It wasn't just for a day or two that the current UEFA President, Platini, was unhappy with the Premier League.
In recent years, he has always intentionally or unintentionally made things difficult for Premier League teams in European competitions.
Arsenal is one of the victims.
"Inter Milan and Schalke 04 are in the lower half, and now two teams from the same upper half as Real Madrid and Tottenham are going to be drawn."
"Hope it's not us..."
Fabregas's words stopped abruptly before he could finish.
Because the name of the first team drawn on the TV was—
"Arsenal!"
"Fuck! I knew UEFA wouldn't make it easy for us. Fxxk, being in the same half as Real Madrid is like seeing a living ghost!"
Walcott couldn't hold back and immediately burst out in anger.
"Wait... this isn't the worst part. If it's really as Fly said and they arrange Barcelona as our opponent, won't that be a disaster?"
Wilshere suddenly realized this, and he increasingly felt that the plot was unfolding exactly as Fly had envisioned.
"No way... we played Barcelona last season. If we do it again this season, the audience will get tired of it..."
"Heh heh... those dogs at UEFA won't care about that. They just want to severely punish the disobedient clubs."
Fly was extremely sarcastic towards Platini, who was imprisoned and worked on a sewing machine in his previous life.
This legendary figure in French football had a lot of questionable actions after retiring and entering politics...
It can be said that Platini's series of illegal and criminal activities after entering politics directly caused his reputation from his playing career to plummet.
If before Platini entered politics, his historical status in French football could still contend with Zinedine Zidane for "who is first, who is second."
But this debate completely stopped after he entered politics...
Thinking of this, Fly already had a premonition that Arsenal's Champions League journey this season would not be easy.
"Arsenal's opponent is..."
"Barcelona!"
When the drawing guest read out the name Barcelona, every single Arsenal player present slumped onto their chairs.
"Damn it... I knew UEFA wouldn't have good intentions. Barcelona, ha ha ha, what a big surprise!"
Wilshere now wished he could drag everyone from UEFA out and execute them by cannon, imitating the sun in that mysterious peninsula country.
"Alright, alright... wasn't this expected? What's there to be sad about? Just go for it!"
Fly clapped his hands, cheering on his teammates.
"Fly, you were right. We're going to play Barcelona again. It's truly fate."
Fabregas couldn't help but feel a little emotional at the thought of facing his former club again.
"Fly, we're counting on you against Barcelona. I don't have much confidence..."
Walcott shrugged helplessly, indicating that he could only rely on the main player this time.
"Okay, when we play Barcelona, just leave it to me."
"To be blunt, I don't really put Barcelona's defenders in my eyes... I can easily blast through them!"
Regarding these extremely arrogant remarks, Fabregas and the others all nodded. They believed what Fly said.
After all, the man in front of them was the most terrifying killing machine in football today.
As long as he was given enough support, he could, by himself, blow up the opponent's goal.
The final matchup in the Champions League quarter-finals was Manchester United vs. Chelsea.
This matchup was also the only Premier League civil war in the round of eight to four.
"Tsk tsk... Manchester United is really lucky to be in this half. Isn't it easy to reach the final?"
Fly didn't think the current Inter Milan and Chelsea were a match for Manchester United.
As for Schalke 04, they were clearly the easy opponent in the quarter-finals. Fly didn't even consider this sole Bundesliga team a threat.
In his opinion, only Schalke 04's captain, Neuer, was worth paying attention to.
As for the others, Fly said he hadn't even heard of most of them...
When the Champions League quarter-final draw was announced, the entire football world erupted in an uproar.
Because in this round of matches, a long-awaited epic showdown that had been the subject of much discussion among the public and media appeared—
Arsenal vs. Barcelona, Fly vs. Messi!
When these two met in the Champions League knockout stage from eight to four, the other three matches were no longer of much interest to anyone.
Fly, the most talked-about and terrifying killing machine in football today.
Messi, the player with the highest market value and most accolades in football today.
When these two met, in the eyes of the media and fans, it was a collision of thunder and fire, where a winner was bound to be decided.
