Chapter 57
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Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 57
Chapter Title: Colchester United
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Colchester United.
After my fantastic goal, Levante started fouling me with rough tackles every time I even touched the ball. With the team already leading, Valverde didn't want any unnecessary injuries, so he subbed me out early, even before halftime was over.
"Good work out there."
"Si."
Once I was off, Real Madrid just quietly circulated the ball in their own half until the final whistle.
The match ended 2:0, and I was named MVP of the Match, so I did a quick interview.
-In Real Madrid's second goal, you kicked the ball and turned toward the center circle like it was a given that it would go in. Did you know it would be a goal?
How the hell would I know that?
But out of my mouth came a blatant lie, completely opposite to what I was thinking.
"I'm Jesus. My shots never miss."
I'd just learned this life truth from Mother Superior: a well-timed lie makes life richer. I put it right to use in this interview.
The excited interviewer started babbling something, but unfortunately, the roar of the Real Madrid crowd drowned it out, and the interview got postponed.
[Jesus Joo turns toward center circle before goal is confirmed. Nods confidently at reporter asking if he knew it'd count. 'I'm Jesus.']
My interview hit the news, and my goal had even Americans—who call soccer a sissy sport—sharing the clip on SNS in awe.
Holy shit. What the hell did I just watch?
Insane. That's more accurate than our pitcher's fastball by hand. And he did it with his foot?
lol Sign that guy, stick him on the mound, and have him kick baseballs. We'd give up fewer runs than our third starter.
Real Madrid 2 : 0 Levante
⚽ Goals: Roberto Fabianski (15'), Jesus Joo (40')
[In rescheduled MVP interview, Jesus Joo defends Valverde. 'Valverde always agonizes over how to show better performances. Real Madrid players know he's a good manager.']
[Fanatic Roberto Fabianski. 'If Jesus says so, then it is.']
[Luis García watching Roberto Fabianski's interview. 'These guys are crazy, but they play soccer well.']
The Levante match wrapped up, and international break rolled around.
Of course, I skipped the national team call-up again this time.
[South Korea NT coach Utilike. 'Cheat key Jesus Joo can be used from final qualifiers. Right now, we need to test every resource we have.']
After last time's negotiations with Coach Utilike, I wasn't called up for the Asian second round qualifiers either. So I prepared a family trip to Colchester.
I thanked Emirates Airlines again for providing the private jet, boarded, and landed at London Stansted Airport.
We rode with Hyung Doo-sik, who'd arrived early, and after about 40 minutes, we reached Colchester—a city of 140,000 in Essex.
We dropped off a sleeping Johan and Yu-na at the reserved hotel, unpacked, kissed Yu-na on the forehead, and headed straight out to Colchester United.
Mwah.
"I'll be right back?"
"Yawn... Yeah, go. I'm gonna crash next to Johan."
About 10 minutes later, Colchester United's home ground, the U&I Community Stadium, came into view. Hyung smoothly pulled into the owner’s parking spot.
"Bravo! You're the best driver, hyung."
As I clapped for his driving and stepped out, a banner caught my eye that made me doubt my vision.
"We're so happy! Savior Jesus has come! England"
Fuck. Who hung that up?
My clapping hands froze. As I awkwardly stared at the banner, Kim Doo-sik gave a thumbs-up.
"I prepared it for you. Whaddya think? Nailed it?"
"Nailed my ass. Take it down now!"
I yelled, and Doo-sik sulkily went to remove it. I sighed watching him.
He’s great at his job... but even though we're close in age, he pulls out these old-school vibes in weird places. That dad-joke side must be why he gets along with the soccer association execs.
As I pondered that, former Real Madrid captain Pedro Rodríguez—looking way skinnier—emerged from under the banner. I greeted him happily.
"Boss! Long time no see!"
"Ay, amigo, why'd you lose so much weight?"
"Puta! Live here a month and see. These fucking Brits must've cursed their food. Even McDonald's Big Macs taste like shit."
I nodded at Pedro's pissed-off rant.
British food does suck.
"Anyway, follow me. I'll show you around the club."
