The All-Around Center Forward

"Really? Is that true?"

In Zagreb, at the National Team training center.

The Croatia National Team players, who were preparing for their celebratory tour, all turned to look at Suker.

Suker waved his hand, then motioned to Srna.

Immediately, the two walked together towards the direction of the restroom.

"What's wrong?"

Srna asked, puzzled.

Suker put his phone on speaker, and Casillas's anxious voice came through.

"It's true! Alonso has already decided to leave; he's joining Bayern Munich!"

Suker frowned deeply.

Srna, standing beside him, also looked astonished.

"Why is he suddenly leaving?" Srna truly didn't understand.

"Dario? Sorry, I really don't have the mood to congratulate you guys right now; this matter is too important."

"It's alright. What does Alonso mean by this?"

Srna continued to ask.

Casillas recounted their previous conversation.

Only then did the two understand.

Suker: "So he's being forced out?"

"Exactly!" Casillas said in a deep voice; "We need to act ahead of time!"

Suker pursed his lips.

How to act ahead of time?

The two of them force Florentino out?

That's not reasonable!

At that time, they would not only be reviled but their reputation would also be damaged.

Suker was very particular about these things, because he wanted more Ballon d'Or awards, and these things were very crucial.

A Head Coach who had contributed greatly to Real Madrid, being swept out the door because of the opposition of two major stars in the team.

Wouldn't that just perfectly establish him as a team tyrant?

Suker's reputation would turn sour!

Furthermore, although Mourinho had carried out a series of suppressions and created conflicts, it had not affected performance, nor had any major problems occurred.

Even if he were to be driven away, it would have to wait until after a major incident; only then would there be a reason to drive Mourinho away.

This was not the Croatia National Team!

Suker had people above and below him, so being sidelined was just being sidelined.

But the internal relationships at Real Madrid were complex, and forcing someone out was no small matter.

If it went wrong, he himself could be greatly implicated.

"What does Bayern Munich mean by this?" Suker asked.

"What else could they mean? Of course they're happy." Casillas grumbled; "They only have to pay 15 million euros to take Alonso. Don't you think they'd be happy?"

"15 million euros?" Suker exclaimed in surprise; "That's too cheap, isn't it? Did we agree?"

"We agreed! But it's not just 15 million euros; it also includes a player named Toni Kroos. But one is a substitute, and the other is a key player for a champion team. This transfer doesn't seem right!"

Suker was stunned again.

"Wait… wait…"

His mind was a bit muddled.

"So, Bayern Munich is willing to exchange Toni Kroos + 15 million euros for Xabi Alonso?"

"Exactly!" Casillas said angrily.

A huge profit!

Suker's brows relaxed.

It wasn't that Toni Kroos was so much better than Xabi Alonso, but he was young!

Toni Kroos was a full nine years younger than Alonso!

In the original timeline, Alonso retired in 2017. His departure was also because Real Madrid was unwilling to pay too much salary and unwilling to renew his contract.

As for Toni Kroos, that guy could at least play until 2024!

Even if he retired, he would retire at the peak of his career; in fact, his form and everything else were fine.

Suker thought for a moment and said, "Buddy, my celebratory tour is about to start here. Let's talk about it later."

Casillas also knew what was more important.

Furthermore, making this call to Suker at this moment was a bit of a buzzkill, but he couldn't help it.

"Alright, let's talk tonight. Still, congratulations on winning the European Cup."

Suker hung up the phone. Srna, who was beside him, asked, "Aren't you going to try and keep him?"

"How can you keep someone who has made up his mind to leave?" Suker retorted; "The negotiations have progressed to this point, meaning both clubs are ready to finalize it, and there's also Alonso's will. This isn't something that can be talked out of."

Suker couldn't help but sigh.

Compared to these things, he was more worried about Toni Kroos.

This time, he was completely 'sold' by Bayern Munich.

Suker shook his head and sighed, "Let's go, let's celebrate first, and then we'll talk about it later!"

Srna nodded, and the two left together.

"I'm adding another 15 million?"

Germany, Munich.

Toni Kroos felt his head spinning.

After returning to his home country this time, he received a notice from the club.

The club hoped he would accept this transfer.

He would join Real Madrid as part of an exchange.

But while it sounded good, it basically meant Xabi Alonso for Toni Kroos + 15 million euros!

Bayern Munich's main intention was to exchange a surplus player from their squad for Xabi Alonso.

He was the surplus commodity exchanged because Bayern Munich didn't have extra funds.

Toni Kroos joined Bayern Munich in 2007, and at 17 years and 265 days old, he set a record as Bayern Munich's youngest player to appear in a League match.

At the same time, he provided two assists in that match.

He thought he had secured his position, but he was soon loaned out.

While on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, his heart was still with Bayern Munich, always dreaming of returning to Bayern Munich.

Finally, in 2010, he returned to the team he had longed for.

He stood on the Allianz Arena once again.

But he was still not a key player for the team, nor was he given importance. He was even labeled 'not world-class' by the higher-ups, who were unwilling to increase his salary.

This insult severely damaged Kroos's confidence.

Now, he was being exchanged as an accessory.

