Following Arsenal's victory in the fifth round of the Premier League, another story quickly took over the headlines.
It was not about Kai's goal.
It was not about Arsenal climbing the table.
It was about the Cazorla Fund.
The idea had gathered momentum after Kai dedicated his goal to the injured midfielder against Stoke City.
Supporters flooded the club with letters, emails, and petitions, urging Arsenal to establish a permanent fund to support players facing long-term or career-threatening injuries.
Although it carried Cazorla's name, the fund was never intended for him alone.
Any Arsenal player suffering a serious injury could apply for assistance.
Its purpose was simple.
To provide financial support, medical assistance, and peace of mind for players and their families during the most difficult periods of their careers.
The proposal received overwhelming backing from the club's hierarchy.
Owner Alisher Usmanov personally approved the initiative and committed the first major contribution.
After several rounds of discussions between the club, the players, and supporters' groups, the Cazorla Fund was officially established.
The fund would be jointly overseen by three representatives.
The club chairman, representing Arsenal Football Club.
The team captain, representing the players.
And a supporters' representative, speaking on behalf of the fans.
The inaugural board consisted of Usmanov, Kai, and Billy.
Billy's appointment surprised nobody.
A lifelong Arsenal supporter, he was respected throughout the fanbase for his honesty and fairness. He loved a pint after the match, but he had never been involved in any legal trouble or disciplinary issues.
More importantly, supporters trusted him.
If Billy signed off on something, they believed it had the fans' best interests at heart.
The fund itself would be financed through three primary sources.
One percent of the club's annual revenue.
Five percent of players' performance bonuses.
And voluntary donations from Arsenal supporters around the world.
Inside the dressing room, Kai stood before his teammates, explaining how everything would work.
"That's the proposal," he said. "I hope everyone gets behind it."
He looked around the room before continuing.
"This isn't just about Santi."
"It's about every one of us."
The room became quiet.
"As footballers, injuries are our biggest opponent. Nobody can honestly say they'll never suffer one."
He paused.
"And if the worst happens, if someone's career is suddenly in danger, treatment isn't the only concern. Families still have bills to pay. Life doesn't stop."
"So we contribute now, while we can, to make sure no one has to face that situation alone."
He smiled slightly.
"Before anyone asks, no, this isn't compulsory."
"If you don't want to contribute, nobody's going to force you."
"You'll still be eligible for support if you ever need it."
"It's a charity fund."
"As long as you're an Arsenal player, it's there for you."
The senior players exchanged glances before immediately raising their hands.
They had all played alongside Cazorla.
They understood exactly why the fund mattered.
Kai's attention then shifted toward the newer arrivals.
Unlike the veterans, many of them had never shared a dressing room with Cazorla.
Some hesitated.
The contribution would come from bonuses rather than wages, but money was still money.
Others realised another reality.
Refusing would not technically break any rules.
But it would send a terrible message.
It was about the culture inside Arsenal.
About standing with your teammates.
One by one, hands slowly began to rise.
Until every player in the room had agreed.
Kai finally broke into a grin.
"I knew I'd picked a good group."
Laughter spread around the dressing room.
Someone muttered, "Didn't exactly leave us much choice, skipper."
Kai laughed.
"I heard that."
The room erupted again.
The atmosphere became noticeably lighter.
With the meeting finished, Kai headed upstairs to report the outcome. As he entered Pat Rice's office, he found Usmanov already sitting inside. The Arsenal owner greeted him enthusiastically.
"There he is. Our captain."
Kai smiled.
"The players have agreed. Every one of them."
Usmanov clapped his hands together.
"Excellent!"
"I knew they'd support it."
He looked genuinely pleased.
"This might be the best decision we've made since I arrived."
Pat, however, looked far less enthusiastic.
Kai noticed the thick stack of documents covering the desk.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
Usmanov caught his glance and immediately brightened.
"Ah, perfect timing."
He picked up one of the folders.
"Kai, these are reports prepared by our advisory department."
Kai looked puzzled.
"Advisory department?"
Usmanov nodded proudly.
