After watching the Champions League, Chen Xiaoliang and Shen Mengyu had lunch in Paris the next day, then one returned to Glasgow and the other embarked on the journey back to China.
After flying for a full 13 hours wearing a mask, sunglasses and a hat, and asking the captain and the chief flight attendant to keep his identity secret to avoid causing unnecessary trouble, Chen Xiaoliang finally set foot on the land of his hometown.
He didn't tell his parents in advance that he was coming back, as he wanted to give them a surprise. The result was exactly as he expected, and his mother was so happy that she almost cried.
No matter how old or promising the child is, he is still a piece of flesh and blood of his mother wherever he goes. How can she not feel sorry for him? She quickly called his father and asked him to come home from get off work early.
When she saw her son, Chen's mother looked him up and down.
But she soon felt a little lost.
Mother Chen: "You're not having enough fun?"
Chen Xiaoliang: "What's not fun enough?"
Mother Chen pouted in disdain : "I told you last time I went to Glasgow that a girl who is five years older than you is as good as your mother. A girl who is six years older than you is not happy enough. Isn't she six years older than you?"
Chen Xiaoliang: “…”
Mother Chen: "Your father and I have discussed this a long time ago. It doesn't matter if the child is older. I've seen that the little girl is very caring. The German foreigner is also very good. If we have a child in the future, it will be mixed-race, so cute!"
Chen Xiaoliang: “…”
Chen's mother: "She is very sensible. She often takes some photos of you and sends them to us. Unlike you, you are so busy that you don't even think about us."
Chen Xiaoliang: "What? She has your contact information? And she often sends you photos?"
Mother Chen: "That's for sure, see."
As Mother Chen spoke, she opened her phone and flipped through the photos Helena had sent her over the past year.
"How can I feel at ease when you are alone outside? She can speak Chinese and is with you every day, so of course I have to contact her every day."
Chen Xiaoliang: “…”
Mother Chen looked at him again, and suddenly her eyes lit up: "Do you have any news to tell us this time?"
Chen Xiaoliang: "I came back to help you move into your new home, and to keep you company."
Mother Chen: "No good news?"
Chen Xiaoliang thought for a moment and said, "I won several awards, including the best in the Serie A season..."
Chen's mother: "Who wants to listen to your football stuff! Little girl, um? Is there any movement?" As she said that, Chen's mother stretched out her hand and gestured at her belly twice.
Chen Xiaoliang: "No! What are you thinking? I'm just 18 years old, and you want me to be your father? You'd better be careful that I like being a father!"
Mother Chen once again showed her disdain: "It's a pleasure to be a father... You should take good care of yourself and don't get too tired from the competition. I see that you don't look well. You haven't been active for so long... Really, I'll give you a good rest this time when I come back."
That night, until Chen's father came home, Chen Xiaoliang basically spent the whole time in happy silence.
Although his mother was nagging, he always thought about her nagging and looked forward to it in the villa in the wealthy area near the Trigoria base and in the hotels he stayed in during his hasty travels across Italy and Europe.
In an era when people have no worries about food and clothing and no longer need to make repeated preparations when traveling far away, these naggings are the thread in the hands of a loving mother and the tight stitches on the clothes of her children.
When Chen's father came back, he was also surprised and happy. He liked football in the first place, and after his son became a star, he attended every game of Roma. Even if he couldn't watch it in the middle of the night, he would find time to watch all the game videos the next day.
However, when Chen Xiaoliang came back this time, in addition to accompanying them to move into their new home, he also had a public event to attend.
The Olympic Committees of several European countries visited China to strengthen sports cooperation. As the most famous player in Europe and the only player in the top five leagues, Chen Xiaoliang participated in the exchange activities of famous athletes from both sides, just like Yao Ming who played in the United States. Of course, he was also the only football player from China to participate in this activity...
This invitation was not conveyed by anyone else, but by Boss Wu from the Red Country Sports Circle, who wanted Chen Xiaoliang to make an appearance.
