8:30 PM.
The final began with Spain's kickoff.
Invited by the organizers, Ho-young sat in the players' VIP section and watched the match.
'Germany's momentum is no joke.'
From the opening whistle, Germany seized control of the game.
Unlike Germany, who had maintained peak condition, Spain looked far from their best.
'Well, they burned a lot of energy playing against us.'
On top of that, they had several injured players, so they could not display their usual performance against Germany.
Eventually.
Whistle!
Just before the end of the second half, a header from Klose decided the match.
Germany were crowned champions.
Just like the 2006 World Cup, the future had changed once again.
[This must be extremely disappointing for Spain.]
[That's right. The current Spanish team is often called a golden generation, but there is no guarantee four years from now. That depends on whether Xavi and Iniesta can maintain their form until then.]
[One thing is certain. The next World Cup will also be full of excitement. The showdown between Klose, who has now scored his 15th World Cup goal, and player Ho-young will be something to look forward to.]
[Exactly. Ho-young's greatest strength is that his growth never stops. Hopefully this World Cup becomes the catalyst for him to develop even further.]
Even then, the stadium remained packed with spectators.
The second highlight of the night.
The awards ceremony that would conclude the World Cup was about to begin.
Soon, lively music played, and beautiful women from South Africa walked out carrying various trophies.
Loud cheers erupted throughout the stadium.
Most of them were shouting Ho-young's name.
[It's truly moving. Football fans from all over the world are supporting Ho-young for the award. What an incredible sight.]
[Isn't this a rare moment where we may witness the birth of a teenage World Cup star who could follow in Pelé's footsteps? I confidently believe Ho-young will win the Golden Ball.]
Soon after, FIFA President Blatter appeared, followed by FIFA Vice President Chung Mong-joon and Germany's Chancellor Merkel, along with many other global figures. They lined up to congratulate the award winners.
The first honor went to Spain.
[From Spain, Number 1, Iker Casillas!]
The Golden Glove award, given to the best goalkeeper of the tournament, went to Iker Casillas.
After producing incredible saves throughout the tournament, he fully deserved it.
Clap clap clap!
Applause rang out.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.
It was time to announce the Golden Ball winner.
And then.
[From South Korea, Number 10, Ho-young Woo!]
Without any doubt, his name was called.
Immediately, Ho-young, wearing the red jersey, stepped onto the stage, and the entire stadium rose to its feet in applause.
An elderly man with white hair approached him and handed over the Golden Ball trophy.
"Congratulations."
It was FIFA President Blatter.
He extended his hand with a gentle smile.
But his mouth was not smiling.
It looked as if he was wary of Ho-young.
Although the meeting was brief, Ho-young could clearly feel it.
[Ho-young is stepping down from the stage. The Golden Ball trophy in his hands looks larger than any we've seen in previous World Cups.]
[Haha. So it's not just me who feels that way. I'm simply overwhelmed. I still can't believe that a player from our country is holding the Golden Ball trophy. I'm incredibly proud. This moment will remain in football history forever.]
And so, the night of the World Cup slowly came to an end.
The finale belonged to the German players.
As they climbed onto the podium and lifted the massive trophy, golden confetti scattered through the air and fireworks exploded above the stadium.
And beneath it.
Watching that scene, Ho-young clenched the Golden Ball trophy tightly in his hands.
Next time, not this trophy, but the World Cup winner's trophy.
He vowed to hold that one.
'Without fail.'
He swore he would achieve it.
It was the moment the long and exhausting South Africa World Cup came to an end.
The very next morning.
Articles about Ho-young dominated the main pages of various portal sites.
[World Cup Review: Ho-young wins Golden Ball, Golden Boot, and Best Young Player, achieving a triple crown of individual awards!]
[Korea Football Association: "This World Cup proved the growth of Korean football. We will not be satisfied with this result and will continue to strive forward. Our next goal is to win the 2011 Asian Cup."]
[Ho-young's future draws attention. Italian media claims Bayern Munich or AC Milan is the most likely destination.]
[Ho-young: "The only thing on my mind right now is rest."]
According to the specialist's advice, Ho-young planned to rest for a while.
However, before leaving for vacation, he decided to return to Spain and resolve the immediate issue first.
He arrived in Madrid the very next day.
"You've worked very hard, Lucci."
"It was nothing."
"What do you mean nothing."
Over the past month, Lucci had traveled everywhere meeting many people.
Most notably AC Milan vice president Galliani, Manchester United CEO David Gill, Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and Manchester City owner Mansour.
He had personally listened to all of their proposals.
All Ho-young needed to do was hear them and make a decision.
"Alright. Let's hear the details first."
"The club offering the best contract is Manchester City. Next is Bayern Munich."
Unexpectedly, Bayern Munich had been extremely aggressive in their pursuit.
That was clear just by looking at the contract terms Lucci presented.
However, Ho-young himself was not very interested in Munich.
The biggest issue was the language barrier.
He could manage English to some extent, but German would require learning from the very basics.
Still, one detail caught his attention.
"They're trying to appoint Guardiola as the next manager?"
"It's not confirmed yet. Even within Bayern's board there are differing opinions. Guardiola is certainly an attractive coach, but in the end he hasn't won a league title yet. Hiring someone unproven like him would be a gamble."