As the owner, I let manager Pedro Rodríguez give me the tour of Colchester United's home, the U&I Community Stadium.
Honestly, compared to running out at Santiago Bernabéu daily, it was shabby. But it's my asset, right?
"Beautiful. This stadium's mine."
The rundown pitch suddenly looked fresh.
"What're you doing? Hurry up."
I finished the U&I Community Stadium tour under Pedro's guidance. Finally, in his office, I heard his list of woes.
"Alright, Jesus. Shall we talk seriously about investing more in club facilities?"
Pedro, who'd played at Bernabéu with me, had no rose-tinted glasses for this place. I ended up promising upgrades.
"Hmm... The facilities are worse than I thought."
"Yeah, I was shocked too when I got here. But know what's key? In the fifth tier, this is like Santiago Bernabéu. Best facilities around."
I patted the shoulder of Pedro, who was downing drinks alone.
Hang in there, slave.
Run if you want, but honor the contract first.
Mother Superior was right again. Never sign a contract lightly, even with friends...
Staring at Pedro face-down on the table, I vowed.
Never letting you go.
Last season, Colchester United finished 8th in the National League. Since I took over, they were dominating 1st in England's fifth tier, the National League.
"Whoa, stands are packed?"
"Promoted that you were coming today. Usually around 6,000."
"6,000's huge for fifth tier?"
"Most come for Pedro or La Fábrica kids."
Fans had peeled off after relegations from third to fourth, then fourth to fifth. But news of my takeover, plus Pedro and La Fábrica prospects, drew eyes back. New and returning fans were swelling numbers fast.
"Not just crowds—the takeover buzz boosted overseas video season passes and match tickets."
"Where'd most video passes sell? Korea, right?"
"Nah, Spain. Madrid area especially. Guess Real fans see Colchester as Little Madrid in England since you're running it."
"...Korean forums are lit up with Colchester talk daily?"
"Those guys are mostly watching illegal betting streams and posting."
"Fuck those commie bastards. Shouldn't have added Korean support. Shoulda stuck to Spanish."
"Still, hitting Premier League or even Championship would make this a solid investment. Essex is middle-class heavy, Colchester small but nearby areas add up population-wise. Only two pro teams in Essex—us and Southend United. Close to London for Korean tourists too..."
As we discussed Colchester United's future, the National League Round 25 Essex derby kicked off at U&I Community Stadium (temp naming rights deal done) against the county's other pro side, Southend United FC. Ref's whistle blew.
Beep-!
"Up the U's! Up the U's! Up the good old white and blues!"
The crowd chanted Colchester United's anthem, so Yu-na and I awkwardly joined in. Johan, in my arms, watched with wide eyes.
"Up the U's! Up the U's! Up the good old white and blues!"
Fans thrilled to cheer with a famous soccer star's family belted it out louder.
"When we get together what a game we'll see!"
"We're as strong as the old oak tree!"
"All for one and one for all!"
...Screaming like that, I can't make out the lyrics.
Yu-na and I mumbled awkwardly, then just stuck to the chorus from mid-game.
But at the end of our heated cheering, Colchester United got hit with a stoppage-time winner at home in the U&I Community Stadium derby and lost dramatically.
Southend United WINNER!
Stoppage time reversal goal
The moment Southend's winner hit, curses filled Colchester United's U&I Community Stadium.
"You fucking idiots! Owner's here and you still lose?"
"Bugger off! Give back half your wages, you bastards!"
Yu-na—who'd already shown pro-hooligan form at Real Madrid—flipped the bird and unloaded on the players.
"You take my husband's hard-earned cash for wages and play like that?!"
"Pedro Rodríguez, you dumb fuck!"
Johan seemed to copy her middle finger, but probably my imagination.
Oh, and the last line was mine. No one was cussing the manager, so I did. Instantly felt hostile glares from surrounding fans. Luckily, they realized it was the owner and backed off—no owner-supporter brawl.
Pedro must be doing well as manager.
Already loved by the supporters?
Guess we go lifetime manager at Colchester. Let's do it, Pedro!