The team he loved and was loyal to had wounded him all over, and now they were going to trade him away.

He could not accept this method of transfer!

Toni Kroos immediately took out his phone; he was going to call Lahm.

As a dual captain for both the National Team and the club, he had some say within the club.

"Captain!"

The call connected, and Kroos quickly said.

At this moment, Lahm slowly said: "You calm down first. I've received the news, and I know you're feeling terrible right now, but you must calm down."

Hearing Lahm's voice, Kroos's agitated heart quieted slightly.

"Toni." Lahm said earnestly; "I know the injustice you're suffering right now, and I know your unwillingness, but… there's no other way!"

Toni Kroos was stunned.

"Captain…" He said, somewhat surprised: "You also want me to leave?"

Lahm pursed his lips: "No! I don't think that way. I hope you stay. You have value, but the club has already finalized it. Even if you don't follow the arrangement, it will only be worse for you. You'll just make things more strained with the club. Alonso will come, and even if it's not you, they'll make the trade in other ways."

"And once Alonso comes, you'll have even less standing at the club! I'll reveal some news here: our Head Coach next season is Guardiola!"

Toni Kroos was shocked; "Guardiola? He's coming?"

"Exactly! And Alonso is his personally selected midfielder!"

Those words struck Toni Kroos like lightning.

He understood!

He had no chance at all!

From the Head Coach to the higher-ups, they didn't need him.

Guardiola didn't value him, and the higher-ups didn't recognize his ability.

He was completely abandoned!

Even if he stayed, he would be wasted on the bench and wouldn't enter Guardiola's squad.

At that time, he would be an outcast in the locker room.

"Go! Go to Real Madrid." Lahm sighed; "This is for your own good too!"

"I… I…" Toni Kroos felt a pain in his chest.

He felt that everything he had worked for had betrayed him.

He had been labeled 'not needed.'

It was as if everything was denying him!

They were all saying.

'You're trash!'

Click!

Hanging up the phone, Toni Kroos stared blankly at his agent.

His agent's eyes were also filled with humiliation.

"Toni, we're going to Real Madrid! Let's go!"

"I… I…" Toni Kroos didn't know what to say.

Just leave like this?

He was very unwilling!

But what could he do?

Most importantly, everything about him, his pride, seemed to have been denied.

This was truly a terrible feeling.

Ring, ring, ring…

The phone rang.

It wasn't Kroos's phone, but his agent's.

The agent frowned; he didn't know who would call at this time.

But it certainly wasn't Bayern Munich's higher-ups, because calling at this time would only result in being severely scolded.

An unknown number. He picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

The agent said.

"I'm Suker's agent, Zorancic!"

The other party's single sentence stunned the agent.

"Suker?" the agent asked in surprise.

Zorancic: "Yes, Suker asked me to relay a few words to Kroos."

"Please wait a moment!"

The agent quickly put the phone on speaker, then turned to Kroos and said, "It's Suker's agent. Suker wants to relay a few words to you."

Toni Kroos's dazed eyes slowly began to focus, and he turned to look.

Zorancic's voice came from the phone, and he said in fluent German:

"Kroos, I told you, you should come to Real Madrid! The best players should all come to Real Madrid!"

"I sympathize with your situation, but I also feel a little fortunate, because we are about to get a top midfielder!"

"Toni! Please allow me to call you that, Toni, come to Real Madrid! Come to my side."

After a pause, Zorancic said in a deep voice;

"I need you!"

These words made Toni Kroos's eyes, which had been lost in thought, brighten.

During this time, he had been kicked around like a ball, not being valued anywhere.

He felt that no one valued him or needed him!

But now, Suker, currently the number one active player, actually said he needed him.

To be honest, this affirmation was a continuation of confidence for Kroos.

Moreover, at a time when everyone else was doubting him, only Suker told him that he needed him.

Toni Kroos was silent for a moment: "Can I… can I say these words publicly?"

"Of course!" Zorancic said, "Suker said he won't hide it. He recognizes you, he recognizes everything about you! So, what's your answer?"

Toni Kroos pursed his lips and slowly rose from the sofa.

"Please tell Suker for me, I thank him for his trust, and I will not let him down!"

"Very good, we'll wait for you in Madrid!"

Click!

The agent hung up the phone and looked at Toni Kroos.

The latter slowly exhaled and said, "Let's go, let's leave Bayern Munich!"

"Munich doesn't need me anymore, but Real Madrid needs me, Suker needs me! We're going to Real Madrid!"

Toni Kroos clenched his fists tightly.

"I will prove myself!"

That evening, Toni Kroos's agent arrived at Bayern Munich.

He informed the high-ranking officials that Toni Kroos accepted the transfer conditions.

At the same time, he added:

"My departure is not because I had no choice, but because Suker said he needed me, which is why I'm joining Real Madrid!"

The Bayern Munich executives exchanged glances, their eyes mostly showing a hint of mockery.

Suker needs Toni Kroos?

It was probably just a poor soul's stubborn way of leaving.

However, he didn't refute it either.

Kroos's agreement relieved them, allowing them to welcome Xabi Alonso with the smallest possible cost.

