NOVEL NEXT
Chapter 49: Awards and interviews
The announcement for the Asian Footballer of the Year, the most anticipated moment, was about to be made. On the big screen, replays of the candidates' outstanding performances from the past year were shown, including Wang Feng's spectacular goals. Wang Feng glanced at Al-Temyat beside him, who was nervously staring at the screen and murmuring prayers under his breath.
It seemed he didn't know the final result had been announced. Wang Feng couldn't help feeling a bit nostalgic. To be honest, he wasn't particularly interested in the Asian Footballer of the Year award. Playing in Europe, he valued the Ballon d'Or more. He dreamed of winning that honor someday.
When AFC President Amousha announced Wang Feng as the winner of the 2000 Asian Footballer of the Year, a hint of disappointment flashed in Al-Temyat's eyes, while Wang Feng pretended to be surprised, standing up and embracing the two beside him.
Wang Feng's acting was quite poor, but at this moment, nobody paid attention. Amid congratulations from Al-Temyat and Nakamura Shunsuke, he went up on stage, received the trophy from Amousha, and delivered a brief speech.
He thanked the AFC jury for their recognition, thanked his teammates and coaches at Genk, acknowledging that without them, he wouldn't have achieved his current success. Finally, he expressed gratitude to his mother and family.
After the award ceremony, Wang Feng headed to the interview area, where a swarm of reporters, especially from China, awaited. As the first Chinese to win the Asian Footballer of the Year and breaking the record for the youngest recipient, he was highly sought after for in-depth coverage.
A reporter asked, "Wang Feng, what are your expectations for Genk's performance this season? You are currently topping the Jupiler Pro League's scoring chart. Do you have confidence in winning the Golden Boot?"
Wang Feng replied, "Genk is currently leading the league, and we are determined to win the title. As for the Europa League, we hope to surpass Genk's previous best performance and reach the round of 16."
"As for the Golden Boot in the Jupiler Pro League, I think the competition is fierce. I can only do my best. Anderlecht's Jan Koller is also a top striker. He's only four goals behind me. Honestly, he could catch up in just one match."
Another reporter inquired about Wang Feng's transfer plans during the winter break or summer transfer window. Wang Feng firmly stated that he wouldn't transfer during the winter break and avoided discussing the summer situation, claiming he hadn't thought about it.
A Chinese reporter wanted to know Wang Feng's thoughts on receiving such a prestigious award at such a young age. Facing the live camera, Wang Feng said, "I'm especially grateful to my mother. She single-handedly raised the three of us siblings, which was incredibly challenging. Receiving this award, I want to dedicate it to her and let her know that her son can now support the family financially. I hope she can stop worrying and enjoy life."
Wang Feng knew his family was likely watching him on TV, so he spoke these heartfelt words.
Some reporters wanted to cover a big news story, asking, "We heard that the Belgian FA once invited you to join the Belgian national team, and you haven't played for the Chinese national team yet. Do you have any plans in this regard?"
Wang Feng angrily refuted, "I've never had such thoughts. I'm Chinese, and I will only play for the Chinese national team, not any other country."
"I haven't played for the national team because I haven't been called up. No emails, no calls. But I'm ready anytime."
Another journalist asked Wang Feng about his opinion on the current strength of the Chinese national team. Wang Feng simply stated they were strong, avoiding further discussion.
The interview lasted a long time before Wang Feng finally hung up the phone. Thinking of his family's smiling faces, he fell asleep contentedly.
The news of Wang Feng winning the Asian Footballer of the Year caused a sensation in China. More and more people wanted to see him play for the national team, especially after hearing about the Belgian national team's invitation.
"Although Wang Feng said he wouldn't play for other countries, I think many football powerhouses would want him. Why is our Football Association indifferent?" a netizen commented on the forum.
Wang Feng knew the crux of the matter was that he wasn't part of the Football Association system, so he wasn't under its jurisdiction, nor would he bring direct benefits, taking up a valuable spot.
He wasn't strong enough yet, his influence still far from sufficient. If he could establish himself in the top five leagues and even shine, then the Football Association wouldn't be able to ignore him any longer.
Early the next morning, Wang Feng flew to Belgium to continue his league life. During the award period, Genk drew 0-0 against Brondby in the fourth round of the Europa League group stage, ultimately topping the group with three wins and one draw, accumulating 10 points. While Moscow Lokomotiv and Espanyol also advanced as expected, with no surprises.
The draw for the Europa League round of 32 was out. Genk would face Slavia Prague from the Czech First League. It wasn't an ideal draw, but it wasn't terrible either. Anderlecht, having failed to qualify for the Champions League, could only participate in the Europa League, facing Shakhtar Donetsk in the round of 32, while Club Brugge would play against AS Roma.
Although Slavia Prague was a strong team in the Czech First League, compared to Shakhtar Donetsk and Roma, they weren't as intimidating. So the Belgian domestic media lamented the bad luck of Anderlecht and Club Brugge, hoping that at least Genk wouldn't be wiped out in the round of 32.