Chapter 634: Japan vs Portugal End
Chapter 634: Japan vs Portugal End
Even after the celebration ended, the buzz lingered on the pitch.
"Just when you think that they are done, this man comes to their rescue. With him here, you can't rule them out of the picture until the end," the Commentator praised.
With that goal, the morale of the opposing side had risen to an unprecedented level. High in spirit, they began attacking, aiming for the win.
Previously, they were anxious for a tie. Now, even a tie didn't seem to satiate their appetite.
Though they attempted to win the game, Hiro and his teammates didn't allow them to have their way. Thwarting their effort, they spilled water on their grand ambition to win the game. Beep!
The shrill sound of the referee's whistle billowed, signaling the end of the game. The sound of the whistle tore through the air, putting an abrupt halt to the fast-paced players on the field.
Hiro, drenched in sweat, paused gradually.
His tense muscles gradually loosened and his pacing heart gradually returned to its normal rhythm.
Ding!
[You have completed the quest]
Like the chime of the heavenly bell, the sound of the notification chimed in his ear. Hiro felt relieved upon hearing the chime of the system.
Despite performing well, Hiro held some doubts regarding the quest. However, now all those doubts had vanished in thin air.
Though they had blown the game at the final minute, Hiro felt elated to hear this notification.
But he couldn't afford to reveal his inner feelings. So, he withdrew his attention from the system. He had heard the completion notification.
"Good game."
The moment Hiro withdrew his attention from the system, he found Felix before him. He appeared to saying something in Portuguese.
Hiro had been taking Spanish lessons and English. But regrettably, he wasn't taking any Portuguese lessons. So, he found it confusing.
"What?" Hiro mumbled in English.
"Oh, you speak English?" Felix intoned, his eyes widened in surprise. Then he went on to apologize, "I'm sorry. I should have been considerate. I was just saying that you played well today."
Hiro was getting praised. That too from such an amazing player. A player who had won the Best Young Player award.
Hiro froze in his place, dazedly staring at Felix.
He couldn't believe that he was being praised by an amazing player. He found it even more unbelievable because it was coming from an opponent.
If it weren't for the last-minute goal Ronaldo scored, he would have ended their dream.
Yet now, Felix was complimenting him as if he was his friend. Hiro was a little taken aback by the amicable gesture of Felix.
But he didn't find it troublesome. Rather Hiro was glad to be recognized by such an amazing player. So, he revealed a warm smile and thanked him, "Thank you. It was a really tough game. I got to experience firsthand why you guys are regarded as one of the favorites."
Hiro remained humble. Rather than vying for more attention, he immediately shifted the praise towards them.
Hearing Hiro's response, Felix's eyes widened. Then he revealed a warm smile and said, "Aren't you being quite modest?"
"Would you like to swap your jersey with me?" He added.
Hiro's pupils enlarged, his heart thumping with joy. A player of his caliber was offering to swap jerseys with nobody like him.
If somebody had told him that he was dreaming right now, he would have believed it.
But it was happening for real. Though Hiro wanted to swap jerseys with Ronaldo, he wouldn't refute the offer of Felix.
However, just as he was about to respond, a rather distinct voice caught his attention.
"You'll have to wait Felix. I've already called in the dibs, right Hiro?"
Mind-blown, Hiro couldn't bring himself to react upon finding the person who had intervened. It was the legend himself - Cristiano Ronaldo.
Hiro was utterly speechless.
'What is happening? Am I dreaming? Is this truly happening?' Several bubbles of thoughts popped inside his head one after the other.
Previously, he hadn't even spoken to Ronaldo. But he claimed that he had already agreed to swap jerseys with him. When did that happen?
Hiro could tell that he was lying. But wait... Isn't he implying that he wanted to swap jerseys with him? The legend himself was offering to swap jerseys.
Like a kid meeting his idol, Hiro was exhilarated beyond measure.
"Is that so, Hiro?" Felix asked.
If Ronaldo was offering to swap jerseys with him, who were he to deny? So, Hiro nodded his head almost instinctively.
Felix squinched his eyes before leaving with a chuckle, "Hahaha... You should have said so. It's alright, I'm sure we'll get some other opportunities."
Immediately Hiro apologized, "I'm sorry."
Then he turned to face Ronaldo. His short hair was disheveled and his face glowed like
porcelain. It was almost like he hadn't aged after thirty.
For someone who was forty-one, he looked quite young.
But Hiro was aware that he had undergone some plastic surgery to achieve that timeless look.
However, a huge part of it was due to his healthy way of living.
He was the living embodiment of discipline and hard work.
While under his presence, Hiro's heart raced. It was like he was in the presence of someone he loved. However, despite feeling overwhelmed, Hiro maintained his composure.
"I have been watching you since the beginning and I must say that you are quite talented," Ronaldo began, his tone relaxed.
"But unlike other young talents, I haven't heard of your name frequently. Pardon me for saying but I only heard your name after your recent performances in the World Cup. Shouldn't
a player of your caliber be in Europe?"
The man whom he had admired was right now praising him.
Receiving such praise made Hiro's heart thump.
"Ah. Thank you for your praises, sir," Hiro mumbled, his tone a little louder and hurried than
normal.
However, he immediately toned himself down, "I'm glad that you view me such highly. But right now, I can't be hasty sir. I'll think about moving to Europe after turning eighteen."
Hiro was quite frank. He didn't need to hide his plans.
He didn't need to be eighteen to play in Europe. There were quite several loopholes. However, he couldn't debut officially for a club in Europe before turning eighteen.
But seeing him so calm, Ronaldo didn't want to talk about it. Rather he was mesmerized by his calmness. He could detect a hint of excitement from him. Yet, until now he was
maintaining his composure.
He was unlike any other kids he had met.
The calmness and attitude with which he carried, Ronaldo couldn't help but admire it.
After that, he swapped the jersey with him and left, "Good luck ahead, Hiro."