The Rise of Millwal - Chapter 412: Celebration at The Den

Chapter 412: Celebration at The Den

When the game restarted, Arsenal’s players were in their positions. There were no 11 people attacking forward with all their strength in the hope of scoring a goal, and Millwall did not deploy all its players to defend in front of the penalty area.

Aldrich also practiced how to stop the opponent’s attack at the critical moment of the game. The key is not how many defenders are arranged in the penalty area, but how to systematically disrupt the opponent’s passing route and intercept the opponent’s passing route. Leaving the midfield empty and defenseless is a very dangerous tactical arrangement.

After the game resumed, Arsenal passed the ball to the front court. Anelka had his back to the goal, but was attacked from behind by Makelele, who quickly intercepted the ball and Henry retreated to catch the ball.

The opposing players rushed into the penalty area, Henry passed the ball back to Lampard, Vieira appeared in front of him, Lampard felt a little nervous, so he had to kick the ball hard to the front line, more like a clearance than a pass, he deliberately kicked the ball to the sideline near the Arsenal defense area to waste more time.

This was the right choice; better to give the opponent a throw-in than to risk making a mistake at such a critical moment.

The referee noticed that the Arsenal players seemed to have no enthusiasm to continue attacking, so he immediately blew the whistle to end the game.

“1998-1999 English Premier League perfectly wrapped up! With Pirlo’s last-minute goal in the 93rd minute, Millwall has turned the tables to claim the top league championship for the second time in their history! Why is it considered a comeback? Because at the 91st minute, Manchester United was leading the live points table. Just thirty seconds away from claiming the league title after three long years, their dreams were shattered by Hall’s Millwall. Old Trafford must be engulfed in disappointment, but The Den is bursting with passion. Fans have flooded onto the pitch, surrounding the players and coaches, lifting them into the air, grateful for the joy and glory they’ve brought to supporters this season! Congratulations to Hall, congratulations to Millwall—two Premier League trophies in three years, along with a Winners’ Cup, a Champions League title, and additional successes in the FA Cup and League Cup. Regardless of whether they manage to win at the FA Cup final in a week, Millwall has proven they will not fall like Blackburn, but instead will continue to strive for their unfinished dreams. Perhaps The Lions’ fans may regret being eliminated by Bayern Munich in the semifinals and missing out on the chance for a treble, but they will never feel disappointment towards Hall and this team. Millwall is young, passionate, driven, and full of dreams. They will make their rivals tremble across Europe. We’ve been fortunate to witness one of the most intense and thrilling seasons in English top-flight football, and this is just the beginning. I think everyone shares my excitement, just like Martin Tyler—we are already looking forward to seeing how this team matures and grows stronger in the future, ready to create even greater glories! Andy, do you agree with the thought that just popped into my mind: Hall’s Millwall is starting to forge their own dynasty?”

“Absolutely! Since Millwall climbed to the Premier League, including today’s league title, they’ve already claimed eight major trophies: two league titles, two FA Cups, two League Cups, and two European trophies. Plus, they still have the FA Cup final to play. If we count additional honors like the Super Cup, it’s no exaggeration to say Hall’s Millwall has been a trophy-collecting machine! But beyond the accolades, I believe Hall’s development of the team’s style, stars, and the club’s global influence are all key factors proving they’re building a dynasty!”

The Den was packed with fans, surrounding Aldrich and the players. Some were hurled into the air, others were hugged tightly by tearful supporters, and a few ecstatic female fans took advantage of the moment…

Arsenal’s players and coaches left the pitch in sadness at the end of the match, and Wenger didn’t meet Aldrich afterward.

At Old Trafford, Manchester United’s players, with moist eyes, thanked their fans at the sidelines while Ferguson shook his head regretfully.

Damn London teams. Damn London teams…

Tottenham, Arsenal, and Millwall—these three London clubs were all under Ferguson’s curse.

However, after leaving the field, Ferguson pulled out his phone and sent Aldrich a congratulatory text, ending with: *How much for Van Nistelrooy?*

The Premier League Golden Boot winner was only on the bench at Millwall. Given that Henry and Ronaldinho weren’t likely to leave next season, he would remain a substitute. And Larsson? Ferguson had given up on that dream. If Millwall ever considered selling the Swedish striker, Manchester United would move mountains to get him. Unfortunately, after several failed attempts over the seasons, Larsson had shown no interest in leaving, leaving Ferguson no choice but to withdraw.

But for Van Nistelrooy, Ferguson might not offer a starting position, but guaranteed playing time and a better contract were enough to entice him.

Would Millwall offer Van Nistelrooy a new contract as a starting player?

While he remains a substitute, joining Manchester United offers a lucrative paycheck and a greater chance of advancement. After all, York and Cole are both more than five years older than Van Nistelrooy.

