Lazy Genius Striker [EN]: Chapter 58

< 057 – A Gentleman's Revenge >

James Hiddleston.

A Manchester United legend, brought in as a troubleshooter to rescue the team from a slump the winter before last.

He was, and still is, a hugely popular figure in England.

He’s English, a former key midfielder for the English national team, and possesses the looks and charisma that make him an irresistible figure.

Moreover, he debuted in the Manchester United youth system, captained the team for many years, and played only for Manchester United until his retirement.

Among Manchester United fans, James Hiddleston is practically a god.

Having all the qualities to become a star representing the Premier League, and with his popularity soaring, Hiddleston was a player plagued by scandals both on and off the field during his playing days.

First of all, Hiddleston was a very aggressive player, earning him the nickname “Tyrant of the Field.”

As a result, he was constantly causing trouble with opposing players during matches.

Many players suffered from his aggressive plays and harsh words.

Moreover, his behavior off the field was no better.

Changing girlfriends every half-season, getting caught partying the night before a game, getting into fistfights with civilians at clubs, and even openly criticizing the manager in interviews with the media if he didn’t like them.

Hiddleston was a player who engaged in what could be called ‘eccentric’ behavior.

However, Hiddleston’s popularity never waned.

Rather, these eccentricities were packaged as ‘star quality,’ further increasing his popularity.

This was possible for only one reason.

Hiddleston was incredibly good at soccer (football).

Although he lived almost like a celebrity outside the soccer field, Hiddleston was, in fact, a more diligent player than anyone else on the field, which was quite unexpected.

Hiddleston was a player with immense pride, surpassing mere self-esteem.

He always believed that his talent was the best in England, if not the world, and he worked harder than anyone to ensure that his belief in himself was not shattered.

However, Hiddleston disliked being called a ‘hardworking genius’ because of his immense pride in his natural talent. That’s why he deliberately acted eccentrically.

Even with a lifestyle bordering on debauchery, people praised him as a natural genius when he showed outstanding skills on the field.

And then,

The ill-fated relationship between Hiddleston and Seokho Ban began in the FA Cup [Football Association Challenge Cup, a prestigious annual knockout competition in English football] quarter-finals.

“That day, my performance was pretty good early in the game. I dribbled through the box as soon as it started and took about two shots. I even scored a goal in the 15th minute of the first half.”

Seokho Ban, sitting on the sofa with Rohan and Johan, reminiscing about that time.

Seokho Ban still vividly remembers everything about Hiddleston.

“But, it seems like he didn’t like that. I got one over on that bastard. So, he slowly started playing rough. He would nudge me regardless of the ball, and even use his elbows when competing for aerial balls.”

“How could I not get angry? My eyes were cut and bleeding from that bastard’s elbow, but he didn’t even get a warning. But the funny thing is, I got a warning right away when I pushed him slightly out of anger. He’s the biggest star in England, after all. I’m just a mercenary from Asia.”

“Anyway, the game started to go wrong from then on, and we were reversed before the end of the first half. That bastard scored the go-ahead goal. But, as if I was a thorn in his side, he ran up to me after scoring and hurled abuse at my family.”

“Saying that a talentless guy like me shouldn’t be acting up. What else could that be but a personal attack? What kind of family do they think I have?”

“Of course, I didn’t just stand there and take it. We were at each other’s throats throughout the game and argued about that word ‘talent.’ Saying that his talent was nothing, and my talent was real. Looking back, it’s childish, but we fought with our faces red.”

“He said that he does this much even while enjoying everything. He’s a real genius. So I said, I enjoy everything too. I only train five days a week. Then he said he only trains four days.”

“Later, I found out that we were both training at least six days a week.”

“Anyway, we exchanged words that I can’t even repeat in front of you guys, and we growled at each other every time we met after that. But, I never got revenge on him. The team always lost. He was always the one laughing. No matter how much I argued, it was a fight I couldn’t win.”

“I think the saying that men are kids until they die is true. I’m still angry. Just seeing that bastard’s face. My wish was to crush Manchester United and laugh in front of him. It became an unfulfilled wish. Haa. I should have won at least once.”

After finishing his story, Seokho Ban chugged his beer as if he was still burning inside, then crushed the can.

Rohan had heard the story several times, but it was Johan’s first time hearing it.

No wonder.

Was that why Dad was so happy when Manchester United lost, as much as when West Ham won?

Because the person Dad called that bastard was now the manager of Manchester United.

Hmm.

Seeing how angry he is, that’s good.

The next game is against Manchester United, and if we beat them, Dad will be twice as happy.

But, I don’t understand.

How could he not win even once?

It doesn’t seem that difficult to beat Manchester United.

“I’m going to bed now.”

“Are you? Okay. Sleep well.”

Johan yawns and goes into his room.

Watching Johan’s back, Seokho Ban and Rohan exchange glances.

“…Did it work?”

“I think it worked. He always goes to sleep right away when he’s pissed off.”

“That’s right.”

“I think you can look forward to it.”

The two nod, smiling.

Seokho Ban was already looking forward to the weekend.

The moment his beloved son avenges him.

That’s why he already got the tickets.

