THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
chapter-643

The morning after their thrilling 2-1 victory over Russia, the Ivorian national team gathered for breakfast, their spirits still buoyed by their previous night's triumph. After filling their stomachs and enjoying some well-deserved relaxation, they packed their bags and headed to the airport in Moscow. Their destination? Sochi, where they would face Croatia in the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup six days later.

As they stepped onto the plane, the air was filled with an unexpected sense of ease and comfort. The Ivorian players, Eric Bailly, Serey Dié, Maxwel Cornet, and Cheick Doukouré, were in high spirits, exchanging jokes and witty remarks without a care for anything in the world. Their laughter echoed through the cabin, drawing amused smiles from the other passengers and their coach, Hervé Renard.

Even as the plane soared through the skies en route to Sochi, the atmosphere among them remained lighthearted and relaxed. Between the bursts of laughter and football banter, they also discussed everything from relationships to money and life.

Eric Bailly, known for his infectious humor, sparked a conversation about relationships. "Hey, Cheick, have you finally found a girl who can keep up with your dance moves?" he teased, referring to Cheick Doukouré's attempt at a dancing celebration during a previous training session.

Cheick laughed and replied, "Not yet, Eric! But I'm still searching for that ‘special someone' who can keep up with me on the dance floor."

Serey Dié, always the voice of reason, interrupted, "Remember, guys, it's not just about finding someone who can dance with you. It's about finding someone who can dance through life with you."

Their conversation then shifted to lighter topics like money and the luxuries they dreamed of enjoying one day. Maxwel Cornet, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, shared a humorous anecdote. "I once dreamed of buying a private island and inviting all of you for a party," he joked, earning chuckles from his teammates.

Wilfried Zaha, known for his extravagant fashion sense, couldn't resist adding, "And I'd be there with my designer suits, making sure we're the best-dressed party on the island!"

As the plane continued its journey, the players relished in each other's company, sharing stories, jokes, and dreams for the future. Despite the intense pressure of the World Cup, these moments of levity served as a reminder of the joy and friendship that football could bring, both on and off the pitch.

Renard, seated with the coaching staff, couldn't help but shake his head with a smile at the players' antics. Despite their playful demeanor, he knew they deserved this moment of relaxation. They had poured their hearts into the game against Russia, and a bit of laughter and camaraderie was the perfect way to unwind.

Meanwhile, Zachary sat quietly, his attention focused on his phone. He scrolled through the sports news, taking in the headlines about his heroics on the pitch. One headline caught his eye, describing his left foot as a "special strategic weapon" against Russia, highlighting his instrumental role in securing the victory for Ivory Coast.

However, his brows furrowed when he stumbled upon articles speculating about his upcoming transfer. Transfer rumors were swirling, with journalists like Fabrizio Romano hinting at a potential move to a Premier League club. Zachary sighed and switched off his phone, shaking his head in annoyance. He was fully committed to the World Cup campaign and didn't want distractions, even about his future club.

Beside him, Wilfried Zaha couldn't resist poking fun at the situation. "Hey, Zachary, Crystal Palace could use a player like you!" he joked, a playful glint in his eyes.

Zachary chuckled and shook his head, playing along. "As tempting as that sounds, I'll stick to the World Cup for now."

The flight to Sochi continued smoothly, with the players enjoying the journey and relishing the anticipation of their upcoming quarter-final match. Two hours later, the air hostess announced their imminent arrival in Sochi, signaling the in Ivory Coast's World Cup journey.

When they finally touched down in Sochi, they were greeted by the warm embrace of the coastal city. Exiting the plane, they were whisked away in a waiting bus, their anticipation growing as they headed to their hotel. After checking in, Coach Hervé Renard surprised them with the news that they would have a day off to explore Sochi.

Excitement bubbled within the team as they quickly organized themselves for a tour around the city. Accompanied by knowledgeable tour guides, they embarked on a journey of discovery, eager to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Sochi.

Their first stop was the breathtaking Black Sea coastline, where the azure waters lapped against the golden sands, creating a picturesque scene that left the players in awe. The cool sea breeze rejuvenated them, setting the tone for a day of exploration.

Next, they ventured to the base of the majestic Caucasus Mountains, their peaks towering above them in a display of natural grandeur. The players marveled at the panoramic views, snapping photos and sharing moments of wonder as they soaked in the mountainous landscape.