The topic of "who is stronger, Fly or Messi" had been debated by many media outlets and fans for more than half a season.
Perhaps the answer would be revealed in this match.
At this moment, whether they were Fly fans, Messi fans, or just casual observers, they all eagerly awaited the arrival of this day.
Facing this massive wave of attention, Fleet Street and the Spanish sports media rushed to find the spokespeople for the two clubs, wanting to ask about related topics.
Wenger just smiled faintly when facing the reporters' questions.
"To be honest, I didn't hope for the team to meet Barcelona at this stage, because in my heart, we and Barcelona are the strongest teams on this planet."
"Such a peak showdown should rightfully be on the stage of the Champions League."
"But it's a pity... Since god has made us meet Barcelona early, we can only do our best to bring a wonderful visual feast to fans worldwide."
"Fly and Léo? Oh, I certainly know many people are paying attention to that."
"How should I put it, Léo is outstanding, there's no doubt about that, two Ballon dOr awards are the best proof."
"But compared to Fly, Léo doesn't seem as outstanding..."
"Believe me, when anyone coaches Fly, they will never think of other players as geniuses again."
"The talent and ability that Fly has shown in football are unparalleled; no one has been able to match him since the sport of football began."
"I am very optimistic about our quarter-final against Barcelona. I think we will achieve the final victory."
As for the media in Spain, the famous Barcelona mouthpiece, World Sport, interviewed the most renowned young genius coach in football today, Guardiola.
Guardiola, who still had hair at the time, faced the reporters' questions with a calm smile, showing off his gentlemanly demeanor.
"Undoubtedly, this will be a visual feast for world football. This will be the strongest confrontation between two teams whose tactics and techniques have reached their peak."
"Both us and Arsenal are proponents of possession football. We both symbolize 'beauty' and represent the most advanced techniques in football."
"In the world today, only our two teams are truly like-minded. Those who attempt to stifle the enjoyment of the game with ugly football are simply not qualified to be mentioned in the same breath as our two teams."
"At the same time, even if such teams win more honors, they will not earn my respect..."
At this point, Guardiola dissed his 'old friend' José Mourinho, and then added:
"I know many people outside want to see this season's Barcelona and Arsenal play a match, and now their dream has come true."
"Although I deeply regret being forced to play against a top strong team like Arsenal at this quarter-final stage."
"But since we've met early, I will naturally make full preparations, hoping to present a visual feast to fans all over the world."
"I believe we will not disappoint those fans who hope to see the two teams play."
"I can predict in advance that the two matches between Barcelona and Arsenal will be the best matches in world football this season, without a doubt."
When asked about Fly and Messi, Guardiola curled the corner of his mouth and smiled slightly:
"They are both the most outstanding players in the world. They are both on-field nuclear weapons that can drive opponents crazy."
"I have said many times how outstanding Léo is, and I don't want to mention it further..."
"As for Fly, oh my god, the data of 70 goals in 33 appearances already needs no words to describe his power."
"Cold, hard data is the best proof."
"Of course, even so, I still believe Léo is stronger than Fly."
"Léo can organize play and switch seamlessly between midfield and attack, which Fly cannot do."
"Léo's influence on a match is greater than Fly's, so I think Léo is stronger."
"Of course, whether they are stronger or weaker is not for me to say; it should be judged by everyone."
"This confrontation might just determine who is superior."
"I have absolute confidence in our team. Even though Arsenal has swept through the Premier League undefeated this season, I still believe we are the stronger side."
Besides the two head coaches, Wenger and Guardiola, many other relevant individuals also came forward to cheer for their respective teams and players.
On Arsenal's side, the famous "Ice Prince," the "Dutchman who couldn't Fly," Bergkamp, came forward and said on a podcast:
"I haven't publicly said anything about Arsenal this season, but now, I really can't hold back..."
"The match between Arsenal and Barcelona will be a showdown between the two teams with the highest competitive level in world football."
"Undoubtedly, this is a head-to-head clash between kings that will shock the world."
