Arsenal's New Contract—A Surprise in the Salary? That night, through Hans's introduction, Maël got in touch with Philip, and the two arranged to meet at a pub on the bar street.
Maël did not know any other pubs, so he chose Kodall's Old Pub, the place he had done an endorsement for not long ago.
The moment he arrived, he saw Kodall waiting for him at the door, his eyes full of warmth and delight at his arrival. "I've already arranged for your friend to sit in a private room. He's just waiting for you."
"Thanks."
Maël thanked him, then saw that his event posters and match photos were still placed at the entrance, and asked, "How's the event going?"
"See for yourself."
Kodall, looking radiant, pushed the door open and let Maël go in first, following behind as he introduced, "Ever since that event, the occupancy rate in the pub has never dropped below half. On match days, we're often so packed that tables turn over nonstop.
"Your autographs were snapped up. I wanted to keep a few more, but after the away match against Doncaster last round, too many fans came, and they were far too enthusiastic. In the end, I only managed to keep one."
Maël walked into the pub and saw that there were indeed a dozen or so tables of customers around. That was rare on a rest day.
"Speaking of which."
Kodall looked a little embarrassed, but still thickened his skin and said, "I haven't properly thanked you face to face yet. I know that £4,000 may not amount to much for you.
"But I know very well what those 100 autographs you brought meant to my pub."
Maël smiled without saying anything and walked toward the private room inside, while Kodall pointed the