The All-Around Center Forward

Spain Royal Hospital.

Kaka was arranged in the best ward, awaiting surgery.

His agent found the best meniscus specialist for the surgery, but it would take a few days, and during this time, Kaka needed to undergo examinations in the hospital and could not engage in any strenuous exercise to avoid aggravating his condition.

This was a private ward, spacious and fully equipped with all necessary items.

Suker sat on the chair at the head of the bed, looking at Kaka and asking, "Is the success rate of the surgery high?"

Kaka smiled and nodded, "Quite high!"

"You know what I'm asking!" Suker stared at Kaka, "I'm asking, to what extent can you recover after the surgery?"

Surgery causes significant damage to athletes.

Many players experience a drastic decline in form due to recovery issues after surgery.

Moreover, Kaka is already over 30 years old, and his recovery ability has inevitably declined.

Falling into injury at this age and requiring surgery is a major event.

Suker nodded, "Your decision to have the surgery is the correct choice!"

In the original timeline, Kaka, like a fool, played in the World Cup after receiving a painkiller injection, which ultimately led to a worsening of his injury. By the time he wanted surgery, he had already missed the best period, and his recovery was also greatly reduced.

This was also one of the reasons for Kaka's rapid decline at Real Madrid.

"Don't talk about me, how is the club doing now?" Kaka asked.

Suker picked up an apple from a fruit plate nearby and took a bite directly.

Swallowing the crisp and sweet fruit, Suker said, "What else could it be? Same as before."

Kaka, "I thought Ramos's change in attitude would make the conflict less sharp!"

"You're taking too much for granted!"

Suker shook his head.

The root of this conflict was not Ramos, nor was it Casillas.

Unless the root cause of the conflict is resolved, Real Madrid will not improve.

"Leidep has stepped down as the Head Coach of the reserve team," Suker said.

Kaka blinked, "Leidep?"

Suker paused, remembering that when Leidep served as interim Head Coach, Kaka had not yet transferred to Real Madrid.

"Leidep was the Head Coach of the reserve team. In my first season at Real Madrid, Pellegrini was dismissed, and Leidep served as interim Head Coach."

Suker paused, "And now he has suddenly resigned as the Head Coach of Real Madrid's reserve team, don't you think it's a bit of a coincidence?"

"Perhaps there are personnel changes?" Kaka said.

Suker nodded, "There is indeed that possibility. I heard he's going to be promoted to Head of Youth Development!"

Kaka smiled, "So it's preparation for a promotion?"

Suker looked at Kaka, "What? You don't want Mourinho to leave?"

Kaka grinned, "Actually, I don't think Mourinho did anything wrong."

"Of course, he didn't do anything wrong," Suker nodded.

Kaka, "You think so too."

Suker nodded, "I have always believed that Mourinho is an excellent Head Coach, of course, only within the scope of being a Head Coach. If he didn't care about those other powers, he would have a very good time at Real Madrid. However, he coveted things that didn't belong to him."

"Is it still about transfer rights?" Kaka asked.

Suker, "Of course, this is the main conflict. And Leidep's resignation, I'm not just guessing. I know some people in Real Madrid's high-level management and the board, and they've revealed to me that this is in preparation."

Suker glanced at Kaka, "As for what preparation, I don't need to say, you know, right?"

Kaka sighed and grinned, "Sometimes I think, getting injured at this time is quite good, at least I don't have to participate in these matters."

Kaka doesn't like the current atmosphere at Real Madrid.

Football should be pure and passionate, but in the Real Madrid locker room, besides football, there are other interests involved, which has somewhat corrupted the purity of football.

"I know what you're thinking, but ever since we left Milan, everything has changed!"

Suker smiled, "Also, do you really think the Milan internal situation was a solid block back then? Not to mention too much, just Albertini being forced out caused a lot of internal conflict in Milan."

"To put it simply, Pirlo forced Albertini out!"

"To put it broadly, it was Ancelotti's idea!"

"To put it even more broadly, it was the conflict between Maldini and Galliani. Galliani wanted to cultivate a new local core, so he could only force Albertini out and support Pirlo's rise!"

Kaka frowned, "Galliani is a very good person!"

Suker couldn't help but laugh.

"Of course, he is a very good person. If there is one person who is absolutely safeguarding Milan's interests, then that person must be Galliani!"

"The boss indeed has great influence and prestige in Milan, but to be honest, as a manager, he's a bit too green, no… I should say his methods aren't strong enough!"

"The boss is waving the flag for Milan in the sunlight, while Galliani is escorting Milan in the dark."

"You can disagree with Galliani's methods, but you cannot deny his love for Milan!"

"As for us…"

Suker shook his head, "When we were at Milan, neither of us truly entered the core circle."

Suker looked at Kaka, "Have you ever sat at that Knights' Table?"

Kaka, "Didn't they invite you?"

"I won't sit!" Suker turned his head and whispered, "Anyway, I'm leaving!"

Suker propped himself up on his knees, stood up, and patted Kaka's shoulder, "Don't overthink it, have a good surgery, recover well, and by the time you return, the club should have already gotten back on track."

