The All-Around Center Forward

The entire internal meeting lasted over two hours, with one and a half hours dedicated to Mourinho's heated debate with the assembled officials.

After all, being active on the front lines and being younger, Mourinho's mind was agile, and compared to those old men, he was eloquent and argued them red-faced.

After one argument, it failed to play a critical role; instead, he was severely suppressed.

Finally, like a victor, he proudly raised his chin and let out a heavy snort before sitting back down.

The entire meeting room was extremely quiet.

Two hours of meetings were truly exhausting!

Even Florentino was rubbing his temples, looking like he had a headache.

Suker secretly shook his head. Why argue with a group of decision-makers? Just make a direct decision and be done with it.

They insisted on this formal stuff and then couldn't even win the debate.

Looking for trouble where there is none!

"That concludes today's meeting."

Florentino spoke, and everyone else stood up.

Suker also stood up, preparing to leave.

As he rose, he saw Florentino looking at him, nodding slightly.

Suker pretended not to see and turned to leave.

"Suker! Stay!"

Florentino spoke; "Let's talk about your loyalty bonus!"

Suker grinned.

What was there to talk about with something in black and white? It was just an excuse to keep him there.

Seeing that he couldn't leave, Suker had no choice but to stay.

During this time, Mourinho glanced at him, but Suker pretended not to notice.

When everyone had left, only Suker and Florentino remained in the meeting room.

"Regarding your loyalty bonus, it will be issued after the end of this season!"

Suker was surprised. Is this what talking about the loyalty bonus meant?

Moreover, he remembered that the loyalty bonus was for five years of service and would be issued together with the next contract renewal.

They were giving out the bonus in just the third year?

Is the boss so generous?

"Of course, it's not for free!" Florentino continued.

That makes sense!

If it were given for free, he wouldn't dare accept it.

No good deed goes unpunished!

Suker nodded and said, "You tell me!"

Florentino: "Regarding the new salary issue that Zorancic discussed with us, we have agreed!"

Suker was surprised: "Agreed?"

This time, the salary Suker proposed was a staggering 30 million euros!

Suker tentatively asked, "I meant after tax!"

Florentino nodded; "Of course!"

Seeing Florentino nod in approval, Suker breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "So, what are your conditions?"

"Sign a new contract, extend the term by five years! At the same time, the buyout clause will be adjusted to 500 million euros!"

Suker thought about it; he had no intention of leaving Real Madrid in the next five years, so he nodded, then asked, "You trust me that much? What if my form suddenly drops?"

Florentino looked up; "Will you?"

Suker shrugged: "Of course not!"

Florentino nodded: "Find a time to call Zorancic over, and we'll sign the new contract!"

"So urgent?" Suker was surprised.

Weren't they supposed to sign after the season ended?

Florentino glanced at Suker without speaking.

Suker smiled and got up to leave.

Looking at Suker's departing back, Florentino sighed slightly.

It wasn't that he was foolish with money; it was mainly because he had heard some alarming news.

Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, those two wealthy clubs, seemed to be truly planning to spend money!

They were even willing to pay sky-high contracts and Suker's buyout clause.

Currently, Suker's buyout clause is only 200 million!

Three years ago, this was a large sum of money, enough to scare people to death.

But now, with Cristiano Ronaldo's 100 million pound transfer fee, the entire transfer market has inflated significantly.

Previously, a 50 million transfer fee was already a record-breaking price for a star!

What about now?

Want to buy a star for 50 million?

Absolutely impossible!

If Suker was truly tempted by that sky-high salary, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain would genuinely dare to pay that buyout clause!

Moreover, Suker's fifth Ballon d'Or is almost a certainty!

If Suker lost his sharpness and wanted to seek a higher salary, or out of curiosity, went to play in other Leagues, these were all things Florentino did not want to see happen.

For this, he needed to prevent such a thing from happening in advance.

200 million is not enough insurance!

And with Suker's performance, it's enough to raise his salary, and then use the new contract as an excuse to shackle Suker with a 500 million buyout clause!

If Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain dared to pay that money, Florentino would dare to sue them in court for "violating the Financial Fair Play regulations."

"Agreed?"

Zorancic's astonished voice came from the phone.

He was in Germany discussing a project when he suddenly received Suker's call and didn't expect it to be such a big deal.

"But that's after tax. Did Mr. Perez hear wrong?"

"No, it's after tax. I confirmed it!"

Zorancic was a little stunned.

It was all about bargaining; at the time, to bargain, he intentionally proposed such a super-high salary.

Who would have thought that Florentino wouldn't even bargain!

"Damn it! I asked for too little!" Zorancic said with deep regret: "I should have asked him for 50 million after tax!"

Suker rolled his eyes, knowing it was just talk.

Real Madrid found it very difficult to break 30 million euros; this was a tradition Real Madrid adhered to.

Of course, if Suker continued to perform at a high level, he might be able to make Real Madrid change this rule.

That would depend on his ability!

"How are your negotiations going over there?" Suker asked.

Zorancic went to Germany for one of Suker's endorsements.