The European Olympic Committee came here for one thing: the 2024 Olympic Games will be held in Paris. As one of the most important sports powers in the world, the Red Country is naturally the most important market.
Due to insufficient production capacity, in just three months, the price of natural gas has soared 6-10 times in different European countries, which not only caused economic chaos but also affected the preparations for the Olympic Games.
Compared with natural gas shipped across the Atlantic from the United States, Algeria's location on the southern coast of the Mediterranean makes their transportation costs to Europe much lower than that of the United States.
Now, a cargo ship fully loaded with liquefied natural gas storage tanks departing from Algiers and unloading in Naples can bring a net profit of 40 million euros to the joint venture between Boss Wu and Chen Xiaoliang.
Although the production and transportation volume are not as good as the large-scale procurement in the United States, and Boss Wu’s selling price is slightly lower, this is still the highest moment in the history of natural gas profits.
In three months, apart from the initial acquisition costs, Chen Xiaoliang has earned 20 million euros, and this is only with a 10% stake.
Boss Wu, who holds 90% of the shares, made a fortune.
This made Boss Wu, the successor to a Hong Kong shipping family, look at Chen Xiaoliang with new eyes, and he even asked him several times "What do your parents do?"
Which ordinary person could know six months in advance that a war between Russia and Ukraine was going to break out and then make arrangements for natural gas in advance?
Because of this, Boss Wu has completely regarded this younger generation who plays football as his staunch ally.
This ability to plan ahead and build quickly is a characteristic of the hardworking people of the Red Country. Naturally, the Olympic Committee also wants to cooperate with the Red Country to speed up the preparation and construction of the venues.
As a Hong Kong shipping tycoon who controls a considerable share of Mediterranean shipping, Mr. Wu naturally became an indispensable figure in the preparations and exchanges for the Olympic Games.
Europe hopes to further strengthen cooperation, both to expand the market and to ask the Red Country to provide cost-effective and efficient construction solutions.
In this kind of friendly negotiation occasion, Chen Xiaoliang naturally became the perfect mascot.
And this is the task he will have to undertake sooner or later as his influence continues to grow.
So he stayed at home for three weeks, accompanied his parents to move, chatted with them, and after settling in, he said goodbye to his reluctant parents and went to the imperial capital in a low-key manner.
In the Great Hall, Chen Xiaoliang met for the first time athletes from so many categories, including many Olympic gold medalists, all of whom were top figures in their respective fields.
However, how could he, who could remain calm and focused on himself amid the cheers of tens of thousands of people, be frightened by such a scene?
Zhongyang TV also broadcast this news in its evening news broadcast, and specially included footage of Chen Xiaoliang communicating with foreign athletes.
It doesn't matter if this is released, the fans of the Red Country are very excited.
[What? Xiaoliang returned to China? ]
[Why does no one know? What is he doing back? ]
[The above person is stupid, didn’t the news broadcast tell you why he came back...]
[Fuck, I'm worried that those bastards from the Football Association will come looking for him]
[If they wanted to find it, they would have done it a long time ago. Wouldn’t it be a slap in their own face if they did?]
[Could it be that they had a falling out with Rome? ]
…
Overnight, all kinds of discussions and speculations spread in the domestic football circle.
The three presidents of the Football Association were also very nervous.
How come this kid was attending such an important diplomatic event without anyone from above informing us in advance?
President Cheng quickly asked Vice President Xu to contact Director Zhu who was based in Europe.
Director Zhu reported to them with great confidence, saying that he and Chen Xiaoliang's agent were on good terms, and that "things" were going very smoothly. Next, Chen Xiaoliang would definitely cooperate with the Football Association's requirements.
The three presidents were stunned. Director Zhu had been keeping an eye on the situation in Europe over the past few years, and had made a lot of efforts and "achieved many merits". He was definitely a capable person, especially President Cheng, who had great trust in him.