Playing football under Pep Guardiola was definitely appealing, but the chances of that happening did not seem very high.
"Then the remaining options are Manchester City and Manchester United."
In truth, Ho-young had already leaned toward one side.
"If the conditions are right, I will go to Manchester City."
Lucci looked surprised at the sudden decision.
"May I ask why?"
There were several reasons.
First, he needed to win the Europa League to fulfill the conditions for breaking the limit of Maradona's talent.
Second, Manchester City had enormous potential for growth.
And the third reason.
"Because the owner is Mansour. I think he will accept the conditions I want."
"If you have specific conditions, please tell me. I will arrange another meeting and hear each club's response."
"Haha. There's no need to go through all that trouble."
Having already made up his mind, Ho-young intended to move forward according to his plan.
He continued.
"Please arrange a meeting with Mansour. I want to speak with him directly."
The meeting between the two was arranged just two days later, on Friday, July 16.
The location was Madrid International Airport.
An enormous, ultra-luxurious private jet was waiting for Ho-young.
"Prince Mansour has rented an entire nearby island. He said you should use it as your vacation spot during this break."
"We haven't even signed a contract yet. This feels a bit burdensome."
"Haha. If you're going to City, you'll have to get used to it quickly. His admiration for you is incredible. Who knows what else he prepared."
"Is this the famous oil money?"
"Just look at the size of the private jet. That answers your question. Now, let's go."
As Ho-young and Lucci approached, the Western pilot stepped out of the jet to greet them.
But the pilot was not the only one who came out.
A dignified presence.
A relaxed smile.
Sharp features.
Dressed in pure white Arabian clothing.
It was Manchester City's owner, Mansour.
"I've finally met you. It's a pleasure. I am Mansour."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Ho-young."
Their meeting began just like that.
The discussion about the contract began in earnest once the plane had reached cruising altitude.
Ho-young did not beat around the bush.
"There are players I want to play with. If I join City, could you sign those players?"
From the board's perspective, it was a very difficult request.
It involved money and could potentially affect the club's finances.
But.
"Write the transfer list and let me know."
Mansour agreed without hesitation.
He looked ready to grant whatever Ho-young wanted.
"Is that all?"
"There is one more thing."
There was one condition even more important.
"If I sign with City, I want the contract finalized first, but the transfer to happen in January next year. Would that be acceptable?"
This was to fulfill one of the conditions for upgrading his talents, winning the FIFA Club World Cup.
The FIFA Club World Cup was a competition organized by FIFA, where only one club from each continent participated.
From Europe, Real Madrid, the UEFA Champions League winners, would represent the continent.
Therefore, it was better for him to remain at Real Madrid until the tournament ended in December.
Mansour agreed as well.
"Even if we wanted to completely avoid FIFA transfer regulations, it would take quite some time. It's impossible to handle everything within just one month. FIFA would definitely object."
Recently, FIFA had shown hostility toward Middle Eastern investment.
Under such circumstances, if Mansour tried to sign Ho-young, who was still under eighteen, FIFA would certainly interfere.
Thorough preparation was necessary to avoid problems later.
"I will handle that matter myself."
For Mansour, as long as the contract with Ho-young was secured, delaying the transfer by six months was no issue.
Since it would be structured with a buyback clause, Ho-young would not suffer any disadvantage at Real Madrid.
"These are my two conditions for now."
"That's simple enough. No problem. Then let us stand up."
"Excuse me?"
"There is somewhere we should go together."
They were on a plane.
Yet there was somewhere to go.
It made no sense.
But when they arrived at the cargo hold with the guidance of a flight attendant, he understood.
Supercars lined up in rows, models he did not even recognize.
Just from a glance, there were more than ten.
"What is all this?"
"I heard today is your birthday, so I prepared a small gift. Happy birthday."
"Ah..."
Ho-young was speechless.
But Mansour's next words were even more astonishing.
"I wasn't sure which style you'd like, so I only brought fifteen. I hope you find one you like."
"Ah... thank you. But I'm not even old enough to drive yet."
"In England, you can obtain a driver's license at seventeen. Which means starting today."
"Ah!"
"Haha. That doesn't mean you must join our club to receive them. This is simply a birthday gift from a fan. Go ahead and take a look."
If it was a gift from a fan, what more was there to say.
"Hmm..."
However, to Ho-young they all looked similar.
He could tell they were all luxury brands, but he did not know the specific models.
Still, the one he liked the most was a sleek white Lamborghini.
He walked over and pointed at it.
"Thank you. Then I would like this one."
"What? Hahahaha!"
Mansour burst into hearty laughter and spread both his hands.
"What are you saying? Every car here is your birthday gift."
"…?"
"Haha. Didn't you score fifteen goals at the World Cup? I brought fifteen cars to commemorate it, so please don't feel disappointed."
It was truly a birthday gift worthy of Mansour.
And then.
"Let me promise you one thing."
The smile vanished from his face as he spoke in a serious tone.
"I will create an environment where you can play the football you want without any worries. Trust me and follow me."
That statement ultimately solidified Ho-young's decision.
And the very next day.
Every matter regarding the contract proceeded in complete secrecy.
(To be continued.)