The All-Around Center Forward

The fervor of winning the European Cup was still spreading throughout Croatia.

As a small nation with only 4 million people, winning the European Cup consecutively was an immense honor.

Therefore, the entire country was celebrating.

After the European Cup concluded, Suker also received multiple interview invitations from within the country, and even the Croatian National Team television station hoped for an exclusive interview with Suker.

For the fans, they wanted to see more of Suker, especially at this time; they wanted to hear more of Suker's words and see him appear on camera.

But Suker turned down all these invitations.

After a grueling season and the European Cup, Suker's body could still hold up, but his mind was starting to buckle under the pressure.

He also needed a balance of work and rest; he needed to relax.

Especially to release stress.

Therefore, Suker decided not to go anywhere for the foreseeable future.

He didn't even want to go on vacation; he just wanted to stay at home, rest comfortably, and occasionally kick a ball around in the yard for entertainment.

It had just finished raining, and the sky was washed clean and clear.

There was a hint of moisture in the air, and the wind had become cooler.

The sound of cicadas filled the air; at first, it was pleasant, but it quickly became irritating.

Suker and Modrić lay on lounge chairs in the yard.

Suker rolled over and walked into the house.

"Where are you going?"

Modrić turned his head and asked.

Suker: "It's too noisy!"

Modrić smiled, picked up his juice, and followed him inside.

After the celebration, the teammates couldn't wait to go on vacation.

But Suker was truly exhausted; he just wanted to stay home.

Modrić was in the same state as Suker; the European Cup had been too tiring, so it was more comfortable to stay at home.

The two lived very close to each other, so Modrić would visit from time to time, just like now.

"You really have no intention of coming to Real Madrid?" Suker asked again.

Modrić: "How many times have you asked this? I've said it before, I won't leave until Sir Alex Ferguson retires."

Suker grinned; he couldn't very well say that Sir Alex Ferguson would retire in another season.

"What about after he retires? Haven't you made plans?" Suker continued to ask.

Modrić: "We'll see. Manchester United is pretty good too."

Suker shook his head.

This guy was stubborn; no amount of persuasion would change his mind.

"Oh, right." Modrić suddenly said, "I introduced Vida to Manchester United, and he might join Manchester United!"

"What?" Suker was stunned for a moment: "Vida to Manchester United? Wasn't he going to Bundesliga?"

"That's right, but we intercepted him in between!" Modrić smiled, "You know, no one can refuse Manchester United!"

"Manchester United is interested in Vida?"

Suker asked.

Modrić: "Vida is a European Cup champion center-back, and he was an absolute Main force throughout the European Cup, performing very consistently. The most crucial thing is that after Vidić's injury, we were also looking for a center-back. Manchester United is also very interested in the emerging Eastern Europe players, and with my introduction, the transfer is basically a sure thing."

Suker nodded.

Compared to going to Bundesliga, he could get more training at Manchester United.

Especially the future Manchester United, even more so.

"Vida should change his agent, right?" Suker asked.

When Vida first entered Bundesliga, he was scammed by his agent.

According to the exposed content, this was a typical fraudulent contract; Vida and the club at the time were both victims, while the agent profited quite a bit.

"Zorancic exposed this content, probably to bring Vida into his fold," Suker said casually.

Zorancic, who treated Croatian football as his territory, naturally wouldn't let go of any Croatian National Team player.

Especially after Mendes stepped in and took Vukojević's agent contract, this guy became even stricter in guarding his 'territory'.

"This time Vida's transfer to Manchester United, despite your recommendation, Zorancic must have put in a lot of effort, right?" Suker asked.

Modrić nodded: "He did communicate with Manchester United, and the negotiations went very smoothly."

Suker shrugged.

Zorancic had grown into a powerful agent.

He had connections and networks with various top clubs, especially in certain leagues, where he constantly placed his players.

Suker, Modrić, Rakitić—these were all prominent star clients.

This was his calling card!

But besides them, he also had many ordinary players who, though not managed directly by Zorancic, belonged to his agency.

"Alonso is going to Bayern?" Modrić asked.

Suker nodded: "The transfer is complete!"

Presumably, Alonso should already be on his way to Germany by now.

"Is something wrong with Real Madrid?" Modrić asked curiously, "It just feels strange; you guys actually let Alonso go. That's a bit unreasonable."

"What's unreasonable? We respect the player's choice; if he wants to leave, he leaves!" Suker said casually.

He couldn't very well say that Real Madrid had infighting.

"Strange!"

Modrić still mumbled.

"Dad!"

Sukic ran over.

The little guy was holding an even smaller hand.

A girl about 3 years old, wearing a pink dress, with golden-blonde hair.

Her brows bore some resemblance to Modrić.

This was Modrić's second daughter, Emma.

Modrić got married in 2009, and soon after, he had a pair of twins, a boy and a girl.

The son was named Ivan, and the daughter was named Emma.

The son resembled his mother more, thus appearing a bit rougher.

In contrast, the daughter resembled her father more. Modrić had a delicate appearance, and though the little girl hadn't fully grown, she was already very pretty.

