GOAT: All Football Talents Are Mine

The Nord Palace Hotel, located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a small yet luxurious retreat.

Renowned globally, it often hosts prestigious clubs for off-season training. Nestled near a state-of-the-art soccer training ground, it offers the perfect blend of relaxation and athletic preparation.

Guests at the Nord Palace enjoy round-the-clock premium services, including hot springs, massages, body care, and mental health therapies. It's not just a hotel—it's a haven for rest and rigorous training.

Thanks to its world-class facilities, securing a booking here is fiercely competitive. For the next two weeks, the Real Madrid team had exclusive access to the stadium and training grounds.

Morning Drills Begin

The morning after their arrival marked the start of training.

"Vamos, Blancos. Good morning!" called Scolari, the head coach, rallying his players at the expansive running track.

"Come on, Whites!" the players echoed in unison, fostering team spirit—a tradition Scolari implemented to unite the squad.

This was more than a chant. For Scolari, it was a declaration of intent. Following his unceremonious dismissal from Chelsea last year, the coach was determined to redeem his reputation as a World Cup-winning tactician by leading Real Madrid to Champions League glory.

However, the team faced challenges. The transfer window was open until August 31, leaving uncertainties about who would stay or go. So far, the marquee signings were Cristiano Ronaldo and Xabi Alonso. Everyone else—regardless of age or nationality—was under scrutiny.

Scolari's authority was absolute, and even stalwarts like Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder weren't guaranteed their spots. For the players, every day was a test.

Grueling Physical Training

Training commenced with an intense focus on physical endurance. Over the first two days, players ran endless laps, their breaths labored and sweat pouring as if they were marathoners. Ball work was deliberately excluded to build foundational fitness.

By the third day, the atmosphere at the training ground shifted. The absence of veterans Zinedine Zidane, who was on vacation, and Roberto Carlos, who had departed after his contract expired, left a noticeable void. New transfers and Castilla youth players struggled to integrate with the existing squad, creating an air of tension.

A Duel of Determination

That day's session featured interval training: relentless sprints in response to whistle commands. As the grueling exercise progressed, players began dropping out one by one.

In the end, only two remained: Woo Ho-young and Ronaldo.

"Those two are the last ones standing again," one player remarked.

"Who would've thought they'd have such stamina?" said another.

Both players were locked in an unspoken contest of endurance. They refused to give in, pushing themselves to the limit. Spectators couldn't help but root for the underdog.

"I hope Young wins," one player muttered.

But Pepe, who shared camaraderie with Ronaldo from their Portuguese national team days, found himself in a moral quandary.

"This isn't just training—it's a battle of pride," he mused.

With each whistle, the contest intensified. Ronaldo's flushed face and labored breathing signaled his struggle, but Woo Ho-young's stamina, bolstered by his unique "Unstoppable Heart" trait, gave him an edge.

Ultimately, it was Scolari who stepped in.

"Stop!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the field. "Training isn't a contest to exhaust yourselves. We need to manage your fitness for the season ahead."

While Ronaldo gasped for air, Woo Ho-young responded calmly, his confidence unshaken.

A Coach's Dilemma

As the first week of training progressed, Scolari grew concerned. His goal was to mold the team into a cohesive unit, but the rivalry between Woo Ho-young and Ronaldo posed a challenge.

Both players had immense talent but clashed in style and positioning. Woo Ho-young's versatility allowed him to excel as a playmaker, while Ronaldo thrived as a forward. Yet their overlapping roles disrupted the team's structure.

"Ronaldo needs a free role, but Woo Ho-young's defensive contribution is invaluable," Scolari reflected.

After much deliberation, Scolari called Ronaldo for a one-on-one discussion.

"Chris," he began, "to succeed, both of you need to compromise. If this rivalry continues unchecked, I'll have no choice but to act decisively."

Ronaldo, understanding the stakes, nodded. "I'll do my part, coach."

Talent Unlocked

Despite the truce, the competition between Woo Ho-young and Ronaldo persisted, driving them to their limits. After completing 2,400 minutes of training together, Woo Ho-young unlocked a new talent.

[Choose the talent you want to explore:]

Amazing Dribbling (SS+3)

Artistic Ball Control (SS+2)

Unstoppable Competitive Spirit (SS)

Unique Individual Skill (SS-)

Amazing Goal Scoring Ability (S+3)

Amazing Flagship (S+2)

After brief contemplation, Woo Ho-young selected Artistic Ball Control (SS+2), enhancing his ball sense significantly.

As the Peace Cup approached, Real Madrid's season was poised to reveal whether this rivalry would lead to triumph—or fracture the team.

Guys from this chapter a new translator will translate the chapters so please point out the mistakes so we don't repeat them again.