Chapter 775: Can This Ballon d’Or Stay in Manchester City?

Chapter 775: Can This Ballon d'Or Stay in Manchester City?

There has always been a saying in European football that the English Premier League is the most fiercely competitive league among the top five leagues. It is undeniable that due to fair financial distribution, teams in England have seen remarkable development.

However, this level of competitiveness only exists among mid-table teams. They can compete for European qualification one moment and fight against relegation the next.

As for the real throne, there is hardly any fluctuation. Since the establishment of the Premier League in 1992, a total of 24 champions have been crowned, with Manchester United and Arsenal emerging as the main winners, securing 18 titles between them.

Before that, competition in the top English league was much fiercer, with small teams often causing upsets and clinching the title.

This development trend is not unique to the Premier League; it's prevalent across other European leagues as well. Apart from a few dominant teams, it's becoming increasingly difficult for smaller clubs to compete for the title.

The most crucial factor contributing to this situation is financial strength. With substantial investment in the transfer market, clubs can monopolize talent and create a substantial gap in quality.

Among them, powerhouse clubs can rapidly accumulate capital through favorable development conditions and commercial operations. Examples include Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich.

Another type of club rapidly improves through substantial external investment, not hesitating to spend lavishly. Successful cases include Chelsea, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Chelsea, backed by Abramovich's investment, tasted success early, winning the Premier League and Champions League titles within a few years, surpassing traditional powerhouses like Liverpool and Tottenham.

Manchester City, unwilling to lag behind, clinched the Premier League title and is now aiming for the Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain also broke the dominance of traditional powerhouses like Lyon and established their own Ligue 1 dynasty.

Even if there are miracles like Leicester City's last season, they are just momentary. The team quickly faces disintegration and cannot maintain its former glory.

Standing at the Etihad Stadium, Wang Feng couldn't help but feel emotional. The match between Manchester City and Leicester City had almost become completely one-sided, with the defending champions losing face.

Just six minutes into the game, Fernandinho made a quick interception in the backfield and passed it to the wing. Stones quickly surged forward and passed to De Bruyne.

The Chinese superstar showed a nostalgic look on his face. The last time he hosted a delegation from France Football was seven years ago.

Since the Ballon d'Or merged with the FIFA World Player of the Year award, there haven't been advance interviews and photoshoots. Unexpectedly, they are separated again, following the old practice.

After promising to celebrate with his teammates, Wang Feng got up to meet the visitors. The former editor-in-chief, Jér?me Puginastier, has retired, and Fabrice, the deputy editor, has taken over. This time, he personally led the delegation.

"Here we meet again!" The Frenchman reached out and shook hands with Wang Feng tightly. "You still remember me, right?"

"Of course, Mr. Fabrice. When I won the European Ballon d'Or for the first time, you personally received me and took me to the awards ceremony. That was in 2003, right?"

"It's my honor. It's been more than ten years in the blink of an eye, and nothing seems to have changed. You're still you, standing at the top of the world of football."

"It's really exciting for us to witness all this!"

Next was the familiar photoshoot. In several iconic areas within the Manchester City training base, photos were taken of Wang Feng holding the Ballon d'Or trophy or striking poses, convenient for publication in the magazine special issue.

Upon hearing the news, Manchester City owner Mansour also rushed back from the UAE to England. It was not only to congratulate Wang Feng but also to join in the fun. Naturally, Fabrice was generous and readily agreed to take a photo of the two together.

Caressing the Ballon d'Or trophy, Mansour asked, "This is just a replica, right? The real trophy is still being made and will be presented at the awards ceremony?"

After receiving confirmation, the UAE man rubbed his hands, feeling a little embarrassed as he asked Wang Feng, "Can... can this trophy stay in Manchester City?"

"You know, this is the club's first Ballon d'Or, and it has special commemorative value, indicating that we have taken another solid step towards becoming a powerhouse team."

Mansour understood in his heart that his club had almost no contribution to Wang Feng winning the award. After all, Manchester City lacked a foundation in UEFA and could even have adverse effects due to its nouveau riche nature.

The Chinese superstar relied solely on his own strength and achievements to win the award. Therefore, Mansour felt a bit embarrassed to make such a request.

Looking at Mansour's expectant eyes, Wang Feng generously waved his hand and agreed. After all, he had already won 12 Ballon d'Or trophies. Apart from the one he gave to Real Madrid, giving another one to Manchester City didn't mean much.

Besides, the value of the award far exceeds that of the trophy itself. This donated Ballon d'Or could also be permanently displayed in the club's history museum, inspiring countless future generations. Why not do it?