Emperor of Football: Julien De Rocca Chapter 107: Chapter-107 Final Match

April 28th

Bastia traveled to Paris and held a pre-match press conference for the French Cup final at their hotel.

Hadzibegic adopted a very humble stance.

"Lyon is a seven-ti consecutive Ligue 1 champion, while we haven't been in Ligue 1 for seven years. This isn't a contest between equals. We can only say we'll do our best and try to bring a satisfying result for Bastia fans."

When a reporter asked about the rumors linking De Rocca to PSG, Hadzibegic shook his head. "No, that's not true. The club hasn't received any related offers."

The reporter persisted, ntioning that De Rocca's younger brother was in PSG's youth academy and whether this would influence his decision.

Hadzibegic simply said, "You should ask Julien about such things."

Stade de France

It was specifically for the 1998 World Cup, and it witnessed the pinnacle years of French football.

It witnessed the embroidery of the first star on the emblem.

It was the world's most expensive stadium at the ti, with construction costs reaching an astounding 280 million euros.

This was a multi-purpose stadium, not just for football.

The stands were divided into upper, middle, and lower tiers. By lowering the platform between the lower and middle sections, the lower stands could retreat 15 ters, exposing the athletics track and jumping facilities.

There was also a retractable roof costing 45 million euros, used for various concerts and shows.

In 1995, The Rolling Stones beca the first band to hold a concert at the Stade de France.

And tonight, the Stade de France would witness the birth of the 2011/12 French Cup champion.

"Lyon! Four-ti French Cup winners in their history, they're about to chase their fifth!"

"Bastia also has one French Cup championship experience. Although Bastia has struggled in lower divisions these past seasons, this season they've shown strength no less than mid-tier Ligue 1 teams."

"Especially Bastia's young player De Rocca, who broke nurous club records and beca the only current French international in Ligue 2 this season."

"Blanc said in an interview that he looks forward to De Rocca's performance and doesn't rule out including him in the official European Championship squad."

Before kickoff, the French Cup broadcast comntary continuously introduced both teams' situations.

After finishing their warm-up, players returned to the dressing rooms to prepare.

Both dressing rooms were filled with fighting spirit and determination.

No one wanted to beco background scenery on the final stage.

In Bastia's dressing room, the players had initially marveled at the luxury of the Stade de France facilities when they first arrived.

In comparison, Stade Armand Cesari was like a rural self-built house.

"This match isn't just about a championship—it's key to whether we'll have European competition next season!"

"This will affect every aspect of the team. This is definitely not as simple as winning or losing one match. I believe you all understand this clearly, and I know the pressure is enormous."

"But reality is like this—only those who can withstand pressure deserve the championship!!"

Hadzibegic stood firmly in the center of the dressing room, speaking to all the players before him.

Finally, he looked toward Julien.

He pulled an armband from his pocket, extended it toward him, and repeated, "Those who can withstand pressure deserve the championship."

Hadzibegic stared directly at Julien.

Julien stood up, looked at Hadzibegic, his eyes showing so confusion.

It was the captain's armband.

Rothen said from the side, "This is my decision and everyone's decision."

The team's original first captain was Rothen, second captain Maoulida, third captain Choplin.

Now they were making De Rocca the first captain directly.

Hadzibegic nodded. "This is also my decision."

"Also, my decision," Maoulida and Choplin said in unison.

The others looked at Julien with anticipation.

As soon as Julien accepted it, he would beco the youngest captain in Bastia's history.

Julien's chest rose and fell. After a mont of silence, he firmly took the captain's armband and put it on his left arm.

Clap clap clap!

Applause erupted in the dressing room.

Julien responded to each teammate with his gaze.

The captain's armband wasn't just an armband—it was also a responsibility.

"Co on." Hadzibegic ca over and patted De Rocca's shoulder, then looked at everyone, extending his palm downward. "Co on."

Bastia players stood up one by one, placing their hands on top.

"FORZA, Bastia!!"

Walking out of the dressing room, Julien felt his ntality change. At this mont, he developed a feeling that this was his team.

Previously, he had focused more on offense, just managing his own goals and creating opportunities.

He was just a "role player"—only needing to do his own job well.

But now he felt change, even transformation.

He had to lead everyone to victory!

He had to make Bastia cheer for victory!

He was no longer just one person, but an entire team. He was the captain, the core, and should beco Bastia's soul!!

Châtaigner saw the captain's armband on his left arm.

He hugged Julien tightly. "Go, Bastia won't let you down, our young captain."

In the player tunnel, Lyon players had also walked toward the tunnel entrance. Both teams' players wore expressions of determined confidence.

Lacazette saw De Rocca and smiled, greeting him.

Julien turned to respond.

Then Lacazette noticed the captain's armband on De Rocca's left arm, showing surprise, and gave him a thumbs up. "You're really amazing! Not only making the national team but becoming team captain too—you deserve it!"

De Rocca replied, "You will too."

"Good luck."

"Yes, good luck."

After brief conversation, all players from both teams assembled at the tunnel entrance.

Julien stood at the front of Bastia's formation.

Lacazette in Lyon's lineup looked at De Rocca and couldn't help feeling sowhat envious.

Previously in the U21, he hadn't really thought much of De Rocca, just considered him a decent young player.

He would never have imagined De Rocca's rocket-like ascent.

It could only be said that in the face of true talent, the results brought by hard work seed painfully slow.

Ordinary people shouldn't compare themselves to geniuses—it easily creates disappointnt.

Lacazette collected his thoughts. De Rocca was impressive, but that didn't an his teammates were.

Similarly, Lacazette could only hope his teammates could stop De Rocca.

"Let's go."

Soon, the referee signaled the players to enter.

Julien walked at the front. This match was nominally Bastia's ho ga, so they entered first.

The mont he first erged from the player tunnel—

ROAR!

The Bastia fans at the Stade de France were stunned!

They erupted in exclamations.

Even their coordinated chanting stopped as they watched the close-up shot of De Rocca on the big screen.

The captain's armband was brilliantly vivid.

"DE ROCCA!!"

The next mont, over twenty thousand Bastia fans who had co to the scene shouted De Rocca's na with all their might.

The Stade de France echoed with the sa sound waves as Stade Armand Cesari.

Blue Bastia flags fluttered in the stands, countless slogans, banners, and jerseys waving.

As captain, Julien perford the coin toss ceremony and exchanged team flags with Lyon captain Källström.

At this mont, in the VIP boxes of the Stade de France, so appreciated while others were worried.

Zidane, Élion and others were full of admiration for De Rocca.

anwhile, Wenger frowned—the difficulty of signing De Rocca had increased again.

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