"We did it! We did it!"
"Come on, boys! Celebrate to your heart's content!!!"
Liverpool's substitutes sprinted onto the pitch in an instant.
The coaching staff and club personnel could not hold back either and rushed out to join them.
Klopp and Krawietz wrapped their arms around Leo Lin, who had just recovered from cramp and could not sprint out with the others, celebrating in pure excitement.
Krawietz on his left, Klopp on his right, Leo Lin had an arm around each of them as he threw his head back and laughed.
Of course, he had no desire to charge onto the pitch anymore. He had already done more than enough running.
Liverpool fans climbed over the stands and flooded onto the field, no longer able to contain themselves.
Red smoke began to spread as the fans poured in, the scent of victory hanging thick in the air.
"Double winners! Liverpool are double winners!"
"They have taken both the EFL Cup and the FA Cup!"
"Liverpool are the most successful club in English football this season. They are the best team in England this year, without question!"
Gerrard and Carragher embraced in celebration, while Manchester United legend Neville stood nearby in silence.
Even Manchester City had been beaten. Neville understood that Liverpool becoming double winners might signal a new shift in English football.
Across the live broadcasts:
"Liverpool have won another trophy!!! We are the champions!!!"
"Double winners! An incredible achievement!"
"They rose from the depths, fought through the storm, and carried the light through the darkness! Leo Lin leads Liverpool to a double, the team's core at just 18 years old!"
"What else is there left to say? Let the doubters talk to themselves, we are the real champions!!!"
The broadcast camera swept across the pitch before quickly locking onto Leo Lin, still seated on the bench with an arm around each side.
Out on the field, Liverpool players were already surrounded by layers of fans. Klopp and Krawietz each took one side, practically carrying Leo Lin as they quickly made their way toward the tunnel.
Because he had not been able to join the pitch invasion due to cramp, Leo Lin ended up being the safest one of all.
By the time Firmino fought his way out of the crowd and into the tunnel, his shirt was gone, and several red handprints were stamped across his arms.
Liverpool fans hoisted the players onto their shoulders in wild celebration. Leo Lin stood at the entrance of the tunnel, his left arm resting on Firmino's shoulder.
Firmino stood with his hands on his hips as the two watched the chaos unfold.
"Lin, we actually did it, we're double winners. Honestly, at the start of the season, I did not even dare to think about this."
"Before you were promoted to the first team, the coach held a full squad meeting. Do you know what he said?"
Before Firmino could continue, Krawietz burst out laughing from the side.
"The boss said our goal for the new season was to finish in the top four and reach the semifinals of a cup. That was the second step in his five year plan."
"We originally thought we would win a trophy within five years. But look at us now, we are already double winners."
Klopp stood quietly nearby, listening with a smile.
He did not say a word, yet it felt like he had said everything.
At last, the players were escorted back into the tunnel by staff.
Henderson was especially fired up. With an arm around Leo Lin, he led him into the dressing room as the team erupted into celebration, "One Kiss" blasting through the speakers.
With the music playing, the Liverpool players sang and danced wildly.
Leo Lin did not join in. Not because he did not want to, but because he was simply too exhausted.
"Smack!"
He gave Firmino, who was dancing right in front of him, a firm slap on the backside and burst into laughter.
For some reason, he just could not stop laughing.
Not only because they had won the FA Cup, but because of the battle they had just come through.
A full 120 minutes of grueling football, and in the end, he was the one who came out on top.
That feeling pushed the joy of victory to its absolute peak.
It surged through his entire body.
Twelve bottles of top tier French champagne were lined up on the dressing room table, ready to fuel the celebrations during the trophy ceremony.
Mike, the club's general manager, walked in wearing a suit and hugged every single player.
As the chairman's appointed head of operations, the club's success meant recognition and rewards for him as well.
"Twelve bottles of champagne, each worth over ten thousand pounds. But this is just the beginning."
"Boys, tonight I have booked the entire venue. The most luxurious five star hotel in Liverpool city center. The top three floors and the rooftop terrace are all ours!"
"Ten o'clock! Do not be late!"
The players erupted into cheers once again.
At the same time, the podium in the center of the pitch had been set up.
The FA Cup trophy, gleaming with a cold silver shine, waited to be lifted.
Captain Henderson appeared with his arm around Leo Lin as Liverpool fans completely took over Wembley Stadium.
Viewers around the world waited for the final moment.
"Lin, you will lift the trophy with me."
Henderson suddenly said it, catching Leo Lin off guard. He knew only the captain was supposed to lift the trophy. He had no place in it.
"You deserve it. The boss arranged it, and I agree."
"We will lift it together. It is too heavy, I cannot do it alone."
Before Leo Lin could respond, Henderson had already shut down any chance of refusal.
He simply wanted Leo Lin beside him.
As captain, he had come to truly admire this young man.
Henderson had once received the same kind of support from Gerrard. In his first season, his performances had been disastrous, but it was Gerrard who encouraged him and showed him how to become a better midfielder.
Now, as Liverpool captain, earning the trust of the fans, Henderson was deeply grateful.
And he wanted to do the same for Leo Lin.
Because Liverpool's future belonged to him.
After receiving their medals, the players took their positions on the podium. Henderson held the trophy and walked forward with a smile.
He pulled Leo Lin to his side, gripping the trophy with his right hand and leaving the left handle for him.
In front of tens of thousands of fans, Leo Lin grasped the handle.
Together with Henderson, he lifted the trophy high into the air.
Fireworks exploded across Wembley Stadium.
Liverpool fans roared.
A deafening wave of sound surged into the sky.
"Leo Lin and Henderson lift the trophy together! Congratulations to Leo Lin on the second trophy of his career!"
"Congratulations to Liverpool!!!"
Leo Lin looked up.
Under the bright lights, the faces of the fans were unbelievably clear.
Cheers filled his ears.
Joy filled his sight.
Glory rested in his hands.
Leo Lin smiled.
People live for moments like this!!!
...
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