On several occasions, Chairman Cheng took the team on overseas vacations under the pretext of studying advanced football in Europe, and Director Zhu was always there to make arrangements and take care of everything. Not only was the daytime schedule full and content-rich, but he also played cards with Chairman Cheng in the evening. He was an absolute confidant and a capable assistant.
There shouldn't be any problem with what he reported, but this matter was indeed a bit unreasonable, which still made them uneasy.
Yes, the three of them were right to worry.
But this is exactly the special sensitivity that only people with something to hide have.
Chen Xiaoliang used to not want to get involved in this muddy water, so when he first met Director Zhu as a wanderer, he chose to laugh it off and kept his distance from each other.
I kick my own and you pick up your own, out of sight, out of mind.
But what happened later changed him little by little.
He saw 15-year-olds fixing matches just to achieve some so-called "balance";
He saw that every time the media reported Wu Lei's progress in Europe, no matter how hard he worked, there would always be people mocking him, just because he was a member of the Chinese national football team that was despised by everyone;
He saw that when those malicious self-media outlets that created traffic said that he would be called up by the national football team, a large number of fans came out to oppose it, saying that if he joined the national football team, he would be aiding and abetting the evil and would be ruined immediately;
He saw those players who did not want to sink into the messy environment of Red Country football and chose to go abroad to play in some small leagues, but they received not blessings but malicious cold eyes.
In addition, incredible things such as stock reform, neutral names, withdrawal after winning the championship, etc. have actually happened. Maybe some of them had good starting points, but in the end almost all of them were messed up.
He finally decided to do something, not to change the above, which was not something a European player could change.
But it is only for the sake of those children who, with my help, have traveled across the ocean to Scotland to participate in youth training and perhaps go to Spain for further studies in the future, so that they will not encounter the same thing again in the future.
I will no longer be humiliated online for being a male football player from the Red Country, like the golden seal on the face of a Liangshan hero;
There will no longer be a need to follow someone's instructions and do things that go against conscience and the law in order to continue playing;
You will no longer be replaced by others because you have the ability to enter a better platform but did not spend money to buy off connections.
He didn't want to pay all this, only to see those clear eyes full of dreams become confused and turbid after two or three years when they returned to the football environment of the Red Country.
He thought about it for a long time and realized that just buying a fourth-tier team in Spain was not enough to protect those young players.
So he finally took this step, with the help of Reese and the help of Boss Wu.
Director Zhu has been in contact with Riise for more than a year. The Football Association, which is at the center of the storm, naturally hopes to establish an association with the increasingly dazzling Chen Xiaoliang in order to divert attention and reduce its own negative comments.
But they were already in a state of no return, and at first they were hesitant to talk. It was only after Reese's premeditated approach, goodwill, gifts, and treats that they finally passed Director Zhu's test, causing him to let down his guard and gradually tell him the rules of their game.
In view of Chen Xiaoliang's fame and strength, he does not need to pay a "registration fee" to cooperate with the national team, but for domestic portrait rights, broadcasting rights, and merchandise distribution, he must sign a contract with the agency designated by the head coach.
Director Zhu said to Riise, "On this point, except for a few players who have been personally greeted by the president, most of the players are doing this. If you can become a special case of not paying the money just because you play well in Europe, then even if the president agrees, you will be excluded by other players after you join the team. You have been in the football team for so long, you must understand that the locker room should be harmonious, right?"
Of course, Director Zhu would not let Reese's work be in vain. After the task was completed, he would give him 20% of the profits as a reward for his diligence during this period and as a guarantee for long-term cooperation in the future.
Reese knew that this was an attempt to drag him onto the pirate ship and make him an accomplice in the interests.
Looking at Reese's slightly uneasy expression, Director Zhu patted his chest confidently: "The contract has been signed, and I will take care of the rest."
Although he was mentally prepared, Reese still asked in surprise: "Is this possible?"