"I unconditionally support Arsenal, not just because I had a very good career at Arsenal."
"More importantly, this season's Arsenal has proven through countless matches that they are invincible, especially Fly. Oh my god, I can no longer describe this young man with words. He is so excellent, so unstoppable, so powerful..."
"Although Léo Messi is excellent, compared to Fly, he is just a decent player..."
"We will be at the stadium to cheer for Arsenal in this match. I believe we can achieve the final victory!"
As for Barcelona, Johan Cruyff, the Barcelona godfather who is still alive, vowed to the media:
"Barcelona is the best team in the world, there is no doubt about that!"
"Léo is also the best player in the world, and this is an ironclad fact!"
"Although Arsenal has shown the side of a king's army this season, I still believe that we will be the ultimate winners, just like in the previous seasons."
"As for Fly?"
When mentioning Fly, Cruyff paused slightly, then smiled:
"This kid has unparalleled football talent, and his speed like a cheetah is unforgettable."
"But what I want to say is that this kid has many shortcomings, and they are very obvious."
"At least at this stage, I have no less than a hundred ways to restrict him. In this knockout match, we will teach this kid a good lesson."
......
Arsenal and Barcelona meeting in the Champions League quarter-finals immediately became the focus of world football for several days.
Meanwhile, on March 19th, Arsenal began their thirtieth round Premier League match against West Brom.
In this match, perhaps due to recent injuries, the Arsenal players were not in good form.
In the 4th minute of the match.
West Brom midfielder Brent assisted center-back Steven Reid with a corner kick, scoring a goal and getting off to a good start.
In the 57th minute of the match.
Steven Reid, who had scored a goal, sent a direct long pass from the back to Odem in the front.
The latter made a run behind the defense and formed a one-on-one opportunity. Facing Szczęsny who came out, he chipped the ball into the net, extending the lead to 2:0, further increasing West Brom's advantage.
Just when everyone thought Arsenal was about to suffer their first League defeat of the season.
That familiar man made his move again...
In the 65th minute of the match.
Fly, who activated Gods Eye, assisted Arshavin in scoring a goal, and Arsenal pulled one back.
In the 71st minute of the match.
Fly received a through ball from Fabregas and scored in a one-on-one situation, Arsenal equalized the score at 2:2.
In the 88th minute of the match.
Just before the end of the match, Fly dribbled from the wing, taking on three defenders, and finally passed the ball horizontally to Suarez at the edge of the penalty area.
Suarez met Fly's pass with a powerful shot, and the ball, like a cannonball, went straight into West Brom's goal.
Arsenal 3:2 West Brom, coming back from two goals down to win by one, securing a dramatic victory!
When the Main Referee blew the final whistle, the West Brom players were dejected.
Some even collapsed on the grass.
They never expected that after leading 2:0, Arsenal would only take less than 30 minutes to stage a comeback, scoring three goals to win.
This couldn't help but deflate the West Brom players.
This kind of comeback loss is the most damaging to morale.
After the match, Wenger did not criticize the team when interviewed by reporters, but instead comforted them:
"Although the process of this match was full of twists and turns, the result is good. We got all 3 points and still maintain our lead in the League, and that's enough..."
"For the League at this stage, we can play poorly, but as long as we can win, it doesn't really matter."
"I will not criticize the players' performance in this match, because I know that at this stage of the season, it is often when the players are most tired."
"It is completely understandable to occasionally have poor match form..."
"What makes me fortunate now is that this season we only have the League and the Champions League left to compete for."
"This gives us more rest time than other teams, which is undoubtedly a good thing..."
"Next, we will have nearly half a month without club matches, which will greatly alleviate the physical fatigue of the players at this stage..."
"This is very beneficial for us and helps ensure the team's lineup is as complete as possible before the match against Barcelona."
Fly, as the Man of the Match, was specifically asked about the topic of the match against Barcelona when interviewed by reporters.
Fly was not evasive about this and said directly:
"Undeniably, this is a very strong opponent..."
