THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
Rejoices

A deep sense of contentment erupted in Zachary when he was given the match ball by the referee just after the final whistle. He has managed to bag three goals in a single game, achieving his first hat-trick on the professional stage. What's more, he's getting closer to the top of the list of top scorers. Only Nicki Nielsen is still ahead of him with one goal.

"Zach," Mikael Dorsin, the acting captain, yelled at him. "You don't have to keep gawking at the match ball. It's not going anywhere."

Zachary could only smile wryly in response to the captain's verbal jab. He was unwilling to respond as any reply from him would incur more ridicule from the eccentric veteran defender.

"By the way," continued Mikael after seeing him remain silent. "Keep aside jokes. Come on, join us. Let's thank our fans who have traveled so far to support us."

All the players in the squad, including substitutes and training staff, joined hands and raised them to the stands occupied by some Rosenborg fans who managed to travel to Oslo.

Excited fans responded in the same way by chanting "Shalalala Oh Rosenborg" — over and over again. They sang loudly, clapped, and stomped their feet until the whole stadium shook. At that time, the stadium felt like it was being hit by an earthquake.

After celebrating with fans, Zachary went straight to the press area. Since he has scored three goals and become man of the match, the coach has delegated to him the role of handling post-match interviews once again.

He is not under pressure because he already has a lot of experience dealing with the press. Even so, he was still shocked stiff when he reached the press area.

Olav is not the only one waiting for him. Instead, he found a mob of journalists armed with cameras and microphones waiting to interview him. Even the stadium security was involved in efforts to bring order to the area.

"Message, message, please," Zachary heard one of the security guards shouting loudly. They did their best to organize the reporters while he was only a few steps away. "Only TV2 Sporten's men have the right to all post-match interviews. Everyone, please empty it immediately."

He stopped in his tracks hearing that. The entire chaotic situation forced him to wait a few more minutes until the security officers finished cleaning up the other reporters before he could step in for an interview.

"Welcome, Zachary," said Olav Brusveen, officially starting the post-match interview. "Play it well. You get the ball of the match by scoring those three goals and achieving your first hat-trick in your professional career. How special is tonight for you, Zachary?"

"Well," said Zachary, scratching his chin and smiling lightly. "To score three goals makes that night special, of course. But what makes it even more special is that Rosenborg, my team, won. The fans are happy, my teammates are happy, and the coach is happy too. Everyone's happy, and it makes me happier."

"Nine goals for you this month, including eight in Tippeligaen and one in Cupen this season, so far," Olav said, maintaining his trademark professional smile. "If Nicki doesn't score in the last minutes today, you'll be leading the list of top scorers this season. Moreover, you even have three assists in Tippeligaen alone. What a great month for you, Zachary ! How did you achieve all these achievements in your debut month? What's your secret?"

"The secret is simple" Zachary replied with a grin. "Hard work and luck."

"Hard work and luck," repeated Olav as if pondering those words, his smile never wavered. "I think you're the first player I've interviewed who keeps calling luck a contributor to some of your achievements. You're a strange player, Zachary."

Zachary chuckled at hearing that. "But luck is a factor that plays a major role in one's achievement" he said. “If I was unlucky in today's game, that corner ball wouldn't lead to my position. Then, I won't score that header. So, I still believe that luck is a major factor in the success of any player. "

"What's the other factor, then?"

"Of course, talent and hard work."

"So, do you believe that you have all three factors on your side? Is that why you have a very successful debut month?"

"Well, yes, on one hand," Zachary replied while nodding. “I have worked hard on and off the field. And I really believe that with the way I play, I have a bit of talent. And we can't forget that luck is also on my side. But of course, I also received a lot of support from my coaches, agents and teammates. They were very supportive and very encouraging of my growth with the team."

"Oh," said Olav. "With all the factors in your favour, do you have any hope that you will be able to score more goals and win the Golden Boot this season? Or maybe, will we see you become the MVP or the youngest player of the season—ever in Tippeligaen?"

Zachary could only smile wryly hearing that. "I don't have a definitive answer to that question, Olav," he replied. "Football is a team sport played by eleven players. Anyone on the pitch can score goals and help the team win. So, I cannot stand here and claim that I will definitely be the top scorer. But all I can say is that. Rosenborg will continue to do their best to win all the games and emerge as Tippeligaen champions this season. At least, I have a little confidence when I say that."

