Peter Drury: "The final chapter of the 2017-18 Champions League season concluded on a raucous night in Kiev, with Man United ultimately winning the match and stepping onto the pinnacle of Europe for the fourth time!!!"
"We were deeply moved by the perseverance of the Man United players. Looking back at the entire match, after Jeremy Ling suffered a wrist injury from Sergio Ramos' foul, probably no one believed he could return and score three crucial goals, pulling Man United back from the brink of hell."
"The Man United players seemed inspired as well, each unleashing tremendous mental strength. They are like the epitome of the Man United spirit."
Jim Beglin: "Among all football clubs worldwide, no team has faced as many hardships as Man United. February 6, 1958, marks the greatest tragedy in Man United's history."
Drury: "But with their unwavering resilience and the Red Devil spirit of rising from the ashes in desperate situations, they conquered Europe again after lying low. Unyielding iron will, the Red Devils live on! It is this spirit that has captivated countless fans over the years, continuously driving Man United forward, writing and interpreting the magnificent Red Devils epic."
"We also feel sorry for the tragic fate of the Real Madrid players. But such is football—one side's joy highlights the other's sorrow. This is why we love this sport so deeply. Their performance was equally impeccable."
"But now, Man United supporters, it's time to celebrate!!! Because it has always been harder to maintain success than to achieve it. In history, the two legendary teams of the 1970s, Ajax and Bayern Munich, both fell apart after achieving three consecutive titles. Real Madrid were chasing that ghost tonight, but they met a monster in red."
"Real Madrid, start over! I believe the path of climbing back up is even more thrilling than standing at the peak!" Drury added poetically.
"This season, Real Madrid also began showing signs of disintegration. However, Zidane managed to perfectly unite the locker room, motivating the Real Madrid players to give their all one last time."
If you visit the Liverpool museum, you can still find Man United's name on that Champions League trophy, engraved during the miraculous cup-winning moment in 1999.
Actually, this engraved trophy is a replica.
The authentic trophy is only used during the lifting ceremony and is immediately reclaimed by UEFA on the spot.
Only five clubs in football possess the original trophy: Real Madrid, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Ajax, and Liverpool.
"But there are no eternal kings, no one who remains at the peak forever. The rise and fall of century-old clubs are always the norm. Some are crushed by failure, while others keep getting up and moving forward. This is true for both Man United and Real Madrid, and we hope everyone in life can do the same."
...
Thanks to the staff's efforts, the podium was quickly set up, and the Big Ears Cup by the pitch already bore a new name: Manchester United F.C.!
Ling observed the entire engraving process, wondering if there was a backup in case of mistakes—and he received an affirmative answer.
Soon, the Man United players changed into fresh jerseys and returned to the pitch.
The first event was the runners-up award ceremony.
There's an unwritten rule in the Champions League award ceremony: the winning team forms a guard of honor to welcome the runners-up.
So, amid the applause of the Man United players, Zinedine Zidane, dressed in a sharp suit, led the way at the front, expressing his blessings to Man United with smiles and claps.
Neither he nor the Real Madrid players would ever be poor losers.
Sergio Ramos, with a bandage and splint, looked somewhat disheveled as he accepted his medal.
His emotions at that moment were too complex to describe.
Luka Modrić patted him on the shoulder.
The loss didn't affect him much because life must go on, as long as there's hope for the future.
Gareth Bale was thinking about going back to play golf to unwind.
Cristiano Ronaldo looked at the gleaming runners-up medal and suddenly recalled the 08-09 Champions League final.
Man United versus Barcelona.
It was his first Champions League runners-up medal.
He never expected fate to come full circle, as if things had returned to the starting point.
Ronaldo glanced at Man United's number 7, shaking off his despondency.
He would reclaim everything he had lost in next season's Champions League.
All the buildup had finally concluded, giving way to the main event of the night.
Andriy Shevchenko, this year's Champions League ambassador, stepped onto the stage holding the Champions League trophy.
Amidst thunderous applause filling the arena, Ling adjusted his jersey and steadily ascended the podium.
Shevchenko proactively extended his hand, "Your performance tonight was flawless!"
"Thank you!" A joyful smile spread across Ling's face as he firmly grasped the strong hand offered to him.
When he walked up to UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, an additional medal hung on his chest, symbolizing the highest honor of the club.
"I hope to see you again in next season's Champions League final. By the way, feel free to reach out if you have any issues." Ceferin's joy was barely containable, as the Champions League final's viewership had reached new heights, especially in distant China.
The primary reason was crystal clear.
This greatly benefited the promotion of the Champions League and enhanced the prestige of the tournament, thereby increasing its influence and profitability.
So he absolutely adored Ling!
Ling nodded earnestly, "We will strive for it."
Five minutes later.
Jose Mourinho quietly made his way to the edge of the podium, leaving the spotlight and glory to the Man United players, appearing so calm that he hardly resembled the proud and arrogant "Special One."
Perhaps for a coach who had won the Champions League three times (Porto, Inter, United), no amount of excitement could unsettle him.
But in reality, Mourinho's desire for glory was as strong as ever; he had simply learned to keep his emotions hidden.
When Man United captain Antonio Valencia gripped the Big Ears Cup, he excitedly looked at his teammates and shouted.
"Are you ready?"
"Si, Si, Si!"
"Yeah!!!"
Colorful fireworks soared into the wind, flying toward the boundless night sky, bursting into their most brilliant glow at the peak.
Red confetti erupted wildly, transforming the podium into a dreamlike paradise.
The 2017-18 UEFA Champions League winner—Manchester United!!!
When it was Ling's turn, he lifted the trophy above his head and struck a pose for the cameras.
He had always liked this celebratory move, and today he finally had the chance to do it.
...
Soon, the Man United family members entered the field—Mata's mother, McTominay's father, Lingard's wife, and others.
They were all reveling in the joy of victory.
Yan Lanxia and Ling Changzheng stood side by side, watching their son's radiant and joyful smile, feeling that all their previous efforts had been worthwhile.
Then they saw a beautiful girl approach Ling.
Jeremy Changzheng asked with some confusion, "Who is that girl? I think I vaguely remember her."
"Mourinho's daughter. We met her at the Premier League victory celebration last time." Yan Lanxia's expression was ambiguous, as if she was anticipating something.
"Can I see your trophy?" Tita blinked.
Ling was still relishing the moment, but since she had asked, he reluctantly handed it over.
The 8.5-kilogram trophy seemed a bit heavy.
Tita wobbled slightly as she took it, startling Ling, who quickly reached out to steady her.
Feeling the warm touch at her waist, Tita steadied herself and handed the trophy back, then patted her chest as if still shaken.
After Ling took the trophy back, she squinted and smiled.
Not far away, Mourinho seemed even happier than after winning the championship, vigorously putting his arm around Rui Faria's shoulder.
"What do you think of Ling?"
"Upright character, honest and trustworthy, a good family man, completely immune to scandals..." Faria listed one compliment after another without repetition.
"Then do you think Tita has a chance?" Mourinho suddenly asked.
"Boss, don't get angry when I tell you the truth, but you probably can't compete with Pep in this regard. Look."
Faria chuckled twice and gestured toward the stands with his chin.
It turned out Maria Guardiola was waving enthusiastically.
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Damn, how is Arsenal got away with so many corners and own goal this season 😭