Chapter 670 Abidjan Celebrates

670 Abidjan Celebrates

The convoy set off, and the city erupted in celebration. The streets were a sea of orange, white, and green—the national colors. Music filled the air, a perfect mix of traditional rhythms and modern beats that mirrored the nation's blend of heritage and progress.

Zachary stood at the edge of the bus, laughing as he saw his compatriots celebrating their victory like mad. But on the inside, he felt a mix of emotions. He hadn't grown up in Ivory Coast, having switched citizenship when he was already a professional footballer. Nevertheless, the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd made him feel at home.

As the convoy moved through the city, they passed iconic landmarks—the St. Paul's Cathedral, the bustling markets, and the majestic Presidential Palace. Each stop was met with more jubilant crowds, their cheers echoing the team's achievements.

The convoy finally arrived at the National Stadium, where a grand ceremony had been organized. The stands were filled with thousands of fans, their excitement palpable. A stage had been set up at the center of the field, adorned with flags and banners celebrating the team's victory.

President Alassane Ouattara, accompanied by other dignitaries and representatives from the Ivorian Football Federation, stood ready to welcome the team, a broad smile on their faces. But today, he and the other big potatoes were not the main attraction. They were just the ashers welcoming the return of the country's triumphant warriors.

The players finally disembarked and made their way to the stage, and the crowd's cheers reached a fever pitch. Gervinho stepped forward, holding the World Cup trophy high above his head, and the stadium erupted in explosive applause. The cheers seemed to shake the very foundation of the stadium.

After several minutes, President Ouattara raised his hand, and the crowd gradually quieted down. His voice carried over the noise of the crowd with the help of the speakers as he began his speech.

"Today, we celebrate not just a victory in football—but a victory for our nation," he declared. "Our team has triumphed over everyone else in Russia and brought the World Cup trophy home. They have shown the world the strength, resilience, and unity of Ivory Coast. We are proud of each and every one of these players."

The players took their seats, their expressions a mix of pride and humility. Zachary, though a bit bored by the speeches, used his experience from high school math lessons to stay alert.

The crowd erupted again, but the president's raised hand commanded attention, bringing them back to silence. "We will provide each player with a significant monetary reward, acknowledging their dedication and hard work. In our country's National Order of Merit, team officials will also be awarded the rank of Commander, while the coaches and players will be named Chevalier and officers.

"Thanks, Kristin. It's been an incredible day," Zachary replied.

Without wasting time, he climbed into the back seat of the SUV. Lorenzo took the driver's seat while Kristin sat in the passenger seat, and they set off, still under military escort, to one of Zachary's properties in Abidjan.

As they left the stadium behind, Zachary looked out the window, watching the jubilant crowds celebrating in the streets. The vibrant energy was contagious, but he was glad to head towards a quiet refuge. He needed to clear his mind and plan his next moves.

"So, what's the plan now?" Kristin asked, turning in her seat to face him.

Zachary sighed, leaning back. "Rest, for starters. Then, we'll need to finalize the move to Liverpool. You know that Emily's already working on the contract details."

Kristin nodded. "I've arranged everything for your trip to Bukavu after we're done here. The private plane will be ready when you are."

"Thank you, Kristin. I appreciate everything you're doing for me," Zachary said, his voice sincere.

They soon arrived at Zachary's property, a modest but comfortable house on the outskirts of Abidjan. The military escort ensured everything was secure before taking positions around the place to ensure they remained undisturbed throughout the night.

Zachary entered the house, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. It was quiet, a stark contrast to the noise and excitement of the day. He went to his room, showered, changed into comfortable clothes, and collapsed onto the bed.

As he lay there, he thought about the journey ahead. Winning the World Cup was a dream come true. But he knew it was just one step in his career as there were more challenges to face before he could achieve pure transcendence in football and maybe become the GOAT.

He drifted off to sleep with a smile, dreaming of a beautiful future filled with possibilities of greatness. Tomorrow, he would rest and recover. After some resetting, he would prepare for his move to Liverpool and the next chapter of his incredible journey.