Winter Break - 1
“Kiyoooooot—!”
As a deer-like cry erupted from Son Jinho's throat, Günter Perl, the referee for the Borussia Dortmund vs. SC Freiburg match, quickly ran through the rules in his mind.
…Not a foul, I think?
While plenty of players had roared after scoring, no one had ever done it before the goal. It was ambiguous enough that referee Günter Perl ultimately pointed to the center circle, acknowledging Son Jinho's goal.
Freiburg players protested vehemently at the call, but Günter shook his head firmly.
“Why don't you lot shout too?”
From Son Jinho's opening goal, Freiburg grew shakier as time wore on.
Dortmund welcomed Freiburg at home and clinched a resounding 4-0 victory.
[Son Jinho's Roar Controversy? German FA: 'No Rule Violation.']
[Son Jinho Bags a Brace in Final League Game!]
[Dortmund Kicks Off Christmas Charity Drive.]
The Freiburg match was over. The only remaining fixture in the first half was the DFB-Pokal Round of 16 against Düsseldorf.
Before that, Dortmund held a small event for pediatric cancer patients as part of their community outreach.
Bundesliga clubs, where fans or the club itself hold at least '50% +1' of the shares, had strong ties with local communities and businesses, keeping charity efforts steady unlike other leagues.
For this Christmas event, I joined Mario Götze and Shinji Kagawa, who'd shone in the first half of the season.
“Who do you want to see most?”
At the host's question, I whispered from behind the curtain.
“It's me, obviously. Look at these looks—next level.”
“Gino, cut the bullshit. It's me.”
“What? No, it's me!”
“Mario, quiet. Your voice is too loud.”
My words sparked it, turning into an ego showdown in seconds.
We listened for the kid's voice from beyond the curtain.
“Gino!”
The kid called out.
“See? Clear winner.”
I flashed a victorious grin at Mario Götze and Shinji Kagawa.
“This has to be a hidden camera prank.”
Mario, refusing to accept defeat, shot a dumbfounded look at the camera director.
Of course, the Christmas event wasn't a prank.
“I want Götze!” “Shinji for me!”
The club had drawn one fan per player anyway.
Fair enough… Makes sense.
If players showed up for charity and heard nothing but other names, it'd be a disaster. Hurt feelings for the athletes, backlash for the club despite good intentions.
We chatted with the kids, creating memories they'd never forget.
“…Should we donate a bit?” “Yeah.” “Felt kinda off leaving like this anyway.”
After the event, as we headed home, we pooled funds and handed them to the hospital.
“Wahhh. Shinji-oppa, take me home.”
At 17, without a license, I hitched a ride with Shinji Kagawa back home.
[Borussia Dortmund Hosts Special Event for Pediatric Cancer Patients.]
[Son Jinho, Shinji Kagawa, Mario Götze Donate to Hospital After Event.]
[Dortmund Advances to DFB-Pokal Quarterfinals!]
[How Did Bankruptcy-Ravaged Dortmund Rise Again?]
[Rising Young Manager Jürgen Klopp! Big Clubs Come Calling.]
On December 21st, Dortmund beat second-division Düsseldorf in the DFB-Pokal Round of 16, wrapping up the first half on a high note.
Winter break kicked off right after the final whistle. Dortmund players jetted off one by one.
Fans expressed disappointment at no homecoming, but most supported it.
The winter break began.
“When are you heading to Korea?”
I met Choi Gi-hyeon for a chat.
“Tomorrow.”
Choi, who'd spearheaded my Germany stint, planned to return home and pitch ideas to the FA brass.
Over weekends, he'd toured Germany, compiling reports on Bundesliga youth systems.
“Report god? It's me.”
“Whoa…”
I marveled at the report he handed over with smug pride.
Why waste this talent coaching high school soccer?
Crystal-clear, scannable—every prior report felt like garbage now.
Well, glad he found his calling now.
His report went straight to the FA, who—amid bad press—announced youth development plans based on it, vowing to unearth the next Son Jinho.
The FA caught hell, as expected. Whatever they did, backlash was inevitable.
Maybe London Olympics results would calm it? Nah. With me there, 'Asia's first soccer gold' might just fuel more hate.
I shook my head at the FA's no-win scenario.
All self-inflicted, though.
On December 26th, we flew to England.
Break had started, but prep dragged on longer than expected.
“Ooh… Britain!”
After sightseeing around London, agent Mino Raiola scored us tickets to Chelsea vs. Fulham on the 28th.
“Hey, Son Jinho, check this.” “What?”
Han Gyeowol shoved her smartphone at me.
“Chelsea fans are hyped, thinking you're joining.”
I'd expected it since announcing the live watch.
“Hmph. Our Jinho's going to Man U. Right?” “…Yeah.” “Took you long enough.”
“Huh? Kickoff.”
I switched topics as the ref's whistle blew.
Chelsea took the lead early via Juan Mata's opener, assisted by the 900-billion-man Fernando Torres.
“He is a blue, he was a red, Torres, Torres!”
Hwang Miyeon leaped up, belting Torres' chant at full volume.
VIP seats were mostly sedate applause, but she was the lone soul standing, pouring her heart out.
“Ugh… embarrassing.”
Han Gyeowol flushed red; I smiled and pulled her into a light hug.
“Ah…” “Boooooooooo—!”
Leading off Torres' goal, Chelsea conceded twice in quick succession to Fulham, losing 1-2 at Stamford Bridge.
“Mom, chin up! Losses to underdogs happen.”
Han Gyeowol comforted her dejected mother-in-law.
“…Gyeowol, lower your hand from your mouth.”
She kept it there till the hotel.
After Chelsea, we headed to Manchester.
“Hey? It's Son Jinho!”
More Korean fans at Old Trafford, thanks to Park Ji-sung.
They mobbed me for pics and autographs, then posted online.
“See? Red suits our Jinho best.”
I chuckled dryly at Han Gyeowol's words while watching Man United live.
And then…
Rumors spread online that teams I watched live always lost.
“…No more live watches with Son Jinho.” “Gyeowol, next time just us two.” “Yeah, Mom.”
Why's it my fault?
After Man United's game, I greeted Park Ji-sung.
“See you tonight. Bring the family.”
“Got it, hyung. Tonight.”
If they'd won, I'd have chatted with more United players.
“Club staff said they'd invite us next time—sorry. Don't be too bummed.”
Locker room vibes soured post-loss.
“Yeah… Next time, autographs and pics.”
I cheered up the visibly sulky Han Gyeowol.
Then, dinner with Park Ji-sung.
“Nice to meet you.”
There, I finally met Ferguson.