Emperor of Football: Julien De Rocca

Everyone turned to look at Châtaigner, showing puzzled expressions.

Hadzibegic was also somewhat confused.

This was the first time he had seen Châtaigner so shocked and agitated.

However, after arriving at the training ground, Châtaigner calmed down slightly. He didn't say much to the others, just told them to continue training, then called Julien aside.

"You received a call from the national team, didn't you?"

Châtaigner's earlier shock was because he had received emails and faxes from the national team. Since the club had already received notification, the player himself must have been notified as well.

"Yes, I spoke with Mr. Blanc. He told me to report to Clairefontaine on the 2nd," Julien nodded in response.

"Good, good, good! You're doing well, kid, very well!" Châtaigner was so excited his face turned red. He didn't know how to describe his feelings—despite having so much to say, only the word "good" came out.

His current mood was even more exciting than when he was first selected for the national team himself.

He knew his own limits were far below Julien's potential.

Both Châtaigner and Julien came from the same Paris suburb—Fontaine-aux-Oiseaux, also known as Bird Spring Town.

Located in the northern suburbs of Paris, in the Greater Paris 93 department, adjacent to Saint-Denis, about 30 kilometers from the Stade de France.

The small town was surrounded by tributaries of the Marne River, with riverbanks covered in graffiti, where old industrial areas intertwined with immigrant communities.

Bird Spring Town had less than 50,000 residents, 40% of whom were North African immigrants, 20% Eastern European workers, and the remaining 40% local French blue-collar workers.

Julien's family had lived in Bird Spring Town in their early years, moving to central Paris only as Pierre's career developed.

In this small town, football was part of every child's daily life.

But Châtaigner was the only one from Bird Spring Town to become a top-level footballer.

Even players who made it into professional leagues were few and far between.

Now, Châtaigner saw a different future—Julien!

Bird Spring Town was a microcosm of French immigrant society—poverty and talent, violence and redemption, colonial history and football dreams colliding intensely.

Every step Julien took would be on the old wounds and new dreams of France.

He would become Bird Spring Town's football totem.

After saying "good" several times, Châtaigner finally managed to say, "Work hard and perform well, try to make the European Championship squad."

"Yes!"

This was also Julien's goal.

"Go on, train well, prepare for the home match against Laval in a couple of days. You'll become a Bastia legend!"

Châtaigner had never imagined that a 17-year-old player could be associated with the word "legend."

Now, Julien had achieved it.

When Julien rejoined the team, Vincent immediately came over to ask, "What was that about? Why did Châtaigner look like that when he called you over?"

Julien knew that his national team selection would soon be reported by the media—one should never underestimate the power of these media outlets.

So, he didn't hide it and said, "He told me the national team emailed the club, asking me to report to the national team on the 2nd."

"What?!"

Julien's calm words left Vincent completely unable to remain calm.

"The national team?!!"

Vincent couldn't help but cry out.

All the training teammates heard Vincent's voice, with Rothen being the first to ask, "What national team?"

Vincent still looked incredulous.

He shouted to all his teammates, "My God, Julien is going to report to the national team early next month!!!"

Crash!

This news completely exploded across the entire training ground.

"The senior team?"

"He just entered U21 and is now directly promoted to the senior team? Julien, you're amazing!"

"Really?! This is too fantastic!"

"Julien, you're incredible!"

Everyone stopped training and gathered around to celebrate Julien's national team selection.

In their view, Julien's experience was like a dream—a life trajectory they couldn't even dare to imagine.

Remember, just a few months ago, Julien was still in juvenile detention!

Outside the training ground.

Hadzibegic also learned of this news. He looked toward Julien on the field, and a smile appeared on his face.

Could this count as him having coached a French international?

When Bastia was still in Ligue 1, they had produced some fringe internationals, but after being relegated to Ligue 2 and even the National League, there had been none.

Currently, in the entire Bastia squad, only Rothen had experience with the French national senior team.

Additionally, there was Tony, who scored in the last match and was selected for the French U19 team.

