The Football King's Comeback

Every year at the end of August, Monaco's Grimaldi Forum became the focus of attention for media and fans around the world.

This year was no exception.

Unlike last season, more Bayern players had been invited to attend the awards ceremony and draw this year.

Su Dong was naturally among them. Neuer had been nominated for Best Goalkeeper, Lucio and Lahm for Best Defender, Modrić and Ribéry for Best Midfielder, and Su Dong for Best Forward.

Anyone could see that Bayern had been utterly dominant the previous season, and the overall strength of this group of players had also been recognized. Their nominations for the UEFA awards were thoroughly deserved.

It was not just the UEFA awards. In the voting for World Footballer of the Year and the European Golden Ball Award, Bayern's players would surely make significant gains. They certainly would not suffer the same embarrassment as last season.

Su Dong was already an old hand at this sort of thing. The moment he entered the venue with his teammates, he immediately drew everyone's attention.

Not because he was tall, and not because he was handsome, but because he was Su Dong!

In truth, this annual gala had long since become more than just a draw and awards ceremony. It was also a platform where Europe's major Champions League clubs could make contact openly.

When Su Dong and the others entered, Chelsea's chief executive was talking with UEFA president Platini in a corner not far inside the entrance. No one knew what secrets they were discussing, but as soon as Platini saw Su Dong and the others come in, he excused himself and walked over to greet Bayern's players.

"Hey, Frank!"

Platini was French, so he was naturally more familiar and close with Ribéry. The two even hugged