readytorunbook Chapter 428 - 91: Advancing to the Final! The Most Important Renewal in History
Chapter 428 - 91: Advancing to the Final! The Most Important Renewal in History
"Today, on behalf of Dortmund, I am incredibly proud to announce that we have officially completed the most important contract renewal in our history with our most vital player, Wang Shuo!"
Watzke stated that this contract renewal represents Dortmund’s determination to achieve a resurgence.
"We believe that under Wang Shuo’s leadership, Dortmund will experience a revival in the near future!"
"And now, I’ll hand things over to you all!"
The moment Watzke finished speaking, the room erupted in enthusiastic applause.
The club’s press officer came on stage and began calling on reporters to ask their questions.
Wang Shuo sat poised on the stage, smiling at the crowd.
There was a specific protocol to the questioning, in fact.
For example, the first question wasn’t given to the local *Ruhr News* or the *West German Newspaper*, but to *Bild*.
In a way, this represented *Bild*’s authority in the German Football Scene.
The second question would certainly go to *Kicker Magazine*, who would be running a feature story on the contract renewal.
Only after them would come *Ruhr News*, the *West German Newspaper*, and others.
As the first to ask, *Bild* treated the opportunity with due gravity.
"Wang, first of all, congratulations!"
"Thank you," Wang Shuo said.
"This has been an incredible Bundesliga season. With just one matchday left, you have 36 goals and 15 assists. You’ve not only won the Bundesliga title but also successfully defended your Golden Boot Award."
"And now you’ve renewed your contract with Dortmund. What are your own thoughts on this past season? Many people consider you the most dangerous attacker in the European Football Scene. Do you feel you’re entering the prime of your career? Thank you."
Strictly speaking, that was two questions.
Wang Shuo smiled, nodded, and answered in fluent German.
"For me, this past season has been like a wonderful dream. I can hardly believe it myself."
"I’m incredibly grateful to my teammates. We worked hard and fought side-by-side to help the team win the Bundesliga title and reach the UEFA Europa League final. We turned goals that seemed out of reach at the start of the season into reality!"
"For us, this is a validation of our efforts, and even more so, an inspiration!"
"I don’t think Dortmund or I have reached our so-called prime yet. This is all just the beginning. We’re the youngest team on average in the Bundesliga, and I’m only nineteen. We still have a long road ahead of us."
"This morning, when I ran into our head coach on the training ground, Jurgen told me, ’Never be satisfied with the status quo. Always be hungry for more!’"
Wang Shuo’s answer was met with another round of enthusiastic applause.
In truth, the reporters had already coordinated their questions beforehand.
After *Bild* was finished, *Kicker Magazine*’s question was about the UEFA Europa League final.
"Liverpool is a truly great club, and I have the utmost respect for them. Just like us at Dortmund, and like Mainz where I used to play, their club anthem is ’You’ll Never Walk Alone.’"
"Benitez is an incredibly successful manager. They won the Champions League in ’05 and reached the final again in ’07."
"There’s definitely pressure when you face a team like that, but I think, more than anything, we’re excited."
"You have to understand, we’ve gone through a long season and battled through countless matches to finally earn our ticket to Hamburg. So, no matter who we face, we’re going to give it our all to beat them!"
"Of course, facing a legendary club like Liverpool makes the occasion even more special, but we’re ready!"
Once again, the room filled with enthusiastic applause.
After that, various major media outlets began asking questions, covering a wide range of topics.
Some were about the UEFA Europa League final, while others were about the Bundesliga, Dortmund, or Wang Shuo himself.
One particularly interesting question came from the *West German Newspaper*.
Because the team was competing on two fronts and had a congested schedule, Wang Shuo’s playing time in the final stages of the league season had been significantly reduced.
As a result, his current goal tally remained at 36.
This disappointed many fans who had been hoping to see Wang Shuo break Gerd Müller’s legendary record of 40 goals in a single season.
"I don’t think there’s anything to be disappointed about. Gerd Müller is a legend I deeply respect. His record is incredibly difficult to break, and I feel very honored to have even come close to it this season."
"They say the best things are saved for last. What we couldn’t achieve this season, we can look forward to trying for next season!"
This statement from Wang Shuo once again earned him a thunderous round of applause.
A few of the reporters even cheered out loud.
Klopp, who was standing at the entrance to the press conference hall, couldn’t help but smile when he heard Wang Shuo’s words, nodding repeatedly.
He looked at Wang Shuo with an expression filled with pride.
This was the star pupil he had personally nurtured!
Wang Shuo, for his part, was just as generous with his praise for Klopp.
When a reporter asked for his thoughts on Klopp, Wang Shuo’s answer was, "He’s been my most important mentor since I came to the European Football Scene. He’s given me his complete trust, and I feel the same way about him. We’re both willing to fight for each other!"
Among the press, there was one particularly special media outlet.
It was Capital Television from China.
"As the first Chinese player in history to attain such brilliant achievements in a top European league, the fans all over China are incredibly proud of you. Do you have anything you’d like to say to the fans back home? And regarding the UEFA Europa League final against Liverpool, are you confident you’ll score?"