Olav laughs. "I love your team spirit, Zachary," he said, his eyes wrinkled in a corner. "But next to the match. A little bird tells me that you might be thinking of leaving Trondheim to a bigger stage during the upcoming Tippeligaen break. Is this true, or is it just a rumor going around?"

"Is that true?" olav said while raising an eyebrow. "Then, I guess the little bird must have given me some misinformation. Anyway, Zachary, thank you for your time once again. Congratulations on your outstanding performance in today's match. And we look forward to seeing you more here next month."

Zachary immediately walked into the dressing room after the interview. On the way, he keeps wondering where Olav got the information he transferred from Rosenborg. Did Red Bull spread rumours about him to push for his transfer? Or is there another party that intends to damage its reputation in the eyes of the Rosenborg fans? He kept thinking about the problem as he walked through the— tunnelbut no answer came to his mind until he reached the visitors' dressing room.

"Today's star is coming" Nicki shouted as Zachary entered the dressing room. "First hat-trick! How you feeling?" He asked, in a reporter-like tone.

"Good," replied Zachary, deciding to cheer him up. "And how do you feel about scoring the fourth goal in the last minute, Nicki?" Zachary replied with his own question, also mimicking Olav Brusveen's tone.

Other players in the dressing room whistle or laugh at him. They were all still in a celebratory mood after securing their seventh consecutive victory. They managed to keep second in the Tippeligaen— table just one point behind Stromsgodset IF, the leader of the standings.

"So, where do we celebrate today's victory?" Nicki checked after a while. "Because we have a free day ahead of us, we have to make tonight a memorable one. Isn't that right, guys?"

"Well," Mikael said with a smile. "Small get-togethers in the usual place when we get back to Trondheim aren't a bad idea."

Zachary continued to undress and chose not to join the conversation because he usually did not participate in any team after the party. At that time, he only thought of returning to Trondheim immediately to prepare for his trip with Kristin to Bergen the next day. But his team-mates have other plans for him.

"Zachary," she heard Mikael calling her. "This time, you must also be present. We haven't had a chance to properly initiate you into the Troll Kids family. So, this is your chance."

"Party!" Zachary muttered, shaking his head. "That's not for me. After all, did you forget that I was under the legal age to enter most bars in Norway? Even if I go with you, I won't be able to enter the evening party with you." He added, sounds defensive.

"Come on, Zachary," Nicki said. "We're not going to the bar to have a drink or anything. FYI, we are also professional athletes. We just went to some other interesting places to celebrate our victory and get together before the break. There will be good food, some soft drinks, and pretty girls to help us relax after our busy schedule this month. You should come this time. That would be a good way for you to relax and bond."

"He'll be there" Zachary heard others reply before he even had time to discuss the matter. He turned around, intending to face the person who made the decision for him but changed his mind at the next moment.

"Coach," said Zachary, staring at coach Johansen.

"Don't look at me like that" Coach Johansen said with a grin. “Because this is a post-match team get-together, it doesn't hurt for you to be there. That way, you will be able to relax before heading to rest. Just for information, I also plan to be there. ."

Zachary noted that Nicki's expression changed slightly when the coach said she would also be in a post-match get-together. But because the coach was nearby, he let the problem pass and went back to the problem.

"If I was present," he said, "I could only be there for an hour. I have to go home early and prepare for tomorrow's trip."

"It's okay" Coach Johansen said with a smile. "We'll only have one hour's dinner at the place arranged by Mikael when we get to Trondheim. After that, you are free to go wherever you like."

"Then it's good," said Zachary, taking off his boots and stockings. "But aren't we going to arrive in Trondheim very late? Just for information, it's already 20:20."

"No need to worry" Trond Henriksen, assistant head coach, interjected. "Our flight was exactly 09:15. We'll arrive at Trondheim at 22:15 and have dinner. At 11:30, we should let you go to do your own things."

"Please be aware," cut Coach Johansen, starting to move around the room. "I just organized this dinner into our schedule so that we could have time to discuss some relevant issues before heading to the break. That way, we don't have to meet tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. Are we together? "

"Yes, coach" replied all the players in the dressing room, more or less in sync. They seemed to be gaining more energy after hearing that the coach would free them for the rest that night as well.

"Then, that's great" Coach Johansen said with a smile. "Hurry up and take a shower so we don't miss our flight back. Remember: the sooner we get back, the sooner we can finish dinner, and then—you can do our own thing. Okay?"

"Yes, coach."