From Arsenal, Forge the Path to Football God

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July 10th, the day Sheffield United's assembly finally arrived.

The Training Base was bustling with noise and excitement from early morning.

Many fans from the city had gathered early, holding signs at the entrance, hoping to get signatures and photos with their favorite stars.

Maël arrived in his sportswear, in a good mood. He had longed to join Sheffield United, and today he finally had the chance to officially become part of the team.

"Let's go, we'll go in first."

Johansson followed behind Maël and Gilbert, introducing them as they walked: "The team has three main activities today: Medical Examination, Photoshoot, and an Intra-team Match in the afternoon."

"An intra-team match in the afternoon?"

Maël was a bit surprised; it wasn't common to have a match on the first day back.

"Perhaps you and Gilbert haven't realized how difficult the club's situation is."

Johansson shook his head and pursed his lips. "Including you two, this season's Sheffield United has six loaned players and four free transfers, nearly half of the first team.

"With such a mercenary team, if the coaching staff doesn't get to know them early, how can they even start pre-season training?"

Maël hadn't expected that the famous 'Blades' Sheffield United would face such a predicament this season.

Logically, a club with such a rich history, no financial crisis, and good recent performance should be very attractive to players.

Why did a personnel crisis occur after failing to get promoted last season?

"Is it internal conflict?"

He looked at Johansson, trying to gauge from his expression whether his guess was correct.

To his surprise, Johansson didn't hide it. He smiled bitterly and said, "Yes, the head coach Kevin's conflict with the players is almost irreconcilable. Management is preparing to replace him, but I don't know the exact time."

"You can say that?" Gilbert's eyes widened; the news was indeed explosive.

"This isn't a secret, not even the identity of his successor is a secret."

Johansson's tone changed, this time with admiration: "Gary Speed, you should be familiar with him."

"It's him."

Maël's expression changed. Even he, not just Gilbert who grew up in Britain, had heard of this name.

A living legend of English football, the first to reach 500 appearances in the English top division, 18 consecutive seasons with goals in the top division, and a young manager who tragically took his own life while managing the Wales national team.

"He's coming to Sheffield United?"

Gilbert's expression became excited, seemingly a fan of Speed, "I thought he was still playing."

"He is."

Johansson glanced at them, proudly introducing, "Mr. Gary Speed is the club's registered player and also the team's first assistant coach.

"When the sports director position is vacant, he can also be called a half-sports director."

Without needing to say more, Maël could already tell that Johansson was part of Gary Speed's camp and had a strained relationship with the current head coach.

"You'll meet him soon; he's the one who signed you."

Johansson finished speaking and quickened his pace toward the Medical Examination room, where many people were already gathered.

An hour later, the three of them, having completed their medical examinations, headed toward an administrative building.

"Next is the photoshoot?"

Gilbert was looking forward to it, "Those photos used to introduce the starting lineup during broadcasts?"

He mimicked the poses he had seen during broadcasts, crossing his arms over his chest and baring his teeth in a wide grin, which was quite amusing.

"Not just that, they'll be used for pre-match posters and player posters as well."

Johansson patiently introduced the two new professionals, having been their guide for the past few days, doing his best.

Maël and Gilbert, combining what he had said in the car, had already understood.

He wanted to earn their commitment to Sheffield United this season through his efforts.

They didn't mention it again, but there was an unspoken understanding among them.

Maël felt that Johansson's handling of the matter wasn't rational. From their current perspective, two new players would find it very difficult to shoulder the responsibility of saving the team.

Moreover, they weren't big stars, and they weren't there to provide technical assistance; it was unlikely they would slack off.

However, people do act irrationally when they are extremely fond or extremely hateful of something.

Arsenal had a good example: Mr. Wenger.

He sacrificed his future to see the team through its toughest period.

"But, let's first have a brief signing ceremony."

Johansson led the two to the administrative building and headed toward the Media Room. "Mr. Gary Speed has been waiting for you."

Maël was looking forward to it. He and Gilbert exchanged glances and quickly followed, both eager to meet this football legend.

"Creak." Johansson quickly pushed open the door to a room and gestured for them to enter.

A Media Room of about 100 square meters appeared, sparsely populated with only a few cameras set up, seemingly belonging to the club.

For young players just out of the youth team with no professional league data, it was indeed hard to attract media attention.

But this first-time experience still made Maël feel new and excited.

He scanned the room and then focused his gaze on the front of the Media Room.

There stood a middle-aged man in a dark blue suit, a blue and white striped tie, and a white shirt. His figure was very fit, giving an impression of being sharp and efficient, but there was a hint of fatigue in his eyes.

"Welcome, both of you."

Gary Speed forced a smile, walked over, and extended his hand. "I should have met you earlier, but I was out of town recently."

"Hello, sir."

Maël stepped forward, shook his hand, and gave a light shoulder hug, then moved to the side.

After Gilbert completed the greeting, the two of them, guided by Gary Speed, sat at a table in the front of the Media Room.

"The club warmly welcomes your arrival."

Gary Speed smiled and placed two contracts in front of them, saying politely, "You are the team's last two signings for this season, and the final reinforcements. We hope you enjoy your time here."

Then, he picked up a pen and opened the contract in front of him. "I believe you have already reviewed the details at Arsenal. Once the signing is complete, you will be official members of Sheffield United."

Maël nodded slightly, picked up the pen, and began signing his name in multiple places on the contract.

"Click, click!" The club staff standing behind quickly pressed the shutter of the camera, recording this moment.

After signing the contracts, Gary Speed stood up, took out two new jerseys from under the table, and handed them to the two, "Let's take a group photo."

Maël took his Number 31 jersey, which he had chosen before coming. July 31st was his birthday, and it was coming up soon.

As a winger, the best jersey numbers were 7 and 11.

But these numbers had already been taken by senior players in the club, and as a newcomer, he had no chance.

Holding the jersey, Maël stood to the left of Gary Speed, with a sincere smile.

Gilbert stood to the right of Gary Speed, also smiling brightly.

"Click! Click!" The shutter clicked rapidly, the flash flickered, capturing this moment.

In the lens, the two young men looked joyful, their eyes shining with hope and anticipation for their future.

As for the middle-aged man in the middle, he managed a hopeful smile through his fatigue, giving a thumbs up.

Any first time is worth remembering, and this day was no exception.