Kaka smiled, "Whether I can even be a starter after I come back is a question."

"Don't you dare say such discouraging words, or I'll beat you up!" Suker clenched his fist.

Kaka smiled, knowing that Suker was trying to cheer him up.

"This season, I won't be able to help you!"

Suker shrugged, "Don't worry, Kroos, Di Maria, Benzema, Bale are all lined up to assist me. We don't need you."

He checked the time.

"I really must go."

Kaka nodded, watching Suker leave.

As soon as Suker walked out of the hospital, he saw Florentino's secretary standing at the entrance.

"The boss wants to see you!"

The secretary said.

Suker pursed his lips, "It's probably not going to be pleasant!"

The secretary said nothing, but gestured for Suker to follow.

Suker sighed, "What a terrible day!"

With that, he followed the secretary out of the hospital, got into the car, and headed to Florentino's estate.

Along the way, Suker thought a lot.

To be called now, it shouldn't be about Mourinho.

So the answer was obvious!

Upon arriving at Florentino's estate, Suker was led directly to the grape arbor within the estate by the secretary.

Florentino was still dressed like a farmer, pruning grapes.

Normally, Suker would have gone over and squatted down to taste them.

But now, Suker was not in a good mood, so he went directly to a chair at the back and sat down.

Florentino also observed this scene, a slight smile playing on his lips, and he stood up and said, "It seems you're not in a good mood?"

"Yes!" Suker nodded, "So please don't talk about anything that will make me feel even worse."

Florentino looked at Suker, "You know what I'm going to say?"

Suker, "Obviously, but what I'm unhappy about is that Kaka just got injured. Why are you in such a hurry?"

Florentino, "I just want you to be prepared!"

"That's bullshit!" Suker couldn't help but sneer, "He got injured for Real Madrid, he brought Real Madrid so many championships, including two Champions League titles!"

"But he just got injured, and you want to discuss his future with me? You haven't even bothered to find out his chances of recovery?"

Suker's tone was somewhat angry.

Florentino looked at Suker in surprise, "This is the first time you've been angry. I thought you could always control your temper!"

"Sorry! I can't!" Suker's tone was hard.

"I hope you'll listen to me completely and not interrupt me, okay?" Florentino said.

Suker pursed his lips and made a gesture to proceed, not even speaking.

Florentino sat next to Suker. He took off his farming gloves and slowly said, "Do you know what the biggest problem and difficulty in a club is?"

"Some say it's results, some say it's finances, and some say it's the locker room… But for me and Real Madrid, those aging veteran players are the biggest trouble!"

"They have made great contributions to this club, they have dedicated their youth to us, but out of reason, I have to make a choice!"

"Idealism or the future!"

Florentino slowly said, "I chose the latter. For you, I personally drove Raul away."

"For the stability of the club, I will drive Casillas away!"

"For this club, I can do anything!"

"I understand your feelings, and I know your relationship with Kaka is very deep, which is why I'm looking for you now." Florentino looked at Suker: "Let me ask you a question: if Kaka returns, but his form has severely declined, would you use your influence to help him?"

Before Suker could speak, Florentino added, "You only need to say yes or no!"

Suker's expression was a bit conflicted!

No?

Yes!

He would do it!

Seeing Suker not answering for a long time, Florentino shrugged: "Look, you've already made your choice."

"When Kaka returns, and his form declines, you will use your influence to provide convenience for Kaka."

Suker frowned: "But that's just a hypothesis!"

"No! It's inevitable! Because you would do it!" Florentino said firmly.

Suker pursed his lips and remained silent again.

Florentino continued: "I'm not trying to drive Kaka away; I will give him a chance, but this chance needs to be fair."

"From your standpoint, he is your good friend, and you will inevitably fight for more opportunities for him, which might even escalate into some unpleasant conflicts!"

"But from my standpoint, from the club's standpoint, frankly, between a player over 30 who has undergone major surgery and a younger player with a promising future, who would I choose?"

Suker still said nothing.

He knew Florentino would choose the latter.

"During Pellegrini's time, you also stood up for Pepe. It can be said that Pellegrini's departure was not just Iker's doing; you also had a part in it!" Florentino said; "But I don't want to pursue these matters; they are in the past. I just don't want you to make mistakes because of these things, or rather, to delay yourself!"

"If Kaka's form declines, and you give Kaka many opportunities, it would be fine if the outcome is good, but if the outcome is not good, it will also affect you!"

Florentino looked at Suker: "Are five Ballons d'Or enough? Is that your only goal?"

"You have won four Champions Leagues now. Your respected old captain Maldini has five Champions Leagues. Do you really want to stop here?"

"Don't let your emotions affect your judgment!" Florentino sighed; "You are a smart kid, smarter than any player I've ever seen, so I believe you can figure it out!"

"Anger is anger! But some decisions still need to be made!" Florentino paused for a moment and said; "Just like those kids I personally sent away. Don't let emotions dominate your judgment!"

At this point, Florentino slowly stood up; "Regarding Kaka's issue, I will provide him with the best medical environment, the best post-operative recovery, and the best rehabilitation training, but as for what state he can recover to, that will depend on Kaka's own performance."

