England's Greatest

[Check out the Patreon, I think there's like 51 advance chapters there with daily chapters, and drop some power stones, comment and review if you guys want to, trying to hit 925 power stones this week.] 

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In his first-ever World Cup, Tristan took the world by storm, captivating fans with his brilliant performances and earning the recognition he had long craved. His debut on football's grandest stage saw him notch key milestones in the system: [World Cup debut], [World Cup first assist], [World Cup first goal]. These achievements came with three free attribute points from the system, a small yet meaningful reward for his stellar performance.

But the accolades didn't stop there. Named [World Cup Best Newcomer] and earning a place in the [World Cup Best Team], Tristan unlocked two even more prestigious achievements, which granted him an additional six attribute points. This brought his total to nine—a significant haul, though one he viewed with cautious optimism.

After months of navigating the system's mechanics, Tristan had gained a deeper understanding of how to handle the upgrades it offered. He realized that spending too many points at once could bring about sudden, drastic changes in his body—changes that, while beneficial in the long run, could disrupt his balance, coordination, or even his rhythm on the pitch. A sudden jump of ten or twenty points in an attribute like speed or strength could lead to an awkward adjustment period, where his mechanics no longer felt natural.

He had seen it happen to other players. Young talents, brimming with potential, whose physical transformations derailed their form. Sudden changes often threw off their timing and disrupted their playing style, turning early promise into a struggle to regain control. Tristan was determined not to fall into the same trap.

Instead, he adopted a gradual approach. By adding points incrementally, he allowed his body to adapt naturally, avoiding the pitfalls of overloading any single attribute. This steady improvement ensured that his progression felt seamless—his game evolving without losing the essence of what made him special.

Tristan also had another reason for not letting points pile up: he never had more than ten free attribute points at once. Even with his methodical upgrades, he understood the importance of spending them wisely.

After some thought, he decided to invest five points into [Speed], pushing it from 75 to a strong 80. This wasn't just a numerical improvement; in the system's logic, every ten-point milestone represented a qualitative leap. Reaching 80 meant his speed was no longer just an asset—it was now a defining strength. Combined with his already elite [Burst] stat of 95, Tristan now possessed top-tier acceleration and pace, a game-changer for an attacking midfielder with his creativity and tactical awareness.

With four points remaining, he placed one into [Constitution], increasing his physical resilience. A stronger body meant better durability and fewer injuries—essential for withstanding the physical demands of elite football. The remaining three points? He decided to hold onto them for now, a strategic reserve for when the time was right.

As he finalized his choices, Tristan leaned back in his chair, a small smile forming on his lips

A sudden knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Tristan?" came a familiar voice from the other side. It was Sophia, his assistant assigned to him by Mendes with the duty to help with his schedules and day to day activities or anything else that comes up.

"Come in," Tristan replied, setting his thoughts aside.

The door opened, and in walked a striking young woman with blonde hair tied into a sleek high ponytail. Her piercing blue eyes reflected her German roots, while her warm, sun-kissed complexion hinted at her Portuguese heritage. Dressed in a crisp white blouse paired with a tailored navy blazer, she exuded polished professionalism and effortless elegance.

"Boss, we're ready to start filming," she said, her tone calm and assured as she adjusted the cuff of her blazer.

Tristan, currently at Nike's London studio, was set to shoot promotional photos and discuss his new sneaker endorsement. Just yesterday, he had signed a lucrative contract with Nike, joining the ranks of football stars under their banner.

Looking at the young woman, Tristan smiled slightly and corrected her. "Sophie, I told you, just call me Tristan. Calling me boss makes me sound old."

Sophie, his personal assistant, was a unique blend of sophistication and capability. With her dual German and Portuguese background, she carried impressive credentials. 

A graduate student from the Faculty of Human Movement at the University of Lisbon, she was fluent in Portuguese, German, English, French, Spanish, and Italian. Beyond her professional appearance, she handled an array of responsibilities for Tristan—managing business dealings, life logistics, driving, translating, and even tutoring him in languages she knew when needed.

Facing Tristan's correction, Sophie replied in a calm, unwavering tone, "No problem, boss."

Tristan sighed inwardly. After spending several days with Sophie, who was "a few years" older than him, he had come to understand why Mendes had assigned her to him.

Sophie was methodical, precise, and by the book. In a way, she was predictable—sometimes overly rigid, sticking to plans and protocols without much room for flexibility.