The tour then took them to Riviera Park, a verdant oasis of lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Strolling along the winding paths, they enjoyed the tranquil ambiance, taking a break from the intensity of football to appreciate the beauty of nature.

At the Sochi Tea Plantations, they learned about the rich history of tea cultivation in the Russian region, sipping on freshly brewed tea and savoring its aromatic flavors. The serene surroundings provided a peaceful respite for the players, allowing them to unwind and relax.

The final leg of their tour led them to the enchanting Dagomys Botanical Garden, where a dazzling array of plant species greeted them at every turn. The vibrant colors and fragrant blooms captivated their senses, creating a unique sensory experience.

As evening approached, they headed to Sochi Olympic Park, a symbol of sporting excellence and achievement. Standing on the green field of the First Olympic Stadium, Zachary couldn't help but visualize the upcoming quarter-final match against Croatia. The prospect of facing formidable opponents like Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić stirred his competitive spirit, fueling his determination to give his best on the field.

The serene moment stretched on, and while still lost in his thoughts, Zachary was brought back to reality by Eric Bailly's cheerful voice. "Hey, Zachary, what's on your mind? You look like you're planning our victory already!"

Zachary chuckled, shaking off his reverie. "Just visualizing the game ahead, Eric. But for now, let's enjoy this moment."

The day ended with a delightful dinner at the hotel, where the team bonded over delicious cuisine and shared laughter. As they retired to their rooms for the night, a sense of anticipation and focus settled over them. The day of rest and exploration had rejuvenated their spirits, preparing them for the rigorous training and intense preparation awaiting them as they geared up for the crucial quarter-final clash against Croatia.

—–

Meanwhile, in another part of Sochi…

Emily Anderson, Zachary's agent, was in great spirits as she arrived in Sochi by train with a close-knit group of Zachary's acquaintances. They were eager to explore the scenic coastal city before witnessing Ivory Coast's crucial match against Croatia in six days. Among them were Zachary's dedicated personal assistant, Kristin Stein, Zachary's meticulous fitness trainer, Bjørn Peters, Bjørn's warm-hearted wife who also served as Zachary's talented chef, Inger, Zachary's biological mother, Céleste Kouame, and Zachary's vibrant step-sister, Natasha Kone.

As they disembarked at Sochi and checked into their hotel, Emily decided to share a room with Kristin. The room was cozy, with a view of the bustling streets below and the distant glimpse of the Black Sea. After settling in, they sat on the plush couch, their excitement palpable.

"Do you think Zachary can continue performing well in the World Cup?" Kristin asked eagerly, flipping through her tablet to check the latest news. "Can he lead Ivory Coast to victory against Croatia?"

Emily smiled proudly. "He's been exceptional, as always. I think he'll be just as sharp against Croatia. As long as his teammates and coaches support him, Ivory Coast will most likely win."

Kristin nodded in agreement. "I can't wait to see how he fairs against Croatia's Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić in midfield. It's going to be an intense battle."

Just then, Emily's phone rang, interrupting their conversation. Her voice was low and almost muted as she spoke to someone on the other end, scheduling a meeting with club representatives interested in signing Zachary. Kristin couldn't help but lean in, curious to hear more.

Once Emily hung up, Kristin couldn't contain her excitement. "So, did you secure a club for Zachary?" she asked eagerly.

Emily chuckled. "Not yet, but I've narrowed the options to four English Premier League clubs. They're offering great terms, but I want Zachary to focus on the World Cup before diving into negotiations."

Kristin's expression turned thoughtful, a hint of worry clouding her features. Emily noticed the change and gave her a reassuring smile. "You seem worried, Kristin. What's on your mind?"

Kristin let out a heavy sigh and hesitated before speaking. "It's Zachary's career. It's progressing so fast. I'm not sure I can keep up."

Emily nodded, understanding the feeling all too well. "I know what you mean. But let me tell you something. If you really want something, you must fight for it with all your heart, or you'll regret it later."

Kristin looked at Emily with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. "I don't know if I have what it takes," she said softly.

Emily smiled reassuringly at her. "You have everything you need, Kristin. You only have to believe in yourself and go for it."

The solemn atmosphere quickly passed, and as they got ready for bed, the thrill of being in Sochi and watching Zachary compete in the World Cup filled them with excitement for what lay ahead. Their conversation turned to lighter topics, but the anticipation of the upcoming days lingered in the air.