The 3-0 win over Hamburg was a huge win,, really showing your superiority. Well done!
Chapter Fourteen
The celebrations had begun once again in the city. Just weeks after celebrating promotion from 2. Bundesliga, Köln had secured the title, despite a 1-0 loss to SSV Jahn Regensburg. Their nearest rivals, Hamburger SV, had fallen to a 0-0 draw to SC Paderborn 07 at the Benteler Arena, resulting in the title celebrations beginning with a game to go.
Jorge Meré's face completely changed as we witnessed the full-time whistle sound in Paderborn. He had put the ball into his own net with seven minutes to go, which allowed Regensburg to take all three points, as they confirmed their place in the play-offs - where they would play 1. FC Nürnberg to decide whether they would join both Köln and Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga next season, relegating Nürnberg in the process.
A sense of relief overcame him, as the Spaniard led the celebrations. He seemed to prompt the supporters, as they all came racing onto the field to join in. The sheer jubilation was a sight to behold; with supporters young and old all embracing. Grown men were in tears, affected by the joy brought upon them by the club's title winning efforts.
Each player shared the moment with loved ones, with many bringing their wives and children onto the pitch. Making his way through the mass crowd, though, was Max Kofler who approached has support-camp, composed of his parents and his girlfriend, Laura. His parents were introduced to Laura shortly after they got together and they had formed a good relationship, with Max's parents approving of his decision, citing her as somebody who would make a great daughter-in-law and wife to Max, one day.
In typical fashion, the group all embraced together before they all single-handedly make their entrances onto the pitch. As they did so, Max would raise each of their arms into the air to the crowd - most of whom were on the pitch, but congregations were still present in the stands, mainly comprised of the elderly and less-able supporters, who Max was keen to share the moment with.
After spending a brief moment with his camp, he approached select supporters and shook their hands, allowing them to join in the celebrations as much as anyone else, to which each thanked him for. Returning to Laura and his parents, the group began to interact with the players and their families, with the celebrations still as prevalent as ever.
The supporters were encouraged to clear the pitch, so the title ceremony could begin. The players and families remained on the pitch, with Laura clutching my hand, closely followed by my parents who were revelling in the moment once again. They had witnessed so many triumphs throughout my career, but each one continued to make them prouder and prouder, it seemed. My mother was still wiping away tears that rolled down her cheeks, as I turned back to her and smiled.
The players and I awaited the ceremony to begin. Eventually, we would each make our way to collect our medals and get in-place to lift the title, something which we had been fighting for since the very dawning of the 2. Bundesliga campaign. Unphased by the pressure the German media brought upon us, we ensured the job was completed, pipping Hamburger SV to the post. I led the crowd, collecting my medal and beaming at it, as I did. The players followed behind, each admiring their medal.
After everyone collected their medal and was in-place for the title to be lifted, we all awaited the prompt to finally clutch the trophy. I was joined by Timo Horn at the front, as we both had a hand on the trophy, with cameras flashing from both supporters and the German press - who were keen to capture the moment for their respective newspapers. The collection of families all gathered to the side, with everyone gleaming with pride.
The utter euphoria that engulfed the ground once again, as Timo and I lifted the title, was unbelievable. I had missed this feeling - it had been six years in the making and I had briefly forgotten what it felt that. Suddenly, it all came racing back to me in those moments I held the trophy alongside my goalkeeper, "It's in safe hands!" I joked to him, as he hold the trophy aloft. He laughed, as he was soaked with champagne that was being sprayed around by select members of the squad.
I continued to join in with celebrations, before distancing myself with the group. I raced over to Laura and spoke with her. She continued to discuss her pride, before we shared a kiss. "Laura," I said. as I reached into one of the pockets of my jacket and began to lower myself to the ground, going down onto one knee, with my eyes firmly transfixed to the expression on her face. "I love you, dearly," as I pulled out a small box. Her face displayed a beaming smile, with tears streaming down her face. I opened it, revealing a beautifully-made ring, "will you marry me?"
"Yes!" She screamed with delight, "Yes!" I slid the ring onto her finger, as she briefly admired it. She paused for a second, before diving on top of my champagne-soaked body from the celebrations that proceeded. The squad, who had witnessed the moment, all raced over - before soaking us more with champagne, but neither of us cared, as we embraced in a long, passionate kiss.
Replies
BigMaguire: It certainly allowed us to gain a huge advantage, that ultimately helps us capture the title, as seen here!
The plan was always to win promotion with 2. Bundesliga. Now that is complete, the work does begin, as you say. It's imperative we seek to remain in the division at the end of the season and continue to build the foundations, once again. Once they're in place, the club has a fantastic chance of achieving under an ambitious, young manager.
