Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 459: The Future Belongs to You

When referee Skomina blew the final whistle, the Manchester United coaching staff, substitutes, and field workers all rushed onto the pitch. The entire Friends Arena in Stockholm erupted in celebration, with tens of thousands of United fans singing their team's anthem at the top of their lungs. From the first minute of the match, they had been unwavering in their support, cheering for the battling United players on the field.

Countless fans were cheering, countless fans were in tears, and countless fans were shouting...

Just before the final whistle, Bruno had been making a sprint. He was thinking about the possibility of scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final, knowing this might be his last time playing in such a match. However, referee Skomina did not consider giving him that opportunity, ending the match nearly thirty seconds early. Bruno felt a bit disappointed because he had seen a chance during United's counterattack.

A hat-trick in the Europa League final would have been historic. If he remembered correctly, no one had ever achieved a hat-trick in a Europa League final.

...

In the more prestigious Champions League finals, three players had achieved hat-tricks: Real Madrid legends Puskás and Di Stéfano, and AC Milan's Prati. Notably, Puskás and Di Stéfano both scored hat-tricks in the same match.

That was the 1960 Champions League final, the last year of Real Madrid's five consecutive European Cup wins. Real Madrid played against Germany's Frankfurt in the final. Real Madrid, in its prime, was unbeatable in Europe. Frankfurt scored first, but Di Stéfano and Puskás did not give the Germans a chance. Di Stéfano scored three goals, and Puskás scored four, leading Real Madrid to a legendary five consecutive European Cup wins.

Additionally, Puskás achieved hat-tricks twice in Champions League finals. However, his second hat-trick in the final wasn't as memorable. In the 1961-1962 season, Real Madrid reached the final again, facing defending champions Benfica, which included the Black Panther, Eusebio.

Puskás scored twice in the first 23 minutes, giving Real Madrid the lead. But Benfica equalized twice, and Puskás completed his hat-trick before halftime. However, the second half belonged to the Portuguese, and Eusebio's two goals helped Benfica successfully defend their title. Puskás's hat-trick was in vain.

Undoubtedly, Skomina denied Bruno a chance at creating a legendary moment. Yet, after the match, Bruno was one of the first to approach referee Skomina, smiling and shaking his hand. Skomina's officiating had been fair, with only a controversial handball by Ajax's young defender De Ligt. But it was merely a suspected handball, and with United's victory, no one cared.

...

When the final whistle blew, Mourinho excitedly raised his arms, applauding and accepting hugs and congratulations from those around him. Then he was surrounded by reporters and had to push through them to shake hands with Ajax coach Bosz.

"Congratulations," said Bosz with a blank expression. Coming with the dream of winning but ending with a 0-4 defeat, the Ajax coach was understandably upset.

"Thank you," Mourinho nodded, refraining from saying polite yet hollow words like "You played well," as such comments can be seen as condescending.

With Bosz leaving, reporters swarmed Mourinho again, each trying to get their question answered.

...

"Mr. Mourinho, congratulations on winning the Europa League and becoming the fifth team in history to achieve the European treble. How do you feel right now?"

"Of course, I feel very happy. We can proudly say that this season has been a successful one."

"Mr. Mourinho, you've won two Champions League titles and two Europa League titles, becoming the first coach to win four European titles. Many consider you the most successful coach in history. What do you think about that?"

"I am honored, but I still have many areas to improve."

"Mr. Mourinho, what do you have to say about your players' performances?"

"I am very satisfied. I want to thank them."

"Mr. Mourinho, there are rumors that Real Madrid's Florentino Pérez has not given up on acquiring Bruno and will try to bring him to the Bernabéu this summer. What do you think about this?"

The question came from an English Sun reporter who felt proud of asking it at this moment, anticipating an angry denial from Mourinho.

However, to his surprise, Mourinho ignored the question and pushed through the reporters, saying, "I will not answer questions about Bruno transferring. It's too foolish. Sorry, I need to be with my players."

Saying this, Mourinho pushed through the crowd and walked towards his players. The camera followed him closely, capturing him like a general victorious in battle, walking towards his tired yet proud soldiers. He spread his arms, spoke to them, exchanged high-fives, hugs, jokes, and laughter...

...

While Mourinho was being surrounded by reporters, Bruno, who was mentioned by the Sun reporter, was chatting with Ajax players before returning to the United team.

At this time, everyone lined up in front of the United fans' section to thank the fans who had come to support them.

At that moment, the Friends Arena's broadcast announced that after a professional panel's evaluation and consideration of on-site media reporters' opinions, Bruno was awarded the Man of the Match for the Europa League final.

Not only did United fans stand and applaud Bruno, but many Ajax and neutral fans also cheered for him.

4-0, with two goals and an assist, Bruno dominated this final!

Tonight, Stockholm undoubtedly belonged to Bruno!

"I don't know what to say. Firstly, I want to thank my parents and family, my fiancée Vanessa, and everyone who supported me along the way. I also want to thank José and the Manchester United coaching staff, and all my teammates."

As the Man of the Match, Bruno became the most sought-after player in the mixed zone. Numerous microphones were pushed towards him, and he enjoyed the attention.

Bruno was surrounded by media from all over the world, unsure how many interviews he gave or how many questions he answered, many of which were repetitive. He was so busy that he had to be urged by team staff to leave the mixed zone for the award ceremony, making him busier than Mourinho!

...

As the new Europa League champions and the final's Man of the Match, Bruno played 14 matches this season in the Europa League, scoring 12 goals, surpassing Roma's Dzeko and Zenit's Giuliano, who both had 8 goals, to top the scoring chart.

Five of Bruno's goals came in the knockout stages, making them highly valuable.

Additionally, Bruno had six assists, making him the Europa League's top assist provider.

With 12 goals and six assists, Bruno was undoubtedly the key player in United's Europa League triumph.

As for the year-end FIFA Best Player and Ballon d'Or awards, since Bruno did not participate in the Champions League, it's hard to predict his final ranking, especially given Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi's excellent performances this season.

Especially Ronaldo, if the Portuguese captain helps Real Madrid defend their title at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on June 3, he will likely be the top contender for these awards. Both Messi and Bruno will find it challenging to prevent Ronaldo from winning.

However, Bruno is undoubtedly a top contender for the top three.

Thanks to his outstanding performances in the Europa League and Premier League this season, Bruno received much praise and applause when he went on stage to receive his award.

UEFA's new president, Ceferin, said to Bruno as he awarded him the winner's medal, "I believe that the next decade of European football belongs to you!"

Furthermore, due to Bruno's extraordinary contributions, United players unanimously decided that Bruno and captain Rooney would receive the trophy together.

When the two lifted the Bertoni Cup high, the entire Friends Arena, all of Europe, and even the world cheered for them!

(End of the chapter)

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