Deutscher Meister - 3
“Klopp!”
The moment the match ended, I ran over calling out Klopp's nickname and threw my arms around him.
“Jinho!”
Normally, this was the time to rack up some goodwill. Just because it was the West didn't mean connections didn't matter. People were people everywhere.
“Congrats on the win!”
“What do you mean? We won it together!”
And on a personal level, Klopp was just a good guy.
“BVB! BVB! BVB!”
“Oh Lord.”
“Olé, jetzt kommt Der BVB!”
The Dortmund players celebrated the championship in their own ways. The ones just jumping in place were tame; some knelt on the pitch praying, others linked arms with fans who'd stormed the field over the fences, belting out Dortmund's chants.
“Our hero Jürgen!”
While a few fans shared the joy with the players, most rushed toward Klopp—the man most responsible for reviving the club—and hoisted him up for a celebratory lift.
“Fuck! Jinho, help…! Damn it, I have a fear of heights!”
As Jürgen Klopp let out a scream that sounded more like a cheer, I quietly slipped away from the crowd.
Stick around there, and I'd end up sightseeing Berlin myself.
“Gino…”
I turned at the sound of someone calling me and saw a fidgety little kid fan.
“U-um, your uniform, please.”
Smiling, I took off my jersey, handed it to the kid, and ruffled his hair.
“…Hic.”
The touched kid burst into tears.
“Jinho, thank you. This'll be a gift he'll never forget.”
“Come on, kid, say thank you to Jinho.”
“Sniff… Th-thank you.”
The parents comforted the child as they thanked me, and I gave his head one more pat before turning to find Gyeowol—
Then someone came running from behind and hugged me tight.
“Hey, you went and hugged the coach before me?”
The familiar scent tickling my nose brought a natural smile to my face.
The league wasn't over yet, but schools and offices in Dortmund declared the next day a holiday.
They knew no one would show up anyway.
“Yesss! No school today!”
Gyeowol cheered at the sudden break. Hard to believe in Korea, but what could they do without professors or teachers? Kids gotta rest.
Dortmund-fan profs would cancel class if they lost the Revierderby to Schalke, hearts too broken—soccer was life here.
“Humming~”
Hwang Miyeon eyed the humming Gyeowol with disbelief.
“Sent her abroad at huge expense, and she's thrilled over a day off.”
I got her feelings. Imagine sending your daughter off, dazzled by her boyfriend, only to find her slacking instead of studying.
“Hey! I aced my exams! Helped Jinho with German too!”
Well, Gyeowol wasn't just playing, but parents see what they see. “Then go help Jinho study! Stop rolling on the couch!” Anyway, Gyeowol had a knack for languages—mastered German early and tutored me.
“…Son Jinho. Let's study.”
After a swat on the back from her mom, Gyeowol grabbed my hand and dragged me to the room. My German improved fast again today.
Time flew. Round 34. The 10/11 season finale at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund's home.
Champions already, but the stadium packed with fans—for Dede's farewell and to witness the revival.
[Gino gets the ball! Threads it forward! Lucas Barrios takes it! Oh! Köhler yanks him from behind?!]
Dortmund wanted a clean win before home fans to cap the season; Frankfurt (17th) needed 3 points to dodge relegation. Tense battle.
[Oh! Ref Peter Gagelmann points to the spot! Dortmund penalty!]
[Dangerous foul by Benjamin Köhler. Spot-on call.]
Desperate for points, Frankfurt played rough.
[Kicker Lucas Barrios steps up! Calm shot!]
[Ralf Fährmann saves! Rescues Frankfurt!!]
Halftime after Barrios' miss. Second half: Frankfurt scores first.
[Frankfurt scores! They might dream of survival!]
Joy short-lived.
[Sensational! Another monster long-range screamer from Gino's boot!]
[Jinho haunting Frankfurt. Coach clutches his head.]
Son Jinho's rocket shakes the net, followed by Frankfurt OG. Their momentum died.
Tweet!
2010/2011 league finale over.
“Leuchte auf mein Stern Borussia, (Shine, my star Borussia)”
Leuchte auf mein Stern Borussia
Post-match, Dortmund players approached fans, clapping thanks. All thanks to you.
“…Today, I leave beloved Dortmund.”
Dede gripped the mic at the trophy ceremony. Silence fell instantly.
“But this sight will live in my heart forever…”
Emotions choked him; he stammered through sobs. Fans waited patiently.
“I will return here someday.”
Applause filled Signal Iduna Park.
Dede left Dortmund—with a promise to return.
Beautiful farewells like Dede's contrasted uneasy ones.
Nuri Sahin, vague on renewal all season, left for Real Madrid.
Fans bittersweet but not devastated.
“Gino!! Take care!”
“Don't get hurt!”
His replacement was already in their arms.
“Be back soon!”
June 2011. Son Jinho departed for Korea's U-23 Olympic team amid worried Dortmund fans' send-off.