Weird Defender Joo Ji-Tae

197 – Record Breaker

197

MOTD, the longest-running program on BBC, which first aired on August 22, 1964, is the most commercialized and globalized football highlight program, responsible for Saturday nights.

Note that the “M” in MOTD doesn’t refer to a specific club, but it’s easy to get confused.

MOTD stands for Match of the Day, and it’s not related to Manchester United at all.

And when you think of MOTD, one person comes to mind.

Gary Lineker, the renowned MC and former England national team striker, who has been hosting the program since 1999.

During his playing days, he was known as a gentleman on the pitch, but after becoming a host, he often made politically charged comments that sparked controversy. In 2023, he even compared the government’s immigration policy to Nazi Germany, causing a stir.

However, due to his immense popularity, he quickly returned to MOTD after a brief controversy and has been hosting the program ever since, becoming the Messi of sports commentary.

In reality, his salary is also the highest in the sports commentary world, with a reported 2 million pounds in 2010. After three contract renewals, his salary is estimated to have reached 4 million pounds.

“Finally, the day has come. Now that the first half is over, we’re back with a special episode of MOTD. Where’s Alan and Ian? Who knows? They’re probably watching this broadcast from home today because we have a special guest.”

But even Gary Lineker, known as the Messi of sports commentary, was just a fan in front of the “real” Messi.

“Please welcome the two legends from South America, Lionel Messi and Ronaldo!”

As the camera zoomed in on Gary Lineker, the screen panned out to reveal the two guests sitting across from him. Messi looked the same as when he retired, but Ronaldo had transformed into a plump, middle-aged man.

“How have you been lately?”

Gary Lineker’s small talk about Ronaldo’s recent life was met with a smile.

“I’ve been spending time with my family after retiring and now I’m learning about management. As I’ve said before, I have no interest in being a coach, but being a sports director is quite appealing.”

“This is ridiculous. You’re looking at me like I’m Messi or something. You’re showing too much favoritism.”

Gary Lineker’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Messi, and Ronaldo couldn’t help but feel a bit annoyed.

“Do people still not know that I’m a huge fan of Messi? Oh, I see. There are still people who don’t know. Then I’ll show you the tweet I posted 10 years ago.”

He proudly declared himself a huge fan of Messi.

In reality, Gary Lineker is a well-known Messi fan. He loves Messi so much that he even posted a tweet saying, “I feel alive when I watch Messi’s games.” He’s a die-hard Messi fan who has been attacked by anti-fans for his enthusiasm.

“I’m thrilled to be able to meet these fantastic guests today. Since we have special guests, we’ve prepared a special highlight reel for today’s broadcast. Let’s take a look at the overall summary of the first half.”

The European league has a short break after the first half, which varies in length depending on the league and team situation.

Especially in the EPL, which has a short break, top teams that participate in various tournaments have even shorter breaks.

That’s why some teams will start their second half schedule next week, but MOTD has prepared a special episode during this short break.

“Okay, let’s get started. Finally, we have this team, which has received a lot of attention since the beginning of the season and has been delivering performances and results that exceed expectations.”

Even the EPL, which is considered the best league in terms of commercialization and globalization, has been receiving an overwhelming amount of attention.

The repercussions of signing one player were immense.

“It’s Manchester City, of course. They finished the first half of the season unbeaten, and Manchester City’s performance is inseparable from this player.”

The image on the screen was, of course, Juzi Tai.

He was wearing Manchester City’s No. 3 jersey, roaring with excitement.

“The star of the star team, Juzi Tai. I’d like to ask Ronaldo first. Juzi Tai is a center-back, but many people say he resembles Ronaldo. His dribbling skills really evoke Ronaldo. Ronaldo, what do you think? Do you feel like he’s similar?”

Even though he’s not a striker, the highlight reel of his dribbling skills this season is already as long as a striker’s entire career.

“Hmm, I don’t know. To be honest, it feels like he’s studied my dribbling. He’s caught all the details. But I’m a bit worried. This kid, how tall is he? He looks taller than me, so he needs to be careful not to get injured.”

After the Q&A session with Ronaldo, the analysis of Manchester City and Juzi Tai came to an end, and the camera turned back to Messi.

“I have to ask this. Juzi Tai’s recent interview has been quite the topic. Messi, did you hear about it?”

“Ah, I think I know what you’re talking about.”

“Right, his statement at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. What do you think, Messi? Can he really surpass you?”

Messi smiled boyishly, as if he was hesitant.

“Yes, considering his achievements so far and his undeniable talent, it’s definitely possible.”

“Wow, you’re acknowledging it too coolly. You’re Messi, after all!”

Renecker’s teasing made Messi laugh as well.

“Of course, it’s not easy. He still has a lot to prove. There’s the Champions League, the Ballon d’Or, and most importantly, the World Cup.”

* * *

Manchester City, who had finished the first half of the season unbeaten, suffered a disappointing loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford in the first game of the second half, ending their hopes of an undefeated season.

On that day, the team’s poor finishing and lack of decisiveness were problematic, and they were stuck in a “lucky” game, unable to score despite dominating the game. Juzi Tai, who usually scored crucial goals, was also affected.

In the end, Manchester City suffered a 0-1 loss, but they bounced back in the next game against Arsenal, with Jo Jae-shin scoring a multi-goal and leading the team to a 3-0 victory.

When Juzi Tai approached Jo Jae-shin, who had scored a multi-goal, and said something, Jo Jae-shin’s reaction of desperately refusing him became a hot topic. Jo Jae-shin didn’t say anything, and Juzi Tai just replied, “I just suggested a celebration,” fueling people’s curiosity.

Some netizens speculated that Juzi Tai might have suggested a “reverse run” celebration, but most people thought it was unlikely, so it didn’t become a big issue.

“Hey, do you want to know the secret to becoming a superstar?”

After scoring a multi-goal against Arsenal, Jo Jae-shin turned around and saw Juzi Tai rushing towards him.

“Ah, do you know Adebayor? Let’s do a reverse run celebration!”

It turned out that Juzi Tai had indeed suggested a reverse run celebration.

“What the hell is this guy doing? Is he trying to kill me?”

“Ah, kid. So, did Adebayor die? No? That’s what made it even more popular. What’s up? Do you trust me? You’re going to become a superstar right away.”

“Shut up! You’re talking nonsense!”

“Ah, this kid is really something.”

Of course, Jo Jae-shin politely declined.

Although Manchester City stumbled at the start of the second half, they soon got back on track and continued their winning streak, eventually finishing the season with only one loss.

Their final ranking was, of course, first place.

With 34 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss in 38 games, they recorded an incredible 105 points, surpassing their own record of 100 points in the 17/18 season.

They also broke their own record of 106 goals in the 17/18 season, scoring 125 goals, and their goal difference of 108 was also a record, surpassing their previous record of 79.

It was truly an amazing season, and their cup competition performance was also impressive.

Although they lost to Newcastle in the EFL Cup semifinals, they won the FA Cup by defeating Liverpool and achieved a double. They also made it to the Champions League final, making a treble possible.