For football to thrive, it must be closely linked to the economy.
After all, for many people, football is not just a dream but also a profession.
Only when this profession offers significant rewards will they give it their all.
During Ye Chen's injury recovery, Mendes didn't let him sit idle. Instead, he arranged for Ye Chen to participate in a special interview.
It was for the fifth channel of Huaxia Sports' "World of Football"!
In fact, when Dortmund signed Ye Chen, "World of Football" wanted to produce a special episode and conduct an interview. However, the plan was halted by higher-ups due to Ye Chen's conflict with the football association.
As the tension between Ye Chen and the association worsened, the fifth channel also paused their plans for the interview.
But now, there was no avoiding it!
Countless fans flooded the "World of Football" production team, reminding them with their banners:
"Don't forget, your motto is 'Purest Football, Ultimate Enjoyment'!"
With Ye Chen, the young talent from Huaxia, shining in the Bundesliga and delivering standout performances in every game, was that not enough to warrant a special feature?
Thus, the beautiful host Ma Fanshu boarded a flight overnight to meet with her colleagues in Germany and track down Ye Chen.
Seeing the host he had only seen on TV, Ye Chen smiled, "Hello, Miss Ma. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Even after being abroad and encountering countless blondes and blue-eyed beauties, seeing Ma Fanshu was refreshing.
At just 18 years old, Ma Fanshu had recently won a major hosting competition on the fifth channel of Huaxia Sports. Her outstanding eloquence and sweet appearance caught their attention, securing her a place at the network.
This was a great opportunity for her to gain experience, so she was sent to interview Ye Chen.
In Dortmund's interview room, wearing his team uniform, Ye Chen met this young woman for the first time.
"Hello, Mr. Ye!" Ma Fanshu greeted with a bright smile, her charming dimples lighting up her face.
Ye Chen remained calm. "When do we start the interview?"
"Let my colleagues prepare first, and we can go over the questions."
"Alright!"
"Is there anything off-limits for me to ask?"
Ye Chen shook his head. "No, ask whatever you want."
"Well, take a look at these questions. If anything feels inappropriate, feel free to point it out."
"No need to check. Authenticity is key." Ye Chen smiled.
Ma Fanshu looked stunning, especially in her professional attire paired with her delicate and adorable face â she looked like a character from an anime.
Contrasting yet enticing.
Of course, Ye Chen kept his composure, remaining calm and steady.
"Is your foot injury alright? I watched that match. Rüdiger's foul was brutal. Luckily, the Bundesliga issued a severe penalty!"
"It's fine now. I'll be back to team training in a few days!"
The efficiency of the production team from the fifth channel was impressive â the equipment was set up in no time!
"If everything is ready, shall we begin?"
"Please!"
Ye Chen sat in front of the camera while Ma Fanshu took the seat opposite him.
"Can you start by evaluating your performance at Dortmund so far?"
"Honestly, I'm not someone who likes to dwell on the past. The previous games are done. I scored a lot of goals and earned Dortmund many points. I even accidentally set a Guinness World Record. But that's all in the past. I prefer to look forward, forget the past goals, and create more!"
Versailles!
This was peak humility wrapped in bragging!
What did he mean by "accidentally set a Guinness World Record"?
That record drove fans at home wild!
Ma Fanshu tried to suppress her laughter...
"What personal goals do you have for this season?"
"Winning the Bundesliga Golden Boot, probably. No Asian player has ever claimed that honor. Now that I'm here, I have to prove to the world that we Asians can win the Golden Boot too!" Ye Chen replied confidently.
"Right now, your biggest competitor is Huntelaar from Schalke 04. Do you have anything to say to him?"
Ye Chen shook his head. "I have nothing to say. My opponent has never been anyone else but myself. As long as I perform well, no one else will stand a chance."
Confidence.
If Ye Chen had said this when he first arrived in the Bundesliga, he would have been ridiculed.
But things were different now.
He averaged three goals per game across five matches, leading the top scorers with 15 goals.
With stats like that, why not be bold?
Ma Fanshu smiled. "You seem very confident. What are your expectations for Dortmund this season?"
"Defending the league title. Dortmund were champions before I arrived. If we don't win with me here, wouldn't that mean I've made the team worse?" Ye Chen grinned. "I also hope we make it to the Champions League knockout stage. It's not about winning the whole thing, but after watching Dortmund's home game in the Champions League, I want to play in one or two of those games!"
Ma Fanshu finally understood what he meant by authenticity.
Ye Chen's answers were completely unfiltered!
Her smile grew brighter. "After Rüdiger's foul, are you afraid of physical confrontations? Will your playstyle change after returning from injury?"
"Not at all. I'm very satisfied with how I play â it's proven effective for scoring goals!" Ye Chen shook his head. "Besides, the Bundesliga's sanctions show they encourage competition but don't tolerate violence."
"Our research shows your performance before 17 was average. Why did you suddenly explode? Any secret?"
"Courage born from shame," Ye Chen replied sincerely. "Thanks to the football association for expelling me. Without their push, I wouldn't be here today!"
Ma Fanshu's eyes widened. Could he really say that?
Thank goodness it was pre-recorded!
"Before we came here, you announced your withdrawal from the national team. Do you regret not being able to represent Huaxia?"
Ye Chen shook his head. "Of course, it's a regret. But some things are beyond control. I hope we can all move on."
People grow.
Ye Chen used to cry alone, but not out of regret â it was just a farewell to a dream.
Human effort has limits. Not everything can be overcome.
"Do you have anything to say to Huaxia fans?"
"Thank you for supporting me. Even if I can't play for the national team, I'll make you proud!" Ye Chen said firmly. "I will stand at the pinnacle of Europe and show the world that what they can do, Huaxia players can too!"