"Come! Emma!"

Suker smiled, squatted down, and opened his arms.

The little girl ran over joyfully, throwing herself into Suker's embrace.

The little girl was soft, and her voice was sweet, completely unlike his own mischievous boy.

"Uncle, Sukic said he wants to take me to play football!"

The little girl blinked, first speaking to Suker, then looking at Modrić.

Modrić grinned.

Suker raised an eyebrow and smiled: "You don't let Emma play football?"

Modrić shrugged: "She's more suited to studying hard!"

The path of football was not easy.

Both Suker and Modrić had talent, but they also put in a lot of effort.

The path of football, especially in Europe, was incredibly brutal.

Even women's football was like that!

Therefore, Modrić believed that under his current conditions, he hoped his children could live an easier life.

There was no need for them to be like him, with no other way out except playing football.

After all, if Modrić hadn't played football, he might have been a shepherd, and his income as an adult wouldn't be as much as it was now.

"Go play!"

Suker put Emma down and smiled: "Only for a little while, okay?"

After speaking, Suker turned his head: "Sukic, you keep an eye on your sister!"

"Understood! Dad!" Sukic nodded excitedly, then pulled Emma and scurried away.

"Dad?" Suker shook his head helplessly.

This little rascal was completely unrestrained.

Modrić chuckled as he looked at Suker: "I still can't get used to it. You used to be a problem child, but now you're a father."

Suker: "It's not just you; sometimes I also feel disoriented!"

"Sukic plays in the youth academy?" Modrić asked.

Suker: "Football school, hasn't entered the academy yet, too young!"

Modrić: "Do you want him to pursue a professional football career?"

Suker: "The choice is his; I'll be his safety net!"

Modrić: "Doesn't he go to school?"

"He does!" Suker: "Of course he goes to school, he can't be like us."

"We didn't have school to go to back then," Modrić said.

Suker waved his hand: "Don't even mention it; I don't want to talk about those things."

Modrić: "Indeed, some memories are best left untouched."

He continued to ask:

"When are you returning to Spain?"

Suker rubbed his face and said: "In about a week, maybe longer? I'm not sure."

Modrić raised an eyebrow: "You don't want to go back."

"Stop your gossiping; I won't say anything."

Suker said irritably.

Modrić couldn't help but laugh, raising his hands: "Alright, I won't ask."

Suker: "You really aren't coming to Real Madrid…"

Modrić: "You're not allowed to ask either!"

After looking at each other, the two couldn't help but smile.

Then, they both turned to look at the clear blue sky outside, enjoying a moment of tranquility.

England, Manchester.

Carrington No. 9.

After taking his medicine, Sir Alex Ferguson leaned back in his seat and rested his eyes for a moment.

He could feel his body deteriorating day by day, and it had now reached its limit.

Perhaps, after this season, he would no longer be able to hold on.

But now, he still had many things to do.

Knock, knock, a knock sounded.

Sir Alex Ferguson slowly opened his eyes, put on his glasses, and said softly, "Come in!"

Creak!

The sound of the door opening.

Solskjær, a man with a slightly plump figure, a slightly protruding belly, and white hair, walked in.

"Sir!"

Sir Alex Ferguson chuckled and stood up to greet his disciple, joking, "You've gotten old too!"

Solskjær couldn't help but smile.

Sir Alex Ferguson invited Solskjær to sit down.

The two sat opposite each other, silent for a long time.

After a while, Sir Alex Ferguson spoke, "Will you resent me?"

Solskjær shook his head, "No! I told you, if you need me, you can call me back anytime!"

Sir Alex Ferguson's face showed a hint of a gratified smile.

"Before I say anything, I need to tell you a few things."

"First: My body can't hold up anymore; after this season, I might retire!"

Boom!!

Solskjær's mind buzzed.

Although he had already prepared himself mentally and had heard some rumors, hearing these words from Sir Alex Ferguson's mouth still had a huge impact.

This was Sir Alex Ferguson, who had led their Class of 92 all the way to the top and helped Manchester United create glory.

For Solskjær, Manchester United was synonymous with Sir Alex Ferguson, and also with football.

"Sir…"

Solskjær was about to speak when Sir Alex Ferguson interrupted, "Listen to me!"

Solskjær closed his mouth and listened quietly.

"Second: This season, be my Assistant Coach. I will give you some opportunities for tactical arrangements, and at the same time, I will let you take over the locker room to a certain extent. I will teach you how to communicate with the high-ups, how to manage the club. Of course, the club will not give you the power of a manager, but how to fight for it is up to you."

"You…"

"It's too early," Sir Alex Ferguson waved his hand. "I said I'd teach you. How much you can learn is up to you."

Solskjær nodded solemnly, "I understand!"

This was not the time to decline. Sir Alex Ferguson had taught them long ago what it meant to take responsibility.

"Third…"

Sir Alex Ferguson pondered for a moment and said, "I plan to make Luka the captain of Manchester United!"