And the team's defensive midfielder Sadio Diallo, who was selected for the Guinea national team this year.

This was the entire international situation at Bastia.

But Julien had clearly become the most exceptional one!

This was the French national team!

The media moved quickly.

That evening's newspapers immediately published related news reports.

L'Équipe: "De Rocca's Life Reversal: From Juvenile Detention to French National Team Squad"

Le Parisien: "17 Years Old, €30 Million Valuation: De Rocca, the Gem That Makes Ligue 1 Tremble"

Le Figaro: "Blanc's French Team's Only Lower Division Player—Julien De Rocca, Once Favored by Zidane"

Libération: "French Team's Latest Squad: Blanc Chooses a Problem Youth"

And so on.

Many fans were hearing about De Rocca for the first time, while others had already formed impressions of the name through various media reports.

But this time was different from all previous coverage.

This time, Julien De Rocca was entering the national team!

This meant Julien was no longer just a talented player representing Bastia, but potentially a player who would represent France.

The level of attention was incomparable.

Blanc's decision pushed Julien into the eye of the storm.

Some opposed it.

"This is an insult to the National Team and France! A robber wearing the blue jersey? Look, I respect rehabilitation, but the national team isn't a reform school!

Look at his defensive contribution—only 0.3 ball recoveries per game on average. He'll be exposed at national team level!

Blanc is playing with fire!

If he doesn't play De Rocca, it's a waste of a squad place!"

"De Rocca can thrive in Ligue 2 because Ligue 2 defenders turn like freight trucks!

National team opponent defenders will show him what top-level defense is. Wait to be knocked off the sideline!

€30 million valuation?

At least €28 million is potential bubble due to his age!"

Rennes fans mocked, "De Rocca wearing the blue jersey? Stealing jerseys is easier than earning them!"

Julien's robbery and imprisonment became a current stain on his record.

The incident of him beating up Russian players at Chelsea was also dug up.

Many criticized him. But there were also supporters.

Zidane was the first French legend to speak up for Julien.

He said, "When I was first selected for the national team at 21, Jacquet was also criticized for 'favoritism.'

But what happened then?

We lifted the World Cup.

Julien's weaknesses?

In 1998, my speed wasn't as good as Okocha's either, but did that header in the final need speed? It needed heart and brain."

"Modern football needs differentiated weapons.

Julien's rhythm changes and small-space ball control can break the balance at crucial moments.

Don't forget, Messi was also criticized for being 'too weak' in youth teams—genius always finds a way to survive."

"I've seen too many 'good boys' ruin their careers in nightclubs, while someone who crawled out of prison treasures their second chance more than anyone.

If football can't give hope to the lost, what's the difference between us and judges?"

"Give him time, he'll give us all an answer."

Legendary player Thierry Henry also came out to say, "When I was 17, I was still polishing boots in Monaco's youth academy, while Julien has already scored 9 goals and 1 assist in 6 Ligue 2 matches! Numbers don't lie—his dribbling success rate even exceeds many Ligue 1 wingers.

Yes, he needs to adapt to higher intensity confrontation, but when I was at Arsenal, Professor also said my body was like a bamboo pole.

Give this kid time, he'll make the doubters shut up."

Bastia fans also rallied to support Julien.

"€30 million valuation too high? Look at his expected goals of 1.38 per game, fouled 6.5 times per game in Ligue 2, proving opponents can only stop him through fouls. If I were Blanc, I'd also take the gamble: a left-footed winger who can create opportunities in tight spaces is the best choice for breaking down opponent defensive systems."

"Those saying Julien has no speed—he doesn't need to sprint like other wingers, his change-of-direction rhythm can tear apart defensive lines. Don't forget, young Zidane was also criticized for being 'slow as a tractor'!"

Opinions varied widely.

This also made Julien's next match—Bastia hosting Laval at home—the absolute focal point of Ligue 2.

The attention even exceeded most Ligue 1 matches!

Julien De Rocca had become famous.

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