"At least in my opinion, among the remaining seven teams in the Champions League quarter-finals, Barcelona is the most difficult to deal with."
"If we faced Schalke 04 and Tottenham in the quarter-finals, I would be 100% confident of advancing to the semi-finals."
"If we met Chelsea and Inter Milan, I would still be at least 80% confident of advancing to the semi-finals."
"Even against Real Madrid and Manchester United, I would still have at least 60% confidence of advancing to the semi-finals."
"But when our opponent is Barcelona, I think the probability of advancing in this knockout round is fifty-fifty, and I only have 50% confidence..."
"It's a pity that we met the team we least wanted to meet. Of course, I believe Barcelona also didn't want to meet us."
"What? Barcelona easily eliminated Arsenal last season?"
"Please... you also said it was last season, so I would like to ask, is last season's Arsenal comparable to this season's Arsenal?"
"Last season's Arsenal didn't have me!"
Fly's remarks quickly spread throughout England, and even across Europe and the world after the match.
For a time, many people spoke out against him.
Especially Tottenham and Schalke 04, who were belittled by Fly.
100% confidence?
Who are you looking down on...?
It wasn't just these two teams that were openly called "gift packages" by Fly.
Inter Milan and Chelsea, the two teams that Fly believed he had an "80% chance of advancing" against, were also very unhappy with his remarks.
Inter Milan's president, Massimo Moratti, directly tweeted online:
"An ignorant kid, where did he get the confidence to dare to disrespect the defending champions?"
"You know, Inter Milan was the treble winner last season, while Arsenal? They haven't even won a Champions League..."
"I don't know where this kid Fly gets his confidence, he's simply too arrogant!"
"I had the privilege of knowing his father, Mr. Li. Mr. Li has always been a great person in my heart, with great cultivation and demeanor."
"But unfortunately... I didn't see even a trace of his father's advantages in Fly. This kid is spoiled!"
As for Manchester United and Real Madrid, they ignored Fly.
The former was suppressed too badly by Fly this season... they currently have no confidence to refute.
As for the latter, to put it bluntly, Real Madrid also knows that they are temporarily no match for Barcelona at the moment...
So Fly placing Real Madrid after Barcelona is something they can actually accept in their hearts...
In addition, Real Madrid still has a chance to compete for three trophies this season, so all their energy is now focused on the matches.
Unlike Arsenal and Fly, who are already free and basically just waiting for the Champions League to start.
It can be said that when Arsenal takes a break this season depends on when they are eliminated from the Champions League.
After all, with only nine rounds left in the League, Arsenal is still leading Manchester United, who has played one less match, by as much as 20 points.
With this point difference, although Sir Alex Ferguson hasn't verbally surrendered, he actually knows in his heart that the League title is out of reach this season...
Currently, Manchester United has gradually shifted their focus to the FA Cup and the Champions League.
If Manchester United can win the FA Cup and the Champions League this season, even if they lose the League, it won't be a big deal.
They can still suppress Arsenal with these two championship trophies!
After all, the FA Cup is bigger than the League Cup, and the Champions League is bigger than the Premier League.
Although both are two trophies, Manchester United's are more valuable...
So this season still belongs to Manchester United, not Arsenal, who have been invincible since the beginning of the season.
........
March 26th.
The international break began, and England traveled to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to challenge hosts Wales in a 2012 European Cup qualifier.
Ultimately, thanks to Lampard's penalty kick and Darren Bent's world-class strike, England won 2:0 against Wales and came away unscathed.
March 30th.
England and Ghana played a friendly match.
In this match, England drew 1:1 with Ghana thanks to Andy Carroll's header.
Currently, England is leading in the European Cup qualifiers, and as long as there are no surprises, they will successfully qualify for next year's European Cup finals.
Fly had been following the situation of the England National Team and was relieved to find that everything was going well.
If the butterfly effect caused by his transmigration had resulted in the England team failing to qualify for next year's European Cup finals.
Then Fly would have truly exploded!
Fortunately, the current trend is proceeding as it did in his past life's memory, so he doesn't need to be so anxious anymore.
......
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