"I've hired several football analysts."
"Their job is to identify players who fit Arsenal's style. They've already produced a shortlist of transfer targets."
Kai's expression became more thoughtful.
For years, Arsenal had operated differently.
Under Arsène Wenger, the manager controlled football matters almost entirely.
Team selection.
Player development.
Transfers.
The board was responsible for the club's finances.
Now, however, Usmanov was beginning to stretch beyond the boardroom.
Kai did not believe this conversation had come up by coincidence.
Wenger was still recovering.
At exactly that moment, Usmanov introduced a new transfer structure.
The timing was far too convenient.
Only then did Kai understand why Pat looked so uneasy.
Kai remained calm.
"Who are you thinking of signing?"
Usmanov grinned as though he had been waiting for the question.
"What do you think about Neymar?"
"Cough... cough..."
Kai nearly choked.
"What?"
Usmanov looked completely serious.
"Paris Saint-Germain are trying to sign him. We could join the race."
Almost simultaneously, Kai and Pat answered.
"No."
Usmanov blinked.
"No?"
He looked from one to the other.
"Give me one good reason."
Pat shot Kai a quick look, telling him to leave this one alone.
Then he answered calmly.
"The club can't afford that deal."
Usmanov shrugged.
"I'll pay."
He patted his chest confidently.
Ever since Arsenal had won the Champions League, he had become increasingly ambitious.
Pat shook his head.
"With respect, that's still the club's responsibility."
"The owner provides the investment, but the financial obligations remain with Arsenal."
"We're still paying for the stadium."
"We can't mortgage the club's future for one transfer."
He leaned forward.
"If we create an unhealthy financial structure, one mistake could damage the club for years."
"There are plenty of clubs that chased success too aggressively. They spent beyond their means, accumulated debt, and eventually everything collapsed."
"The club must remain sustainable."
"It can't depend entirely on its owner's wallet."
The room fell quiet.
Usmanov slowly turned toward Kai.
The Arsenal captain had remained silent throughout.
After a few seconds, Usmanov smiled.
"I was only making a suggestion."
He stood up.
"Forget I mentioned it."
"I'll go and check on the arrangements for the Cazorla Fund."
The office door closed behind him.
Only then did both Kai and Pat let out long breaths.
Kai broke the silence.
"He did that deliberately."
Pat nodded.
"He wants control over transfers."
The words had barely left his mouth before he slapped his own forehead.
"Oh, brilliant."
"I've probably just cursed us."
He sighed.
"What if he turns into another Moratti?"
Kai understood exactly what he meant.
Massimo Moratti had invested heavily in Inter Milan and often involved himself in football decisions.
"But Moratti," Kai replied quietly, "always put Inter first."
"He was willing to step back when he believed it was best for the club."
Pat Rice gave a tired smile.
"Usmanov?"
"I don't see that happening."
The office became quiet again.
Finally, Kai asked,
"So what do we do?"
Pat leaned back in his chair.
"At the moment, Usmanov officially controls forty-nine percent of Arsenal."
Kai frowned.
"I thought the takeover had already reached seventy-two."
Pat shook his head.
"Not yet."
"The rest of the deal hasn't gone through."
"He announced those figures to put pressure on Kroenke during negotiations."
"Forty-nine percent is still enough to make him the largest shareholder."
"And as Executive Chairman, his influence is already enormous."
Kai thought for a moment.
"Then we strengthen everyone else."
"If the remaining shareholders stand together, they'll have the majority."
Pat gave a weary laugh.
"If only corporate politics were that simple."
He rubbed his temples.
"We do need someone who can keep him occupied."
Kai raised an eyebrow.
"Occupied how?"
Pat Rice smiled.
"We find him someone else to fight."
Kai looked at him.
"Meaning?"
Pat's smile widened.
"If Usmanov spends all his energy battling another powerful figure, he'll have less time trying to run the football side of Arsenal."
He tapped the stack of transfer reports on his desk.
"Sometimes the best way to stop someone interfering..."
"...is to give them a different problem to solve."
. . .
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