"Suker, don't let this game become unfair. If you interfere, it will be an offense to those young players!"

After Florentino finished speaking, he looked at Suker: "Would you like to have lunch at my house? My chef made your favorite food!"

Suker: "Yes! Why not!"

Florentino smiled and looked at Suker, nodding to his secretary, who went to make arrangements.

Suker had a hearty lunch at Florentino's estate before driving home.

He knew what Florentino meant, and he also knew that some things could not be judged entirely by reason.

Just like the issue with Kaka, Suker found it difficult to make a rational judgment.

Or rather, he tried his best to avoid Kaka's departure.

He knew that the idea of Kaka always playing by his side was a bit naive, but he did make efforts for it, urged Kaka to improve his playing, and even negotiated with Mourinho, snatching some midfield resources from Alonso.

Suker knew that he also bore some responsibility for Alonso's departure.

And all of this was in the hope that Kaka could always stay by his side.

But as the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

This time, it truly depended on Kaka's own fate!

Suker returned to the villa. As soon as he arrived, Zorancic walked in with a suitcase.

"What's wrong? Why do you look so mad?"

Zorancic said, looking at Suker's expression.

Suker said with a cold face: "Mad? Maybe you made me angry!"

"What did I do? You're mad at me!" Zorancic shook his head. He walked into the house, placed his suitcase aside, and went straight to the refrigerator, poured himself a glass of ice water, and drank it all.

On a hot day, ice water is refreshing.

Zorancic exhaled, then turned to Suker and said: "Paris Saint-Germain does have a plan to activate your buyout clause!"

"Are they really going to pay?" Suker was surprised.

Zorancic: "Their Executive Chairman Nasser has just applied to be a member of the UEFA Financial Fair Play Committee. Once he joins this committee, he will gain great convenience, for example…"

"Financial Fair Play!"

"Exactly!" Zorancic laughed; "Once he gets that seat, he will immediately activate your buyout clause, provided, of course, that you agree."

At this point, Zorancic smiled; "You have no idea how much fun I had in Paris. These Middle Eastern tycoons have no concept of money at all. These past few days have been great!"

"Did he loosen your tongue?" Suker laughed.

Zorancic: "Of course not! I know what's important. My trip was just to add leverage for you. I bet Florentino has already received the news by now and is anxious!"

"No!" Suker shook his head; "He just made me really angry!"

Zorancic was surprised: "He made you angry? Why?"

Suker waved his hand: "Let's not talk about that. How do you plan to handle this negotiation?"

"What else can I do?" Zorancic shrugged; "Real Madrid's offer is already very sincere. Getting your image rights back, that's enough!"

Suker: "I've changed my mind!"

Zorancic looked at Suker.

The latter continued: "I don't need the image rights back, but the sharing ratio can be negotiated."

"And in exchange for that, I'll only renew for three years!"

Zorancic said in surprise: "Only renew for three years?"

Suker nodded: "Yes! I want to challenge something!"

Zorancic: "Challenge what?"

Suker revealed a cold smile: "Real Madrid's rules!"

Real Madrid, in order to prevent the club from becoming a mere appendage of superstars, does not offer players salaries exceeding 30 million euros.

In the original timeline, Cristiano Ronaldo's highest annual salary at Real Madrid reached 25 million euros, which was even less than Suker's impending renewal.

But Messi's after-tax annual salary at Barcelona reached 60 million euros at its peak!

It could be said to be double Suker's after his renewal!

Of course, this was a new contract signed in the original timeline in 2017.

Previously, Suker had no interest in challenging it.

But with Suker winning more Ballons d'Or, more honors, and more championships.

He was very curious if Real Madrid would proactively abandon their so-called rules to keep him!

Therefore, he only signed for three years!

Future renewals would be the same!

Unless you give me a salary exceeding 60 million euros, otherwise, it will always be a 3-year minimum.

He wanted to give Florentino a sense of crisis!

After Zorancic arrived, Suker and Real Madrid immediately initiated contract renewal negotiations.

These negotiations lasted for a full two days.

Ultimately, Zorancic, with his eloquent tongue, achieved a great victory!

Suker received the highest annual salary in football, 31 million euros.

And his buyout clause also reached a terrifying 500 million euros!

The extra 1 million euros was purely Suker's way of annoying Florentino, but the latter still agreed.

As for the image rights, it was a 6:4 split!

Suker took 60%!

Real Madrid took 40%!

Suker had also proposed a 7:3 split, but Real Madrid's negotiation team was almost driven crazy.

If Suker's image rights percentage was also reduced, they would truly struggle to afford Suker's massive salary.

Ultimately, Suker conceded a step, only asking for 60%.

This also made Real Madrid's management breathe a sigh of relief.

The only slight drawback was that the contract was only for three years!

However, both Real Madrid and Suker had a subtle sense of competition regarding this.

Real Madrid hoped that Suker, in the next signing, would recognize reality and extend the contract duration with them, as Suker was no longer young.

And Suker, on the other hand, wanted to challenge Real Madrid's rules!

Currently, he had achieved a phased victory!