Director Zhu smiled and said, "Okay. Heaven knows, earth knows, you know, I know, and Chairman Cheng knows."
Reise was confused. How could a strong man who had played football for half his life have ever played such a game?
Director Zhu showed a confident and conceited expression: "Riise, we can't always be stagnant. We must learn to have a big picture. How many Chen Xiaoliangs can there be? There is only one in the whole country, Europe, and even the whole world. Besides this, how many big contracts can you represent? After cooperating with us, all the young players sent to Europe in the future can be handed over to you for operation."
Afterwards, Director Zhu said something that showed that he had been immersed in the system for decades and was full of classic wisdom.
"If you don't take it, how can I take it? If I don't take it, how can President Cheng take it? If President Cheng doesn't take it, how can you and I make progress? Let's hurry up and sign the contract, the sooner the better."
Reese nodded, cursing Chen Xiaoliang in his heart for betraying him, but at the same time he felt that this undercover game was too exciting!
Director Zhu quickly printed out the contract, sent out an electronic version, and asked Riise to call national team coach Li.
Coach Li explained the contents of the contract in detail in his English with a local accent, and at the end he did not forget to thank Riise for his cooperation.
Reese said that he was just an agent and had to take the contract back to Chen Xiaoliang to sign in person.
Seeing that he was a little hesitant, Director Zhu used another big move:
"Brother, there is one thing you may not understand. In our country, to be a coach or to open a football school, you need a license. This is the same as in Europe. Aren't there three levels of coaching certificates, A, B, and C?"
"We all know that you have brought so many children from the Red Country. The presidents are also very clear about this. Logically speaking, they can stop what you are doing with just one word, and those children will naturally not be able to leave."
"Do you think that players registered with us are directly brought to the UK for training without going through us? This is unlicensed teaching, which is obviously not in compliance with the law."
"Even if...even if he is Godzilla...that Tramp Club is a big club, but he has not obtained a license from the Football Association, we can say that he is teaching without a license. Even if Real Madrid comes, they still need to obtain a license."
"The president and coach Li are also looking to the future and hope to have long-term cooperation with you, so they made some concessions and turned a blind eye to it, making a big thing small and a small thing nothing. This also shows their sincerity."
Reese nodded rapidly. He had collected enough things. He just wanted to leave this filthy and disgusting room immediately, instantly.
For this reason, he had to continue acting: "Brother Zhu, don't worry, I will definitely cooperate."
In fact, Reese's acting skills are not good at all, but the reason why Chen Xiaoliang still let him take part is because of his naturally fierce face like a pirate leader. He is more terrifying when he smiles than when he doesn't smile, which can fully cover up his shortcomings in acting.
After returning to his home in Rome, Chen Xiaoliang listened to all the recordings, saw the contracts and chat records, and felt both happy and sad.
At that moment, a sentence kept lingering in his mind:
When I was a child, I was afraid of ghosts because they looked scary.
When I grow up, I become afraid of people because they are well-dressed.
After his natural gas business became a huge success, he found an opportunity to meet with Boss Wu who was on a business trip to Rome.
He told his idea to this extremely shrewd and intelligent super-rich man, who was so smart that he could take over the family business of several generations from the old shipping tycoon as a son-in-law.
But at the same time, he is also a senior and enthusiastic sports fan, especially football.
Boss Wu, like Chen Xiaoliang back then, didn't want to get involved in muddy waters that had nothing to do with him.
But his inner love for football, and especially his sadness about the current state of football in the Red Country, have always made him want to do something.
In the end, it was the words of his married daughter Wu Mi that touched him.
Whether it is the old shipping magnate or the current Boss Wu, they have worked hard and sacrificed for their family's business empire all their lives, and even married their precious daughter to another super wealthy family to achieve a strong marriage.
But in fact, Boss Wu was also very painful. He knew that he had sacrificed his daughter's happiness and forcibly extinguished her impulse for love.
And now, the sincere and idealistic eyes of the young man in front of him stirred up waves in his heart.