…

The new chairman of the FA, Thompson, watching from The Den, was nervous as he felt the tension that Weissman had experienced in recent end-of-season matches. It was truly nerve-racking.

Manchester United had a replica of the Premier League trophy, while the real one resided with Millwall; all the important guests for the awards ceremony were there. If United won the title, they would have a trophy, but the ceremony would be lackluster in comparison.

Before the award ceremony, fans returned to the stands, celebrating their team’s victory with excitement and joy.

The players’ family members appeared at the pitch’s edge. Their young children, mostly still toddlers, wore jerseys with their fathers’ numbers and their own names, innocently playing on the grass. These little ones were completely unaware of what this moment meant for their fathers, but their presence created an even sweeter memory.

Before Aldrich stepped onto the stage, he called Aguero over. Kun had crumpled paper stuck up his nose, his bridge slightly reddened—perhaps he had hurt himself and cried earlier. There were signs of moisture in the corners of his eyes.

Aldrich took his hand with a smile, walking into the field amidst the fans’ cheers.

Before stepping onto the red carpet, Agüero turned back to a group of friends, stuck out his tongue, and made a goofy face.

Messi smirked and shot back a playful grimace, while De Rossi turned to Cristiano Ronaldo and said, “How does this kid get so lucky?”

Holding a soccer ball, Ronaldo pointed at Materazzi and replied, “I gave him the ball so he could smash it in your face, and then you’d have a reason to let him join you on the pitch.”

…

Before leading Aguero to the award stage, Aldrich released his hand and paused instead of rushing to accept his award. He performed a gesture of bowing to acknowledge the crowd.

This season had a difficult start, with a risky tactical overhaul halfway through. If it didn’t work, it could cost him dearly.

Aldrich never anticipated that the competition would be so fierce and intense; the top teams shifted constantly, and even the results would be decided in the final minute.

He felt deep gratitude for this group of players.

It was them who made him who he was; Aldrich would never arrogantly claim that he had single-handedly achieved this success.

He expressed his thanks for their consistent performances, their professional integrity, and the ambition they displayed in high-pressure situations.

The entire team applauded Aldrich, expressing their gratitude to their young coach, whether they came from the early days of the team or were new additions on the first-team roster this season.

If there was any regret in the league this season, it was that Ashley Cole and Paulo Ferreira did not get a championship medal—they hadn’t met the required playing time.

When Aldrich approached the two young men on the podium, he embraced them and whispered words of encouragement.

Even without medals, they were still happy in this moment. While the current glory didn’t belong to them, the future they had ahead was promising and worth waiting for; in fact, they couldn’t wait for the new season to start.

Southgate lifted the championship trophy, and the champion song echoed throughout the crowd.

Ronaldinho, dressed in casual clothes, won the Young Player of the Season award, while Ruud van Nistelrooy took home the Golden Boot. Nedved was the undisputed Player of the Season, having scored 17 league goals – just three shy of the Golden Boot – and leading in assists for the entire campaign. Millwall swept the individual awards this season; that would have been the case even if they hadn’t won the league title.

After stepping down from the podium and taking a group photo, Aldrich approached Aguero, kneeling down to give him his championship medal with a smile, saying, “This medal is for you, as a compensation for my earlier oversight.”

Aguero’s eyes sparkled as he gazed at the medal in his hands, caressing it, clearly enamored. He was ecstatic.

Aldrich continued to smile, “It belongs to you, but remember, you didn’t earn it through your efforts. You can keep it at home, take a look occasionally, and tell yourself that one day you will earn medals—one, two, three, and many more—through your hard work. Be a collector of medals, showing off to friends and making your family proud. One day when you settle down, you can pull it out, allowing your children to be proud of you.”

Aguero showed a contemplative expression, then nodded heavily. Aldrich helped him hang the medal around his neck, patting his head with a smile and asking, “Do you see any of your favorite stars here?”

Aguero turned to look at Larsson, who was holding a child. Aldrich said, “Go take a photo with him; he won’t say no.”

Aguero excitedly ran towards Larsson, and his little friends couldn’t hold back their excitement either.

This kid has such incredible luck!

He was hit in the face by a water bottle, but in the end he got a championship medal!

Look at how smug he is; it’s so annoying!

Aldrich watched Aguero running off with a smile, then turned to see several reporters approaching, ready to ask him about his thoughts on winning the championship.

“This has been an extraordinary season, one that I believe will be etched in the memories of players and fans for years to come. The competition was much harsher than when we won two years ago, but we have persevered until the end, displaying the spirit a champion should possess. We have always believed we could win. Without that unwavering faith, we wouldn’t be holding the trophy at this moment. Though we have won the league title, our season is not over yet. Now, I will focus on the FA Cup final.”