the end, captain Ramos took the microphone on the bus and explained to the supporters that the head coach had returned with the team but had urgent matters to handle, and would meet them at the Bernabéu.

This temporarily calmed the fans.

What was more, they soon discovered that although the head coach was not there, his son was.

The kid had sneakily joined the Real Madrid players and climbed aboard.

With his precious son there, how could Gao Shen possibly slip away?

…

One of the main reasons Gao Shen did not ride the parade float was that he was tired.

These trophy parades look great in newspapers and on TV. The first time you experience it, it feels fresh and exciting. But when you get older and you have done it many times, you realize it is actually exhausting.

By initial estimates, it would take until evening to get from the airport to the Bernabéu, though the exact time was uncertain.

After the celebration at the Bernabéu, they still had to go to Plaza de España for the customary ceremony, which would likely be after midnight.

For a middle-aged man like Gao Shen, better to skip it.

Together with his assistants, he took the Real Madrid legends' bus, left the airport, and arrived at the Bernabéu earlier than everyone else.

Florentino and others had already arrived and were hosting everyone in the stadium restaurant.

It might be the last commercial corner of the Bernabéu as it stands.

After moving Real Madrid's offices to Valdebebas, Florentino launched a renovation plan for the Bernabéu, with an estimated investment of 800 million euros. It was an ambitious project.

A sum like that would be enough to build a brand-new top stadium.

But given the Bernabéu's location in Madrid's city center, reconstruction was not possible, so it had to be renovated. Sometimes, renovation costs even more than rebuilding.

Florentino was clearly full of ambition as he introduced the plan.

In recent years, Real Madrid had been the most profitable club in European football, and with the team's Champions League dominance, the club's commercial value had soared.

It was estimated that this season's revenue would exceed 900 million euros, a staggering figure.

Barcelona, second on the list, were estimated at under 700 million, so Real Madrid were far ahead.

Commercial success came from performance on the pitch, but also from the stars in the squad.

For example, Gao Shen was Real Madrid's most commercially influential "superstar," surpassing even Ronaldo.

This was also why Florentino had been reluctant to let Ronaldo go.

After all, renovating the Bernabéu would be expensive.

In today's era, producing another top-level superstar is extremely difficult, especially one like Ronaldo with both image and ability.

But this season, everyone had seen Ronaldo's decline, and since he was unhappy with his salary, leaving had become inevitable.

…

"I made a mistake."

After dinner, Gao Shen, Zidane, Jose Sanchez, Butragueño, Redondo, and Valdano gathered in Florentino's office.

Although Valdano no longer worked for Real Madrid, he remained a close friend and confidant of Florentino.

"I am sorry, Gao," Florentino said, an extremely rare apology.

Gao Shen smiled and waved it off. "Do not say that, Florentino."

Although he was about to leave Real Madrid, they were parting on good terms.

Going forward, Real Madrid would continue to operate Gao Shen's personal brand, with him receiving a share of the profits.

There was no separating them after so many years of deep ties.

Besides, where else could you find a top club as skilled at commercial operations as Real Madrid?

Leeds United's commercial operations were very strong, but not yet at Real Madrid's level.

Moreover, Leeds already had their own head coach, and it would not be good for Gao Shen to be too involved.

"The squad will definitely be restructured this summer. The technical team has submitted a plan to bring in two superstars, namely our opponents last night, Mbappé and Van Dijk from Leeds United."

Everyone turned to look at Gao Shen, even Florentino watching him carefully.

It was a test of sorts.

Gao Shen appeared unconcerned and nodded with a smile. "Both are extremely talented, and both are in very high demand."

"Yes, we have heard that Paris Saint-Germain are also focusing their recruitment on Mbappé," Jose Sanchez said, grinning at Gao Shen.

"Gao, please put in a word for us later."

Everyone laughed.

Gao Shen was used to this role. At Real Madrid, he was the head coach.

"You know I basically do not meddle in Leeds United's management," Gao Shen said, shaking his head.

Of course everyone knew that was not strictly true, but no one said it aloud.

"The biggest issue now is still defense. Pepe and Ramos are aging, and Varane has dipped this season. Bringing in a top center-back is the key to the rebuild," Gao Shen suggested.

Everyone nodded.

"Center-backs are indispensable now," Valdano reminded. "Last summer, Manchester United even spent 100 million euros to grab Maguire, which says it all."

That was also a Leeds United deal.

It was remarkable.

At some point, Leeds United began producing top center-backs year after year, from Koulibaly to De Vrij to Stones to Maguire, and now Van Dijk.

Crucially, after selling Maguire for a sky-high fee, Leeds signed De Ligt from Ajax for 5 million euros, and promoted Militao and Ruben Dias from the academy.

Leeds United's center-back strength had not dropped this season. It was an astonishing operation.

There were many similar cases.

So over the years, Leeds had sold many players and earned huge transfer fees, but their overall strength had risen, and their results improved year by year. They were now a Premier League powerhouse and were just a step from winning the Champions League this season.

Who would believe there was no profound strategy behind this?

If Maguire was worth 100 million euros, how much was Van Dijk?

With the market bubble expanding rapidly, nine-figure fees were no longer a shock.

Last summer, Paris Saint-Germain paid a 220 million euro buyout to take Neymar from Barcelona. Barcelona then signed Brazilian prodigy Felipe Anderson from Leeds United for 150 million euros.

In addition, after being crushed by a powerful Real Madrid in the 2015 Champions League final, Barcelona capitalized on the lifting of their transfer ban and signed Coutinho for 140 million euros, causing an uproar.

In recent years, nine-figure transfers had become rare, but not unusual.

And everyone knew Mbappé was likely to be another astronomical deal.

It might even set a new record.

(To be continued.)