Born in 1956, he is already 66 years old, with half of his body already in the coffin. Before he gets completely old, why not help this young man, do something idealistic for the sake of his own interests, and wade through some muddy water?
What's more, given his status, those despicable villains can't hurt him at all.
He also knew that the reason he had not done anything similar was not because he was worried that he did not have the ability to do so, but because he was worried that it would fall on deaf ears and he would only be greeted with disappointment again.
Thinking of this, Boss Wu's eyes changed, and he told Chen Xiaoliang that he would come forward directly to report the matter to his superiors in his name.
This is also the scope he can cover as a link between the sports circles of the two countries, although he has never been an athlete.
So, while participating in IOC activities in the capital, he reported the matter in detail to the sports authorities.
Before handing over the evidence, Boss Wu asked his confidant to do technical processing in advance to eliminate the content related to Chen Xiaoliang and Reese.
In the end, he received a very clear and positive response from the relevant departments.
"Investigate thoroughly and show no leniency!"
The relevant departments stated that they would take some time to fully collect evidence and then dig out the entire chain, arresting those who should be arrested and removing those who should be removed, rather than just targeting one or two people.
The entire process from report to reply took only three days.
But these three days were simply the most stressful and restless three days for Boss Wu.
Finally, when he and Chen Xiaoliang were about to part and return to their own lives, this business legend who was both his teacher and friend patted him on the shoulder, handed him an exquisitely printed envelope, and asked him to read it before boarding the plane back to Rome.
Chen Xiaoliang kept his promise and opened it only after he got on the plane.
Inside was a letter, a meaningful passage written in English with a fountain pen:
"I have never let anyone down in my life, except for my daughter. I know he likes you very much. To be honest, I like you too."
"But there is no maybe in reality, and the choices you have made cannot be changed."
"So I never told her these things."
"You are a very smart person. I am very optimistic about you. I was far inferior to you when I was 18 years old. I also hope that when you are my age, you can still be far better than me."
"This time, you made me feel several years younger, and it's a very good feeling."
"Next time, I hope you can let me see a more mature you when we meet in Europe."
The signature is still his English name: Pete Wu.
Chen Xiaoliang kept the letter very carefully.
However, his goal is not to surpass a businessman who ranks in the top 100 on the Forbes wealth list. His goal is to win the championship, especially the championship of the new season that is about to begin, and all the championships that follow!
But before that, he had one more urgent thing to do.
After getting off the plane, he drove home by himself. The offseason was still a few days away, so he did not end David's vacation early.
But when he returned to his residence, a familiar figure was already waiting there.
"Are you back? Are you hungry? Come on and eat. Everything is ready."
After knowing that Chen Xiaoliang was coming back, Helena returned to Rome ahead of time. At this moment, she took his hand and walked into the house, and reached out to pick up his luggage.
After Chen Xiaoliang entered the room, he put down his luggage, held her hand, and said what he had wanted to say to Helena in person for the past few weeks:
"My mom told me everything, but I didn't even notice it."
Helena had her hands held by him, her face red and a look of confusion on her face.
“Sometimes I’ll go out to play and you’ll take a picture of my back for them.”
"Sometimes I would come home from a game and go to bed without taking a shower because I was so tired. You would cover me with a blanket and then report to them that I was safe."
"Sometimes I'll do a few interviews and you'll download them, edit them together and send them to them."
"Sometimes it's just the weekend when I finish the dinner you made, and you happily take a picture of it and tell them."
"And there were times when I was away from home for a few days and you would take screenshots of the game and send them to them and tell them that I was not injured and the game went well."
When Chen Xiaoliang said this, his eyes were completely red.
The same is true for Helena.
"Why do you have to tell them everything?"
After Chen Xiaoliang said this in a seemingly reproachful manner, they both laughed again. This laugh shook off the tears in their eyes.
"You've done so much, why didn't you tell me?"
