Chapter 234: Superstar

Chapter 234: Superstar

"No matter what, keep pushing forward!" Bruno encouraged.

Pogba nodded, "If we get another chance to face each other, we definitely won't lose."

Bruno smiled, "I feel the same."

After a polite hug, they parted ways.

Bruno went on to greet other star players like Tevez, Pirlo, and Buffon. Meanwhile, Udinese's captain Di Natale was calling for him from the sidelines.

All the Udinese players had lined up in front of their fans to thank them for their support. At that moment, Bruno was chatting with his former teammate Pereyra. Pereyra, who had an excellent season at Udinese, hadn't found his footing at Juventus. Watching Udinese win the Serie A and now the Champions League, Pereyra couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. If he had stayed at Udinese, he would now be both a Serie A and Champions League champion.

Hearing Di Natale's call, Bruno excused himself from Pereyra and quickly ran over. As he approached, the fans erupted in cheers.

At this precise moment, the Berlin Olympic Stadium announcer declared that, after careful consideration by the professional evaluation team and feedback from the media, Bruno was named the Man of the Match for the Champions League final.

Suddenly, not only the Udinese fans across the stands but also many Juventus and neutral fans stood up, applauding Bruno. With two goals and an assist in the third, Bruno had undeniably dominated the final.

Tonight, Berlin belonged to Bruno.

As the Man of the Match, Bruno became the most sought-after player in the media area. Reporters thronged around him, their microphones all aimed at him. It was quite a scene.

"I don't know what to say. First, I must thank my parents and family, all those who supported me, and also thank Guidolin and the Udinese coaching staff, and all my teammates."

"I think we started the game very well. The coach's tactics were crucial. We controlled the game and worked hard to score. Everyone gave their all."

Bruno praised his Udinese teammates. "Antonio is the best captain, a great striker, and the irreplaceable symbol of Udinese; N'Golo Kanté is an incredible midfielder, the best defensive midfielder in the world."

"And Salah, playing with him is fantastic. He's fast and skillful. He's had a dream half-season with us. Maguire has improved a lot, and Cancelo is very cool..."

Bruno, at the media's request, praised each of his teammates, giving them high marks.

"I think this season's Udinese hasn't reached its peak. We can do even better. We're all still hungry for more championships and honors."

As for himself, Bruno said he hadn't yet reached his peak. "I think I can still improve. I believe I haven't peaked yet, not just because I'm only twenty, but because I strongly feel I can get better. I'll prove to everyone that I can do more."

As the Man of the Match and a new Champions League winner, Bruno was inundated with interviews. He lost count of how many journalists he spoke to and how many questions he answered, many of which were repetitive. Eventually, he had to be urged by team staff to leave the mixed zone for the award ceremony.

He became busier than coach Di Natale!

With his stellar performance in both Serie A and the Champions League, Bruno was seen as the key player in Udinese's triumphant season. Scoring seventeen goals in the Champions League, tying Cristiano Ronaldo's single-season record, and topping the scoring chart, Bruno's contributions were unmatched.

Bruno scored eight goals in the knockout stage, adding significant value. He also had nine assists, making him the Champions League assist leader.

Seventeen goals and nine assists – Bruno was the primary force behind Udinese's climb to the Champions League summit.

Having swept the individual honors in Serie A, everyone expected Bruno to be the biggest winner in the upcoming UEFA awards. As for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, although Bruno's young age might impact his ranking, he was certainly a top contender.

Thanks to his outstanding performances in the Champions League and Serie A, Bruno received immense praise and applause as he stepped up to receive his awards. UEFA President Platini encouraged him to maintain his form, expressing belief that the next decade in European football would belong to him.

Given Bruno's significant contributions, Udinese players unanimously decided that he and captain Di Natale should jointly lift the trophy. When they raised the Saint-Blaise Cup high, the Berlin Olympic Stadium, all of Europe, and even the whole world cheered for them.

When Udinese defeated Juventus 3-1 in Berlin, securing the Champions League title after last season's Europa League victory, Italy's "La Repubblica" not only headlined this match but also prominently featured Bruno, the key player.

As Italy's most authoritative newspaper, "La Repubblica" stated that twenty-year-old Bruno had ascended to the ranks of Europe's top superstars, transforming from a promising talent to a recognized star.

In the words of Italian football legend Maldini after the match: "If I were to award the FIFA Ballon d'Or, I'd give it to Bruno. He's been the most outstanding, most brilliant star on this planet over the past year."

"La Repubblica" detailed Bruno's impressive performances in Serie A and the Champions League, recognizing him as Europe's most lethal striker and Udinese's most powerful weapon.

"From his playing style to physicality and tactical awareness, Bruno has continuously refined himself, becoming more comprehensive and perfect. He can pass and assist like a midfielder, delivering precise passes to his teammates. He can dribble past defenses, and he can score in various ways – left foot, right foot, headers. Without a doubt, he's the most complete offensive player in the world."

The newspaper also provided an extensive account of Bruno's journey from Novara in Serie B to becoming a top European star.

"From a skinny Portuguese kid to a top European star, Bruno's journey wasn't easy. At one point, he was almost deemed talentless and rejected by professional football. This struggle made him cherish his career even more."

"In Serie A, it's common for players to frequent bars and clubs, but Bruno leads a disciplined life. Apart from team activities, he avoids these places and even abstains from alcohol during team celebrations."

"A year ago, a Turin-based media outlet boasted they would find dirt on Bruno within a month, and Italy's most attractive football starlet vowed to seduce him within three months. But a year later, they all failed, while Bruno led Udinese to the Champions League final and won it!"

"Bruno's self-discipline allows him more room for improvement."

"Due to his well-known reasons, Bruno has been the most sought-after player in Europe's transfer market for the past two years. Rumors suggest Chelsea's Portuguese coach Mourinho is willing to spend heavily to acquire him. Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been linked with him. With Bruno's current form, it will be hard for Udinese to keep him this summer."

Germany's "Bild" also extensively covered Bruno, hailing him as the best player in Europe this past season, without exception.

"Scoring twenty-five goals and twenty assists in Serie A and seventeen goals and nine assists in the Champions League, he deserves all the accolades, even the FIFA Ballon d'Or!"

"Bild" gave Bruno high marks for his performance in the Champions League final, recognizing him as Udinese's most crucial player, not just for his goals but also for his overall impact on the game.

"If the Ballon d'Or doesn't go to him, I can't imagine who else could deserve it more," "Bild" stated.

France's "L'Équipe" also named Bruno as Europe's MVP of the season and the key factor in Udinese's Champions League victory. They believed that if Bruno maintained his form, he would achieve even more astonishing results in the next decade.

(End of Chapter)

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