"Didn't reach an agreement!" Zorancic sighed; "They can't afford our asking price!"

"Then don't talk!" Suker was open about it, and it wasn't like he was begging the other party for an endorsement. If they couldn't afford the price, then he'd find another. Anyway, there were plenty of brands looking for Suker to endorse.

"That's what I thought too, so I was planning to go to France and then Italy, but this sudden thing came up with you, so I have to take a flight back tonight."

Suker: "Are there any big moves regarding my transfer recently?"

Every season, there were still some transfer inquiries targeting Suker.

In current European football, those magnates from the Middle East are so rich they have nothing left but money.

"I also heard some news, and at the time, I didn't think it was true, but now, combined with Mr. Perez's attitude, it's probably true!" Zorancic said; "Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are both raising funds. My trip to Paris this time was also at the invitation of Nassir, the Executive Chairman of Paris Saint-Germain."

"Nassir?" Suker blinked: "Are you sure it's not to annoy Real Madrid?"

Since their contact with Ancelotti was exposed, it was normal for Nasser to have a retaliatory mindset.

"Probably not!" Zorancic shook his head; "It's truly these fund movements, otherwise Mr. Perez wouldn't have suddenly agreed."

At this point, Zorancic asked, "So, am I still going to Paris?"

Suker's eyes rolled: "Go! Why not go! It's best if the media catches you!"

Zorancic was stunned for a moment.

Suker smiled; "Taking advantage of this, I want to reclaim my image rights!"

Zorancic chuckled wryly.

"Understood!"

Suker hung up the phone and walked out of the office building feeling refreshed, bumping into Mourinho.

"Coach?"

Suker was momentarily stunned.

Mourinho was leaning against the wall, smoking.

Seeing Suker, he threw down the cigarette butt and lightly stomped it out with his foot.

"Going to training?" Mourinho asked.

Suker nodded; "Just about to!"

"Go ahead!" Mourinho said slowly: "Don't let it affect your form!"

As Suker turned to leave, Mourinho suddenly said, "You know, I didn't do these things because of genuine conflict. I don't believe I was wrong!"

Suker blinked and nodded; "Yes! You're not wrong!"

The core of the conflict in this issue was transfer rights!

And regarding this issue, there was no right or wrong, just a struggle for interests.

Moreover, even in the current messy dressing room relations, Mourinho was still playing his part, providing the best tactical guarantee for the team.

Watching Suker leave, Mourinho took another cigarette from his pocket.

These were the two cigarettes he borrowed from a staff member; he had quit smoking a long time ago.

But sometimes, he couldn't handle the pressure and wanted to take a puff.

Nicotine was inhaled into his lungs, relieving his agitated mood.

Mourinho stood by the wall of the office building, silently smoking one cigarette after another.

After finishing the last puff, Mourinho again extinguished the cigarette butt, turned to glance at the office building, and spat.

"Pah! A bunch of bandits!"

Mourinho cursed softly and turned to leave.

Inside the Real Madrid locker room, Casillas was uncharacteristically overjoyed.

Perhaps it was because Mourinho had been reprimanded by the board, or perhaps it was because this internal meeting made Casillas feel like someone was finally going to stand up for him.

Moreover, Casillas could tell that the board was thoroughly enraged this time.

Mourinho was going to be fired!

Casillas was a little carried away, unable to suppress the smile on his face.

Suker looked at Casillas and couldn't help but shake his head.

Was this still the Casillas from three years ago?

At that time, Casillas was still very normal, but three years later, this guy seemed to have become foolish.

Mourinho was indeed reprimanded.

But what Casillas didn't know was that he himself was not far from leaving.

The entire meeting didn't mention anything about Casillas.

It was even strange that no one brought him up at all.

Reprimanding Mourinho, the most crucial thing was to restore Casillas's reputation.

At the very least, Casillas should have his captaincy restored, which would more effectively annoy and suppress Mourinho.

But the board didn't do that, as if Casillas didn't exist.

Given this attitude, there are only two explanations.

Firstly, Casillas knew all this and had been used by the board from beginning to end, so the board didn't need to specifically mention this matter.

Judging from Casillas's previous state, this was simply impossible!

Just his big mouth Barcelona, this not only damaged his personal reputation but also the club's prestige.

If it was planned by the board, they wouldn't harm their own interests.

Thus, only the second explanation remains.

That is, Real Madrid had given up on Casillas, and therefore there was no need to specifically mention him.

In other words, Casillas was finished!

The next day, Real Madrid was ready to depart for Manchester, England, for the second round of their Champions League group stage match.

They would be playing away against Manchester City!

Mourinho remained calm, as if nothing had happened.

However, Casillas didn't even make it into the squad list.

Mourinho would rather bring the third Goalkeeper than Casillas.

However, the relationship between Ramos and Mourinho had eased slightly.

This had to do with their private conversation.

On the plane, Ramos had Suker and Kaka on his left and right, while Benzema, Marcelo, Di Maria, Srna, Arbeloa, and Bale were in the six seats in front and behind them.