After saying this, the two hugged each other tightly.
After a while, they wiped their tears and sat down to eat.
Chen Xiaoliang asked: "How is Grandpa?"
Helena nodded: "He is very good. He asked me to persuade you to go to Bayern."
Chen Xiaoliang: "Hahaha, what if I don't go?"
Helena: "If you don't want to go, then don't go. Anyway, grandpa is not leading the team now. If he was still the head coach, I would definitely let you go."
Chen Xiaoliang: "Well...if he is still coaching, I would be willing to go without you telling me, just like Sir Alex Ferguson. If he is still coaching Manchester United, I would accept the contract he offers me even if he doesn't pay me."
Then, Chen Xiaoliang said, "What if I go to Real Madrid?"
Helena pretended to be angry and said, "Go ahead. If you go, I will go back to Germany and you can live with David."
Chen Xiaoliang laughed and kissed Helena: "No, no, what about Barcelona?"
Helena: "That's fine... We have to beat up Real Madrid when we get there."
Chen Xiaoliang: "Then Liverpool is also OK? They have lost 5 and tied 1 of their last 6 encounters with Real Madrid. If I go there, they will win."
Helena pouted. "Will you go? Liverpool isn't what you have in mind, is it?"
Chen Xiaoliang chuckled: "You found out, you're the only one in my heart."
Helena blushed: "Who taught you that? You're so unsophisticated..."
The two of them spent some time together, and after cleaning up the dishes, Chen Xiaoliang sent a text message to Mourinho:
"Coach, I'm back in Rome!"
Mourinho replied almost immediately: "Just back? I never left! Come to the base to see me tomorrow."
The next morning, Chen Xiaoliang drove to the Trigoria base, which he had not seen for a few days but felt like a long time.
It really is like a long time since we last met.
Mourinho saw his beloved disciple walk into the office, put down what he was doing and went out to greet him.
The two of them each made a cup of coffee and sat down. Mourinho told Chen Xiaoliang about the club's recent situation.
Kvaratskhelia has completed the club's medical examination and the club has found him a house, but because his income is not very high, the house is a little far away, although it is still in the Trigoria area.
Dybala and Belotti are both in talks, and both are very willing. The talks with their original clubs have broken down. The only obstacle now is salary, but Mourinho feels that if they delay a little longer, there should be good results.
Wijnaldum's loan has been agreed, and the player will come to Rome after the holidays. He will live in the villa where Wu Lei used to live, so Mourinho hopes that Chen Xiaoliang can spend more time with him at that time, after all, they will be his midfield partners next season.
The deal has also been concluded with Enzo, and the transfer has already been completed. According to the records of FIFA, UEFA and the Italian Football Association, he is already a Roma player.
However, as he is playing in Europe for the first time, he has to take care of some family matters in Argentina and will fly over a few days later to join the team.
Chen Xiaoliang was very happy to hear this, as it meant that all three lines of the team would be strengthened next season.
wrong……
It's not three lines, it's two.
Sure enough, Mourinho frowned and continued, "But we still can't find a good central defender. This is a headache. This is why I have not left here. Although it is only the end of June and the transfer window is not officially open, two months pass very quickly. August 31st will pass in a flash. What's more, after the league starts in August, I will not have enough time to participate in transfer negotiations."
Chen Xiaoliang knew that this was Mourinho asking for help, so he tried to mention a few names:
"Lisandro Martinez?"
Mourinho shook his head: "This Argentine is good, but Manchester United has already made an offer of 57.37 million euros, and Ajax has accepted it. The player's agent told us directly that even if Roma matched the same offer or even doubled his annual salary, he would still only go to Manchester United to reunite with Ten Hag."
Chen Xiaoliang: "Another defender of Ajax, Edson Alvarez?"
Mourinho: "We have also contacted Ajax, no, Van der Sar, that is, their football director, said that they have decided to sell one of their main central defenders and will not sell another one. If we really want this Mexican, we can take him away for 87 million euros."