New season!

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Alonso joining while retaining their original squad, Bayern Munich would be even stronger.

In Croatia, within a celebration party in Zagreb.

Zorancic walked towards Suker and nodded at him.

Suker smiled.

Although Xabi Alonso's departure had some impact on Real Madrid.

Toni Kroos, however, had a promising future.

If choosing for immediate strength, Xabi Alonso was the better option.

But when it rains, it rains, and a mother gets married, you can't stop it!

Since it couldn't be stopped, maximizing damage control was also key, and besides, this wasn't even damage control, at the very least, Real Madrid's future midfield was secured.

Kroos plus Casemiro.

For the future ceremonial midfield trio, only Modrić was missing.

However, Suker had tried to persuade Modrić many times, but the guy just didn't want to come, and Suker had no choice.

Suker now regretted letting Modrić join Manchester United.

After Sir Alex Ferguson got his hooks into him, that guy's mind was completely shut off.

But Suker would not give up on forming the ceremonial midfield trio!

"Come! Drink!"

Suker picked up a glass and sat down next to Modrić.

"I can't drink anymore!" Modrić shook his head.

He felt dizzy.

Suker said fiercely, "Not drinking? If you don't drink, then come to Real Madrid!"

Modrić rolled his eyes, turned his head, and ignored Suker.

Rakitić, standing nearby, looked at Suker and said, "If he doesn't go, I can go!"

Suker blinked and looked at Srna, saying, "Come! Drink!"

"What the hell do you mean?!" Rakitić lost it, looking down on him?

At the table, everyone burst into laughter.

Bang!

Rakitić grabbed a wine bottle.

"Come! Drink! I'll drown you!"

Srna gave a thumbs up.

"Warrior!"

Dujmović shook his head: "Anger makes people lose their minds!"

Half an hour later, Rakitić was carried away.

Suker let out a burp and looked at the guys around him who were trying not to make eye contact, shaking his head.

Damn it, he wanted to have a drink with them to celebrate, but these guys wouldn't do it.

He had scared them too badly.

The dinner party dispersed after about two hours.

Suker, Srna, Dujmović, Mandžukić, Modrić, and other relatively sober individuals went to Suker's estate to continue drinking.

They also called Pranjic.

Due to injury, Pranjic was unable to participate in this European Cup, and he was feeling a bit down.

He had missed an opportunity to win the European Cup.

Moreover, the most crucial thing was that based on this injury, he could feel that the recovery period had become extremely long, and his condition was no longer what it used to be.

On one hand, he was getting older, and his recovery ability was not good.

On the other hand, his form was also starting to decline.

"I don't know if I can still make the World Cup squad two years from now in my current state," Pranjic sighed. "Even if I'm a substitute, that's fine!"

Upon hearing this, Srna and the others also sighed.

They too had once been spirited youths, but now they were gradually growing old.

Football is a sport that relies on youth.

Increased age inevitably leads to a decline in form, not to mention that after Pranjic's major injury and surgery, his form plummeted.

Although they were comforting him, if he remained in this condition, it would truly be difficult for him to be selected for the next World Cup.

"Forget it, let's not talk about it, let's drink!"

Pranjic shook his head: "Damn it, I can't always talk dishearteningly. Two years from now, I'll make your jaws drop!"

Suker and the others immediately gave a thumbs up.

"Awesome!"

"This is how you should be!"

"By the way, your slicked-back hair is too greasy, isn't it?"

"So disgusting!"

Pranjic rolled his eyes at Mandžukić: "Why don't you ever change that unchanging hairstyle of yours?"

"I did change it!" Mandžukić turned his head, revealing a swallowtail at the back of his neck: "See, I've grown some!"

Suker: "Disgusting!"

Dujmović: "So disgusting!"

Modrić: "A ponytail?"

Srna: "At most, it's a swallowtail, but it doesn't look good!"

After saying that, everyone burst into laughter again.

Srna smiled, then looked at Mandžukić and said, "Your team is going to take off this season!"

Mandžukić nodded and looked at Modrić, saying, "Is Ronaldo very strong?"

"How should I put it!" Modrić thought for a moment and said, "He has transformed. If you can give him enough support, his goal-scoring efficiency is similar to Suker's!"

Holy cow!

Mandžukić said in surprise, "Similar to Suker's?"

Modrić nodded: "He has always dominated the golden boot award in the Premier League, and he competed neck and neck with Suker in the Champions League, it's just that the team lacked strength in the later stages and couldn't give him enough support. If it's Bayern Munich, if you refine your play, there's a chance you could threaten Real Madrid!"

"Real Madrid! That's a huge mountain!"

"When Real Madrid plays in the Champions League, it feels like it's hard to win unless they have internal problems!"

As they spoke, Suker and Srna remained silent.

They knew their own business!

This season, Real Madrid was bound to be in chaos!

Alonso's departure was a fuse, and Casillas wouldn't let it go easily.

Once Casillas and Mourinho's conflict became public and turned hostile, the locker room would inevitably be in chaos.

However, for Suker, this was also a good opportunity to get rid of Mourinho!