Seeing the emotion conveyed in his eyes, Cao Baming was satisfied. After all, it wasn't easy to gain such respect from someone on the pitch.
Moreover, at this moment, it only strengthened his desire to transfer to such a team.
As both sides shook hands, the players on the field began to slowly exit. Bennacer, who had obtained Cao Baming's jersey, could barely walk on his own, but his mood at this moment was incredibly wonderful. Even though the match was lost, the disappointment couldn't overshadow the joy of Cao Baming personally approaching him for a jersey exchange.
This was an unparalleled honor. Everyone in the stadium was watching, and his teammates, Cao Baming's teammates, and even the team's top management saw it. Cao Baming hadn't sought anyone else out; despite so many people on the field, he had specifically chosen him.
Good heavens, what kind of treatment was this! The more Bennacer thought about it, the more excited he became. The more excited he became, the more agitated he grew, almost pushing himself away as he walked, nearly falling to the ground.
As everyone exchanged their final sentiments, the players completely left the field, and the fans around the stadium began to disperse as well.
Walking back towards the locker room, Cao Baming could hear the laughter of his teammates. Winning a Champions League title with such a score was indeed something to be happy about, but compared to the joy of winning the Champions League final last time, the happiness this time was significantly less.
The reason for the diminished joy compared to the previous Champions League final was that his expectations had been maxed out before this match. He had already known how strong his team was and the significant gap in strength between them and the opponent. As a result, this outcome was merely as expected.
A gust of wind swept across the pitch, blowing past the lock of hair at the back of Cao Baming's head. At this moment, he was slowly walking from the outdoors into the indoors, into the player tunnel.
Just then, the system's voice echoed in his mind. Cao Baming's eyes lit up; he had been waiting for this voice for a long time, and it had finally arrived.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the latest season mission. You have received 500,000 points and an extra grand prize package. Please check your inbox!"
Hearing this reward announcement, Cao Baming's mood improved from good to even better. Such news could only make one more excited and joyful, as who wouldn't love rewards? No one could refuse them.
Following this, all the players returned to the lounge. They knew that the biggest difference this time was the mere ten minutes of rest they would have.
During this time, the stadium staff would perform simple preparations. They would push the podium onto the center of the field using trolleys and set the stage for the Champions League final awards ceremony. The organizers wanted this ceremony to be the most magnificent, grand, and extravagant Champions League awards ceremony in history.
They even released statements to the outside world, claiming that the grandeur of this Champions League final awards ceremony would not be inferior to that of the World Cup final.
With such anticipation, nearly eighty percent of the fans remained in the stadium, wanting to witness this moment, to see Arsenal finally lift the Champions League trophy, and to see Cao Baming, Arsenal's captain, hoist the trophy high and jump excitedly with his teammates.
The UEFA Champions League – this was the championship trophy of the UEFA Champions League final. While its weight might not compare to the World Cup trophy, in terms of technicality, how could the strongest team in the world be a national team? It must be a club meticulously selected and tactically built.
Therefore, everyone agreed that the UEFA Champions League was the most professional and representative competition in world football. Winning the championship in the final of such a tournament and lifting the trophy was a supreme honor and the best reflection of a player's and a team's strength.
Back in the lounge, the players from both teams began their final moments of relaxation. Since AC Milan would become the greatest backdrop in Champions League history, their mood at this moment was certainly not good.
However, Cao Baming and all his teammates in their locker room were in extremely high spirits because they had won the Champions League. This was the dream and long-standing goal of the entire team, including the players and management. Now, at this very moment, it had finally been achieved, like a heavy burden suddenly lifted, revealing unexpected surprises within.
Soon, sounds began to emanate from outside the stadium. The Arsenal players, who were cheering in the locker room at this moment, also heard the sound. It was none other than the exclusive background music for the victors.
As this music began, it instantly instilled a sense of honor and power from the depths of one's heart. For some reason, music could always evoke such feelings, especially this kind of impassioned music.
"Alright, everyone get ready, we're about to go out! We're about to walk onto that familiar pitch and lift the greatest honor of a world-class team, the Champions League final trophy!!"
Head coach Arteta excitedly uttered these words. As he did, all the players in the locker room spontaneously applauded. With excitement and joy on their faces, they could hardly wait to rush out of the room and sprint onto the pitch to lift the trophy.
"This is our honor, this is what we deserve!"
"You've all worked hard, and we're about to go onto the field to claim what belongs to us!"
The stadium lights were being adjusted. Many fans were fortunate enough to witness this scene, and it was truly spectacular. And what was said before the match – that it would be even better than the World Cup awards ceremony – seemed to have been achieved in the eyes of many at this moment!!