But her strengths were undeniable. She was dependable to the core, following instructions with unyielding dedication and never faltering under pressure.

If Tristan was being honest, he didn't think Sophie cared much about forming any sort of personal connection. She seemed to see her job as purely professional—get things done, get paid, earn her promotion, and move on with her life. Tristan respected her for it but damn was she boring. 

A faint smile tugged at his lips as the thought crossed his mind. Sophie was, without a doubt, the ideal assistant: highly efficient, yet maybe a bit too structured for his liking.

"Alright, let's go!" he said, breaking the moment of reflection and gesturing toward the studio.

….

After meeting with Nike's London executives, the decision was finalized: Tristan would be one of the faces of the new Magista series, launched to great acclaim during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The boots had made an unforgettable impact on the global stage, especially when Mario Götze scored the iconic winning goal for Germany wearing the Magista Obra. Now, Nike wanted to extend the Magista's reach in the UK, and Tristan—a rising star with both skill and marketability—was the perfect choice to lead the charge.

Despite his excitement, a part of Tristan still found it surreal. A year ago, he had been an overlooked youth player, fighting for recognition and dreaming of opportunities like this. And now? He was about to represent one of the world's most iconic sports brands.

Sitting down, Tristan laced up his personalized pair of Magista Obra boots—sleek and vibrant in shades of pink, black, and white, crafted specifically to his preferences. As he stood and adjusted the fit, he caught himself reflecting on how far he'd come.

Dressed in a black Nike sports suit, Tristan stepped onto the set. The energy in the studio shifted as the crew prepared to capture the perfect shots for the campaign.

"Tristan, let's see some intensity—cool, confident!"

"Great! Now, smile at the camera."

"Turn slightly, cross your arms. Perfect!"

The photographer's instructions flowed smoothly, and Tristan matched their rhythm with ease. Having been through several commercial shoots by now, he no longer found the process intimidating. The nerves from his earlier campaigns had long since been replaced by a calm professionalism.

With his growing experience, he adapted to the shoot's tempo, completing the session efficiently in under two hours. As the final clicks of the camera echoed in the studio.

Afterward, as Tristan sat down to change his boots, a familiar voice broke his thoughts.

"Boss, you forgot to take a photo with the shoes and post it on social media."

Tristan looked up to see Sophia standing nearby, her tone professional as always.

"Oh, right. Thanks for reminding me," he said with a small sigh.

Social media had become an integral part of a footballer's career, not just as a way to connect with fans but as a critical component of their brand. Though Tristan wasn't entirely comfortable with the constant need to post updates, he was learning to embrace it.

He grabbed his phone, snapped a couple of selfies with the Magista Obra boots, and quickly uploaded them to his accounts. His caption read:

"New boots! New season! New beginning!"

Even as the likes and comments poured in, Tristan reflected on how much his role had evolved. He wasn't just a footballer anymore; he was a public figure, a brand ambassador, and, for some, an inspiration. It was a responsibility he didn't take lightly, even if it sometimes felt overwhelming.

After the shoot wrapped up, Tristan climbed into an Audi SUV waiting outside, a luxury ride arranged by Mendes as part of his ever-watchful management.

Sophia, seated in the front passenger seat, turned to glance at him through the rearview mirror. "Boss, are we heading home now?" she asked, her voice as composed as always.

"Uh-huh," Tristan murmured distractedly, reaching for a folded copy of the Daily Mail lying on the seat next to him. No doubt Mendes had placed it there, likely hoping to spur him on with whatever football news or analysis was inside.

Settling back into the plush leather seat, Tristan flipped through the paper

Tristan flipped through the pages of the Daily Mail, his eyes scanning for anything that might catch his interest.

His attention settled on the sports section headline:

"The Quarterfinals is Not the End!"

The article detailed England's journey to the World Cup quarterfinals in Brazil. For many fans, the Football Association, and a fair portion of the media, this was a sign of significant progress. But, as always, not everyone was satisfied.

The report delved into criticisms of Roy Hodgson's decisions during the quarterfinal match against Brazil. Specifically, it questioned his substitutions in the 70th minute, with some arguing his conservative approach had cost England the chance to equalize—or even win.

Tristan frowned slightly as he read the piece. A familiar feeling of frustration bubbled up. It was typical of the press to stir controversy after a high-stakes game.