Old Trafford [Manchester United’s home stadium], he got a very good seat there.

This weekend will definitely be a celebration.

Because Johan will surely avenge his father.

ㆍㆍㆍ

December 3, 2027, Old Trafford.

Manchester United welcomed West Ham to their home.

Currently ranked 5th in the league, Manchester United hasn’t had a great season overall, but their recent momentum isn’t bad.

They have 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in the last 5 games, and 3 of those wins are from the recent 3-game winning streak, and 1 of those wins is against Chelsea.

In fact, Manchester United is full of star players, even though there are problems with their organization.

Looking at the name value of the squad alone, it wouldn’t be strange if they were in 1st place right now, or rather, it would be natural.

Moreover, the football style of James Hiddleston, a real star who can embrace even those star players, seems to be slowly settling into the team, so the future is even more anticipated.

Thanks to this, the atmosphere of the home fans filling Old Trafford was electric.

As the commentator said, Manchester United has a very good win rate at home, not only because of the recent atmosphere.

Even when the atmosphere wasn’t good, Manchester United didn’t easily lose at home.

After all, Manchester United is the most popular team in the Premier League, so the passion of the home crowd is intense, and the characteristics of Old Trafford also play a part.

Old Trafford has a capacity of over 70,000 people.

This is the second largest in England.

Moreover, those many seats are filled every game.

Even the distance between the ground and the stands is very short. When a player stands on the touchline for a throw-in, the faces of the spectators are visible right behind them.

Therefore, the energy emanating from Manchester United fans is bound to affect the away team players.

When they sing Manchester United’s anthem loudly, it echoes in their heads as if they were listening with headphones, and when they swear, it feels as if they were swearing directly into their ears.

In this situation, Old Trafford is bound to be a very difficult stadium for away teams.

Therefore, no matter how good West Ham is, visiting Old Trafford was not an easy task.

Clap clap clap clap-

Johan, who came out of the player entrance tunnel to the applause of the home fans and looked around, could feel it.

It’s Johan’s first time at Old Trafford.

So far, the biggest away stadium Johan has been to was Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

But even that can’t be compared to Old Trafford.

Of course, he’s played at Wembley [England’s national stadium], but there were a lot of English fans then, so the feeling is completely different.

Especially here, the spectators are incredibly close. You can see the expressions of the spectators sitting in the front row.

Therefore, Old Trafford was giving Johan a very fresh feeling.

Before the start of the match, the players of both teams line up in a row in front of the spectators.

And during the brief player introductions.

“···”

Johan made eye contact with a person in the nearby stands.

A man standing near the home team’s bench.

The manager of Manchester United.

That’s the person Dad was talking about yesterday.

“···”

He wouldn’t have paid attention to him if he hadn’t heard the story from his dad.

However, now that he’s heard the story, he can’t look at him kindly.

Johan put his hands behind his back, raised his chin, and continued to look at Hiddleston, determined to play the game.

He has no personal feelings, but he can’t help it because of his family’s feelings.

So, sorry, but I have to show you.

What kind of talent flows in this family.

‘What are you glaring at, you punk?’

After the game preparation was over, and the players from both teams returned to their respective positions.

Hiddleston smiled as he sat on the bench.

West Ham striker, Johan Ban.

Hiddleston could feel that the guy was staring at him intently, even though he pretended not to be aware of it.

Hiddleston also remembered it, of course.

Johan Ban’s father, Seokho Ban.

That he had been emotionally clashing with him for quite a long time.

He couldn’t forget that they growled at each other whenever they met on the field.

In fact, when Hiddleston was a player, West Ham was no match for Manchester United.

West Ham was just a sacrifice for an easy 1 win, just a feeling of an easy game.

However, there was a moment when West Ham suddenly started to become difficult.

That was when Seokho Ban joined West Ham.

Of course, they haven’t lost to West Ham since then. But unlike before, the games were always close, and there were many dangerous moments.

Seokho Ban was always at the center of it.

It was very frustrating for Hiddleston. Hiddleston still remembered it. The moment he was outmaneuvered, allowing a black-haired player he had never heard of to go past him.

He was pissed off at that moment, and he played particularly rough against him.

He even ran up to him after scoring a goal and had a big argument.

Moreover, it wasn’t just a one-time clash, but they growled at each other until they retired.

Seokho Ban, that player was good until the end.

‘Could it be that he’s going to avenge his dad or something?’

Hiddleston smiles.

It’s all in the past.

Everyone had that kind of trouble when they were young and full of energy.

It was really like that back then. That kind of psychological warfare was common during the game.

Of course, looking back now, some of the things he said to that person back then were a bit harsh, but he didn’t regret it or think about apologizing even belatedly.

Because it’s all old stories from his playing days.

But, his son was glaring at him as if he was going to take revenge, so Hiddleston was amused.

Hey. Why are you doing this?

It wasn’t a big deal.

Why is he acting like he’s going to get an apology for something like that?

Ha ha. That’s funny too.

“···”

However, a moment later.

The game starts.

Hiddleston’s expression, who was smirking as if he was dumbfounded, began to harden little by little.

And,

He started to change his mind little by little.