Solskjær nodded, "Luka's fighting spirit is strong, and he embodies the spirit of Manchester United. He is indeed suitable to be captain."

Sir Alex Ferguson raised his eyelids, "I mean the First Captain!"

Uh…

Solskjær was speechless again.

"This, this… What about Vidić?"

He wasn't questioning, but asking for a method.

Sir Alex Ferguson smiled again, "Vidić's form hasn't been good since his return from injury…"

This time, Sir Alex Ferguson was silent for a long time.

"Before I retire, I will send him away!"

Sir Alex Ferguson continued, "I know you have many questions, why abandon Rooney and choose Luka, right?"

Rooney is English, and with that identity, he is more suitable to be the Manchester United captain.

"But think about the things Wayne has done. I don't deny his fighting spirit on the field, but off the field, he is not a qualified leader!"

Sir Alex Ferguson's words made Solskjær silent.

Sir Alex Ferguson was right.

On the field, Rooney was an out-and-out fighter; he was a warrior.

But off the field, that guy was a bit abnormal!

If the captaincy were given to Rooney, the locker room might really have problems.

"Also, Van Persie is coming. I didn't plan to let Van Persie give up resources. If Rooney were captain, Van Persie would be severely suppressed, but Luka is different," Sir Alex Ferguson smiled. "That kid, he only passes to the person who can score the most!"

Listening to Sir Alex Ferguson's words, Solskjær nodded.

"However, Vidić has just returned from injury now. To directly remove his captaincy, isn't that a bit…"

Sir Alex Ferguson: "I never said I would remove his captaincy now. Luka will first serve as the Second Captain. Vidić won't play many games this season. Luka will act as the on-field captain more often, which will be a good experience for him. But when I retire, I will clear all obstacles for you."

Solskjær pursed his lips, "I'm afraid I won't do well."

Sir Alex Ferguson smiled, "That's why I called you here, to let you learn well. Just consider it further study. I don't expect you to take over Manchester United immediately. Through this learning, you will gain more growth and more experience, and then go out and train for a few seasons. When you return, I hope you can lead Manchester United to glory again!"

"This is also why I made Luka captain!"

"This child's talent is too outstanding, his ability is really strong. In fact, tying him to Manchester United was a last resort for me, but Manchester United needs a future. As long as Luka is still here, Manchester United has hope of rebuilding its glory. At the very least, when you return, you will find a core to build the team around!"

Sir Alex Ferguson's eyes showed a hint of fatigue: "I will give Luka everything he wants. I will give him sufficient salary and absolute locker room status. This year, I will help Luka control Manchester United's locker room."

Sir Alex Ferguson sighed slowly: "This is also a spark I leave for Manchester United!"

Spain, Madrid.

At Florentino's manor.

Mourinho looked at Florentino and said slowly, "Alonso has left. Our midfield is currently experiencing some issues. To better follow up on transfer matters, I hope my Assistant Coach, Faria, can work in the technical department!"

Florentino stared at Mourinho, his heart full of helplessness.

This guy had brought Real Madrid eight championships, but at the same time, he had also brought huge trouble.

Just like the last time he was summoned by the Football Association and the National Team for a talk.

In the end, they failed to reach an effective solution.

The main reason was that Mourinho's results were too good.

Facing this highly accomplished coach, Florentino was also in a difficult position.

Many times, he thought, if only Mourinho didn't want transfer power.

But this guy held on tight.

Now he continued to demand to place his own people in the technical department; next time, it would probably be a direct confrontation.

The most crucial point was that he couldn't refuse.

Because he had already agreed before!

This was the reward for winning the Champions League consecutively!

He couldn't drive him away!

And he wouldn't give up transfer power!

Now, Florentino also had a headache.

"Faria is an excellent coach. Letting him work in the technical department would bury his talent..." Florentino pursed his lips. "How about this, I'll let him serve as a consultant in the technical department, so the coaching staff and technical department can communicate directly!"

Old fox!

Mourinho cursed inwardly.

"In that case, I will give the technical department a list. I want all these people!" Mourinho said in a deep voice. "I believe they can do this job well!"

"Of course!" Florentino nodded. "They are all excellent talents!"

Mourinho left!

Florentino politely tried to keep him, but Mourinho left on the grounds of being busy with work.

Looking at Mourinho's departing back, Florentino couldn't help but sigh.

"The Portuguese is starting to show his claws!"

Secretary: "He is very ambitious; he wants to control the technical department!"

"More than just the technical department!" Florentino shook his head. "He wants to be the Manager of Real Madrid!"

The secretary lowered his head: "Is that possible?"

Florentino sneered: "How could it be!"

With that, he turned his head and asked, "When is Suker coming back?"

Secretary: "In the next few days, the club requires everyone to gather by July 15th. Suker should return a bit earlier!"

Florentino: "Call him and ask him to come back early. Tell him I want to discuss some things with him. Oh, and when Suker comes back, when you pick him up, pick up Iker as well!"

The secretary nodded.

He felt that Florentino was preparing to take action!

Finally, Florentino sighed, "Call Paris, let's make early contact!"