Chapter 53
Chapter 53
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Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: Club World Cup Mercenary (1)
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Even after lifting the FA Cup trophy, Manchester United's celebration showed no signs of stopping.
No, in fact, it was just getting started.
One by one, starting with Harry Maguire, the Manchester United players hoisted the trophy high.
Each time, the fans belted out that player's personal chant, filling the entire stadium with its roar.
From the original members who stuck around despite the team's relegation, to the youth academy products who filled the empty spots.
And then, the new winter signings who joined mid-season and immediately became key players, contributing massively to promotion and the FA Cup win: Marc Bernal, Madoh Murcia, and Mike Maignan.
After nearly every player's chant had echoed through the stadium, the moment finally arrived for the one player everyone still there had been waiting for.
A player who had already leaped over the stands to share the victory joy with the fans.
The fans pushed him back toward the pitch.
"BAN!!! BAN!!! BAN!!!"
The Red Devils' chant slowly revved up.
His chant was hotter and grander than anyone else's, even from the very first note.
The stadium announcer's voice boomed, drawing all eyes to him.
[Manchester United supporters!!!]
(Manchester United fans!!!)
He kissed the emblem on his chest and strode to the center of the pitch.
[Coming over from Korea!]
(From Korea!)
His homeland now draped around his waist.
[Attacking midfielder!]
(Attacking midfielder!)
Manchester United's new number 10.
[Korea's goal machine!]
(Korea's goal machine!)
The man who unleashed a poker against rivals Manchester City.
[YEAGER BAN!!!!!!]
Manchester United's new legend, Yeager Ban, raised the FA Cup trophy high.
——
With this, Manchester United's 2028-29 season schedule had come to a complete end.
Last season, due to relegation, they played in the second division, with most key players departing.
Back in January when Yeager Ban had just joined Manchester United, not only was winning the second division out of reach, but even promotion was shaky—they were barely clinging to 6th place. No one could have dreamed of the outcome they achieved.
First Half of Season
League: 6th place
League Cup: Crashed out early
Second Half After Yeager Joined
League: Skyrocketed to 1st
FA Cup: Champions
Yeager: Golden Boot + Assist King double crown
One player literally changed everything ㄷㄷ
Yeager Ban, Korea's soccer new romantic figure, pulling in even the 7080 generation as Yeager fans.
Still a prospect who hasn't even finished one full season, but already a Manchester United legend.
——
Today's Ban family dinner should have been peaceful.
Or so it was supposed to be...
But the phones on the table kept buzzing nonstop, preventing anyone from focusing on the meal.
"Ah, no, I'm telling you~ No, it's not that I don't know either!"
"Yes, well... It's hard to say for sure, but there's no need to worry about that."
Dad and my little sister repeated the same prepped lines to the flood of calls from acquaintances.
"Wouldn't it be better to just silence them and ignore?"
"Sigh... Yeah, guess so."
"Yerin, once you start engaging, it never ends."
Having successfully wrapped up the season with Manchester United, now the Real Madrid transfer rumors exploded again.
The timing was suspicious, and those who wanted me to stay with United couldn't help but feel deep anxiety.
Real Madrid's love calls had been nonstop all season, and neither United nor I had given any firm denial.
At this point, people were seriously wondering if I was really transferring.
Coldly speaking, plenty thought that getting world-class treatment at the world's top club made more sense than sticking with United, who still had a long way to go despite promotion to the first division.
In truth, my contract with United was sorted ages ago, but only a tiny few in the club knew the details.
Vrrr—
"Sigh... Give me a sec, I'll take this."
Even teammates I play with don't know exactly what's going on.
"Hello?"
"Yeager! You're not going to Madrid, right?!!"
"Nah, nothing like that, don't worry."
"R-really?! Then why skip the preseason tour?? We'll be ruined without you!!"
"I'm signing the renewal soon, so chill. Where would I go without you?"
"For real?!!"
"Yeah, but don't tell anyone yet..."
Click—
"Haa... I feel like I should at least give Lucas a heads-up."
"Yeah, that guy's someone we gotta look out for."
"Haa... Right."
While chatting with Dad, I naturally checked on Ban Yerin's state.
Despite the endless calls, she seemed to even enjoy the attention a bit.
"Yerin, you been bragging to your friends?"
"Huh? About what?"
"The Haaland jersey I got you the other day. I wanted Rodri, but I got Haaland specially for you. Their faces were scary af."
I had plunged right into enemy territory solely for my sister Ban Yerin.
After the match and ceremony ended, while the team was still partying in the locker room.
I went to the enemy camp, politely asked, and snagged Erling Haaland's jersey.
"Oppa, you almost died, treasure it."
"Ah, got it~!"
Right after a derby loss, asking for a jersey swap—you could feel the laser stares.
"Heh, at least they didn't kill me."
"Anyway! How long do we keep it secret? You said articles would drop after the season!"
"I'll be on a plane soon, so not long."
"But is that really happening? Like, no suspension later or anything?"
"Crazy, right? But it actually worked..."
I get a week off now.
Then back to training.
But not at United—somewhere else.
For this preseason, as a Manchester United player, I'll be wearing Real Madrid's kit.
YEAGER BAN to Real Madrid
FIFA Club World Cup 2029