These few were Real Madrid's famous gossip enthusiasts.

"Come on, tell us!" Suker nudged Ramos with his shoulder; "What did you two talk about yesterday?"

Ramos gave a wry smile: "Are you guys really that gossipy?"

Suker: "You two came back looking like you'd buried the hatchet."

Marcelo added: "You almost came back holding hands!"

Ramos shook his head and sighed: "It's nothing big. The Head Coach assured me that his conflict is only with Iker personally, and it has nothing to do with other players. In the future, he won't suppress Spanish local players anymore."

Suker: "He said it and you believed him?"

Ramos sighed: "What can I do if I don't believe him? Can I continue to feud with him? It's not good for any of us!"

Kaka nodded: "Exactly, feuding isn't good for any of us."

Benzema: "So you caved in?"

"It's not caving in." Ramos glared at Benzema: "That's not a nice way to put it. I just don't want the locker room to be in turmoil anymore, after all... after all, I'm also a Captain now!"

Bang!!!!

Suker slapped Ramos hard on the back: "Finally, you're acting like it!"

Ramos shook his head with a wry smile, then looked at Suker, pursed his lips, and said: "Iker..."

Suker waved his hand, interrupting: "Just be a good Captain!"

This sentence was already an answer.

Ramos could only sigh at this.

In the afternoon, Real Madrid arrived in Manchester.

The moment they arrived at the airport, almost all the journalists in England were mobilized.

When it comes to gossip, these English journalists are the best in the world. They want to know every bit of gossip, and if they can't find it, they'll just make it up.

Mourinho knew the nature of these English journalists well, so he ordered the players not to accept any interviews. They didn't even appear in the airport's main passage but took a car from the underground parking lot, quietly leaving the airport.

They managed to avoid almost all the journalists on the way, and when they entered the hotel area, the journalists were also blocked off outside the hotel.

This infuriated the journalists, who shouted that they were journalists and had the right to interview.

But Mourinho retorted with a single phrase: 'We have the right not to accept interviews.'

When it comes to dealing with English journalists, Mourinho definitely has a knack. After all, he and the entire English press were once at odds, and Mourinho was not unfamiliar with grand gestures like banning media.

Under Mourinho's protective actions, Real Madrid arrived safely at the hotel without any interference.

Upon arriving at the hotel and checking in, Mourinho immediately requested the players to gather in the meeting room.

They would briefly review the tactical essentials!

Manchester City, full name Manchester City, also known as the Blue Moon!

This is an undeniable football force in Manchester, England. Previously, in this city, the most famous was Carrington No. 9.

During Manchester United's heyday, Manchester City wasn't even considered a noisy neighbor.

Manchester United didn't even bother to consider them a Derby opponent.

At that time, the Manchester Derby wasn't very famous, far less prominent than the Red Derby or the Red Devils versus Gunners clash.

But with the arrival of the wealthy owners, Manchester City's rise was visibly rapid.

Before, a team couldn't even put together one star player.

Now, it's full of star players!

Argentina's two top strikers, Aguero and Carlos Tevez, both play here.

Italian rising star Balotelli also plays here.

David Silva and Nasri are even in control of the midfield.

And there's the strongest B2B, Yaya Touré.

Džeko, Vincent Kompany, and Joe Hart are also mainstays.

Today's Manchester City is not to be underestimated!

Listening to Mourinho's explanation, Suker also pondered Manchester City's squad strength.

Their paper strength is very high, and their various integrations are also good.

However, their competitive level and big-game ability still need to be developed.

But overall, they pose more of a threat compared to Borussia Dortmund.

Borussia Dortmund's current completion is not high, especially their performance in the first Champions League match was not perfect.

Borussia Dortmund's strength lies in their learning ability and growth rate.

As their Champions League journey extends, they will continue to grow and become even stronger.

But Manchester City's current completion is higher, and Real Madrid, in its current state, must be careful and cautious when facing them.

"There are many players in Manchester City to be wary of, but compared to the forwards, Yaya Touré is their strongest core player. He has powerful physicality, technique, and attacking ability. Not only can he drive forward from the front, but he can also drop back and then carry the ball forward with significant pushes!"

"And next to Yaya Touré, there's David Silva, a creative midfielder. Compared to Yaya Touré, he relies more on passing and linking up with the forwards. He has an extremely keen sense for open spaces, especially when combined with Yaya Touré's surges, they can suddenly execute through runs or Silva can deliver a through ball!"

"All of this requires us to strengthen our distance, hold our positions, and not give the opponent any space to run into!"

As soon as Mourinho finished speaking, Benzema raised his hand and asked: "Head Coach, are we still playing defensive counter-attack in this match?"

Mourinho turned his head: "Do you have any better suggestions?"

Benzema chuckled and shook his head: "No... I was just asking!"

Mourinho narrowed his eyes slightly: "I know what you're thinking, but in my team, you can only play my tactics. At least for now, I am still Real Madrid's Head Coach, so you must follow my tactical guidelines to complete the match!"

"I guarantee that as long as you execute the tactical points I've outlined, we will easily win the match!"