In late August, Colney was lush with greenery, its pitches immaculate and facilities brand-new, every corner brimming with the fiery spirit of competition.
The entire squad had long since returned, gathering punctually for training every morning and staying behind for extra drills and chemistry work in the evenings. The atmosphere was rigorous yet fervent.
Preseason friendly preparations, tactical system updates, and rotations between old and new players were all progressing in an orderly fashion.
But Colney Training Centre was completely different today, its atmosphere especially grand and lively.
Three days earlier, Wenger had informed the entire squad that Li Yufei would officially return today.
Returning alongside him were Wilshere and several other key players who had represented the National Team at the World Cup and won the title.
To honour their supreme efforts and glorious achievement on the World Cup stage, Wenger had personally arranged a special welcome-back ceremony.
There was no grand public press conference, no media cameras building hype—only the purest and most heartfelt tribute from within the club.
The entire first-team training pitch had been carefully prepared, the grass emerald and level, the markings crisp and clean.
Every first-team player, member of the coaching staff, support staffer, fitness coach, and team doctor stood in neat formation.
Everyone wore the new season's training kit, standing tall and disciplined as they waited for the returning heroes.
Wenger, dressed in his classic elegant suit, stood straight at the front of the formation, his expression warm and pleased.
This legendary patriarch of the Football World watched the young king he had personally promoted, personally cultivated, and personally witnessed grow.
From an inexperienced newcomer entering the league to a superstar who ruled the Football World, Wenger's heart was filled with pride and emotion.
A business van came to a steady stop at