However, not all reactions were negative. Fans, football legends, and seasoned analysts had largely rallied behind Hodgson. The article noted strong endorsements from figures like Gary Lineker and Paul Scholes, who emphasized that Hodgson had done an excellent job given the team's inexperience. His tactics, they argued, were sound, even if the result wasn't ideal.

Tristan couldn't agree more. He'd been on the pitch during that match and understood the decisions Hodgson had made. Football wasn't played in the margins of a newspaper; it was fought in real time, with split-second choices that couldn't always account for hindsight critiques.

Thankfully, the English Football Association wasted no time in showing their support for Hodgson. A formal statement praised his work and confirmed his position as head coach through at least the 2016 European Championship.

Tristan felt a wave of reassurance as he read that. Hodgson's confidence in him had been apparent throughout the tournament, and the trust they shared only seemed to grow. The coach had made Tristan the central orchestrator of England's front linet—a role he would continue to hold, at least for now.

While Wayne Rooney remained England's undisputed star player, Tristan was acutely aware that his time was rapidly approaching. He wasn't content to merely bask in the glow of his teammates' success; he had his own goals in mind. Hodgson had entrusted him with a significant role, and he was determined to rise to the occasion.

For now, at least until the 2016 European Cup, Hodgson had placed his faith in him as the future leader of the Three Lions. But as much as the future seemed bright, Tristan was eager for his moment—he wanted it now.

After the euphoria of the World Cup in Brazil, football's focus shifted back to the hectic summer transfer window. The first major move of the summer sent shockwaves through the football world. La Liga giants Barcelona made headlines when they announced they had secured a deal for Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez. The Premier League Golden Boot winner, who had been instrumental in Liverpool's near-title-winning campaign, was joining Barcelona for a colossal fee of 82 million euros.

Suárez's transfer was no surprise. After Liverpool's heartbreak in the Premier League title race, it was clear he would leave. The question wasn't if he would depart, but where he would end up. As the transfer speculation ramped up, Barcelona emerged victorious, securing the prolific striker. Despite his controversial World Cup antics, including the infamous biting incident with Italy's Giorgio Chiellini, Barcelona didn't hesitate to make a major investment in the player's abilities.

Suárez's transfer fee made him the third most expensive player in La Liga history, trailing only Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo. Real Madrid, who had also been chasing the striker, were left frustrated by their archrivals' triumph. Madrid had their eyes set on another World Cup sensation: James Rodríguez.

The Colombian forward had caught global attention with his dazzling performances, winning the Golden Boot for his exceptional goalscoring exploits in Brazil. Rodríguez had made it clear he wanted to join Real Madrid, but his current club, Monaco, had other plans. Monaco's billionaire owner, Dmitry Rybolovlev, wasn't under pressure to sell and resisted any offers for Rodríguez, even though the player's desire to move was widely known. Rybolovlev's firm stance meant that Monaco wasn't about to let go of their star player without a fight, even though Rodríguez's potential move to Madrid seemed imminent.

Meanwhile, back in England, Tristan was riding high on the success of his World Cup performances. Having won the Best Newcomer award and earned a spot in the tournament's Best XI, he had become one of the most sought-after players in Europe.

A year ago, he had been a relatively unknown youth player, but now, after his standout performances in Brazil, he was a star. Offers for the talented midfielder poured in from all over Europe. Top clubs like Inter Milan, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and more were eager to secure his services. Premier League giants like Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal also entered the bidding war, all offering around 25 million euros for the 19-year-old.

But the wealthiest clubs—Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and Monaco—had deeper pockets. They were willing to offer up to 30 million euros, which was close to Tristan's reported release clause of 30 million pounds. While the offers were tempting, Leicester City, his current club, was determined to keep their rising star.

The club's leadership, including owner Vichai, director Rudkin, and head coach Nigel Pearson, knew that selling Tristan would bring in a significant transfer fee. However, they were acutely aware of the cost far beyond just the financials—losing their young star, the heart of their squad, would be a blow they might not recover from.

After an emergency meeting, Leicester's management reached a decision: to protect their star player and avoid any risk of him being sold off for a hefty fee, they would offer Tristan a new contract. The club wasn't just offering him more money—they were making a statement. Tristan was integral to Leicester's future, and they were determined not to let him slip through their fingers.

...

I made a mistake for last chapter, I forget power stones reset on Sunday as such we have reached 850+, holy fuck that's a lot. 

Now for this week, let me be a bit more ambitious and go for 925 power stones. 

And besides that chapter 8 has been rewritten and thank you for your support.