Chapter 669 Homecoming Glory

669 Homecoming Glory

Zachary couldn't contain his excitement after he heard Emily's promise. The prospect of competing in the English Premier League, the most-watched football league in the world, filled him with anticipation.

He felt a deep sense of satisfaction within him as Emily made a few phone calls while Kristin offered her silent support. The path ahead was clear, and he was ready to take the next step in his remarkable journey.

The beautiful Russian waitress returned with their drinks and snacks, her cheeks blushing as she served Zachary. Emily, who had just finished her phone calls, couldn't resist another playful nudge. "Seems like you've made quite an impression," she teased.

Zachary just smiled, choosing not to respond, while Kristin watched from the side with a barely noticeable flicker of emotion in her eyes.

Before long, the conversation lightened, turning to their upcoming move from Turin to Liverpool. They delved into discussions about their future home, speculating what life in Liverpool would bring and sharing the thrill of starting afresh. The private booth resonated with laughter and a strong sense of friendship.

In the middle of their conversation, Kristin suddenly brought up Zachary's return trip to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, scheduled for the next day. "I'm planning to travel tonight so I can arrive before you and organize your schedule in Abidjan," she informed him.

Zachary nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Kristin. I'm grateful for everything you and Emily have done for me since my academy days."

Just then, a thought crossed Zachary's mind, and he leaned forward slightly. "Kristin, can you organize a private chartered plane from Abidjan to Bukavu, DR Congo? I want to travel silently and quietly back to my birthplace to pay homage to my late grandma since I've just won the World Cup. But I don't want the public to know about my trip."

Kristin's eyes narrowed slightly, but she nodded professionally. "Of course, Zachary. I'll make all the arrangements."

Emily, however, frowned. "Zachary, I'm concerned about your safety. DR Congo is often reported on international news as politically unstable, and you defected from there to play for another country. It might not be safe."

Zachary smiled reassuringly. "I understand your concerns, Emily. But the subordinates of Mr. Stein, Kristin's grandfather, are already in Bukavu setting up the foundation for the first football academy in DR Congo. They will take care of me."

Kristin readily supported his claim. "Yes, Emily. My grandfather's people are there, and they can ensure Zachary's safety."

Emily sighed but eventually relented. "Alright, but please travel with your bodyguard."

Zachary nodded. "I will. Kristin, please make those arrangements as well."

The mood lightened once more as they moved on to other topics. Soon, the clock hit 4:00 PM, and the ladies said they had to leave. Emily would travel to England that night to start the final contract negotiations with Liverpool. As for Kristin, she would head to Abidjan to organize Zachary's schedule before his arrival.

Zachary and his teammates navigated through the organized chaos with a sense of purpose, their presence commanding the attention of everyone around them.

As they moved through security and airport procedures, Zachary couldn't help but smile at the sight of younger fans calling out his name. One particularly enthusiastic boy caught his eye, waving a shirt and a marker in his direction.

Zachary quickly broke away from the team, bent down, and signed his name on the boy's shirt, earning an ear-to-ear grin from the young fan.

As he rejoined his teammates, Eric Bailly turned back, a playful glint in his eye. "Zachary, you're a superstar even in Putin's land!" he teased.

Zachary chuckled, shaking his head. "Guess I'll need a few more bodyguards soon."

The mood around the team remained hyper as they continued through the terminal, causing quite a stir. By the time they reached the private chartered plane waiting on the tarmac, the airport had practically come to a standstill, all eyes on the triumphant Ivorian squad.

At 7:30 AM, the plane's wheels lifted off the ground, and they were airborne, bound for Ivory Coast. The flight was a serene contrast to the chaotic excitement that awaited them.

Most players succumbed to the exhaustion of their World Cup journey, dozing off in their seats. Others, like Zachary and Zaha, relaxed with movies or music, their minds oscillating between the euphoric memories of the final and the anticipation of their homecoming.

Eventually, the plane finally descended towards Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport around 1:00 PM Abidjan time, and the cabin buzzed with palpable excitement.

Players stirred awake, exchanging eager looks and wide grins. They straightened their orange tracksuits and ran combs through their hair, preparing for the cameras that would soon capture their triumphant return.

The moment the plane touched down smoothly, a cheer erupted from the players. They were home. They were back on African soil. As the cabin door opened, the warm, humid air typical of Abidjan filled the plane, enveloping the team in a familiar embrace.

Coach Hervé Renard and his assistants were the first to disembark, followed by Gervinho, who carried the World Cup trophy high, his smile as bright as the African sun.

Zachary followed, stepping onto the tarmac and into a hero's welcome with his accolades in hand. The airport was lined with military personnel and dignitaries, their faces beaming with pride. Beyond the barriers, the crowd's roar was deafening, a wave of national pride and joy.

Ivory Coast had waited for this moment, and now it had arrived.

A convoy of vehicles awaited them, ready to transport the team through the streets of Abidjan. As they boarded the open-top buses, the players were handed Ivorian flags, which they waved enthusiastically.

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