After saying that, he spread his hands.
Chen Xiaoliang continued: "Atlanta's Turkish central defender..."
Before he could finish, Mourinho spoke up: "Demiral, Gasperini said, take him away for 55 million. Believe me, he is not worth that price, I took him for 35 million."
Well……
Chen Xiaoliang was speechless for a moment, but he did not give up: "Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck?"
After saying that, he regretted it himself. The black shop player asked him what he did...
Mourinho: "They are willing to sell, 98 million euros, why don't you buy it?"
It really is a shady shop... They are addicted to selling Haaland.
Chen Xiaoliang thought for a while this time: "Try Arsenal's Fu Yasu Kenyo?"
Mourinho sneered helplessly: "Arteta said that this Japanese player is not for sale and is an important player for the new season."
Damn...Brother Tazi has a set...even the items not for sale have come out...
Chen Xiaoliang: "How about Lindelof from Manchester United? Although he may not be outstanding, he should be able to form healthy competition with the existing players when he joins the team."
The reason why Chen Xiaoliang mentioned him is that Lindelof was introduced by Mourinho when he was at Manchester United.
Mourinho nodded: "I know this guy. I asked his agent. Manchester United is willing to sell him for about 35 million euros, but the player doesn't want to leave. After all, his current weekly salary is 120,000 pounds, about 135,000 euros. This cost is too high and will cause psychological imbalance for our existing defenders."
Chen Xiaoliang's eyes suddenly lit up: "There is a person! Free of charge! Roman Saiss from Wolves!"
Mourinho was also excited: "Yes! This guy can do it!"
He immediately called Pinto.
Wolves have many Portuguese players, and they are all represented by Mourinho's agent Mendes.
The Moroccan captain is experienced. Although he is a bit old at 32 years old, it is still quite cost-effective and practical for him to come here for free and play for 2-3 seasons.
Just three minutes after hanging up the phone, Pinto called back and Mourinho looked disappointed:
"This guy has been signed by Besiktas."
Chen Xiaoliang touched his head speechlessly: "Coach, how much budget do we have left?"
Mourinho: "60 million euros."
Chen Xiaoliang narrowed his eyes and looked at Mourinho: "Can we be more sincere?"
Mourinho laughed: "45 million euros."
Chen Xiaoliang knew that Mourinho was afraid that he would feel that the budget was insufficient and would not come up with more good suggestions for candidates, so he deliberately exaggerated the situation.
If he really had 60 million euros, he would have bought the player long ago instead of waiting until today.
Chen Xiaoliang: "That's 35 million euros at most, coach, let's not brag about it. I can't think of anyone suitable for this price, unless I go buy a cheap one somewhere and try my luck by scratching a lottery ticket."
"Because you want a practical player who can fight and win, not just a young player who you buy and train for 1-2 years before entrusting him with important tasks."
"So, I suggest renting one."
Mourinho: "Rent? But the central defender is always a problem for me, I still want to solve the problem once and for all."
Chen Xiaoliang: "I have a very good candidate. This person cannot be bought, but can be rented with a little more money. We may be able to set up some buyout clauses, and then use a successful season to try to keep his heart. In this way, maybe we can keep him at the end of the season."
Mourinho: "Tell me, who is it?"
Chen Xiaoliang: "Gvardiol, Croatian, plays for RB Leipzig, only 20 years old."
Mourinho has heard of this man, but is not too familiar with him:
"20? Is that okay? You just said I don't want young people to come and exercise."
Chen Xiaoliang: "Okay, boss. He is a madman. When he gets mad, he is extremely crazy."
Mourinho also narrowed his eyes and looked at Chen Xiaoliang: "Is Riise replacing him?"
Chen Xiaoliang: "I thought so too! Of course not! How could Red Bull let its own players be represented by outsiders? It took a long time to fool Sesco from Salzburg Red Bull."
Mourinho: "How do you know how bad he is when he gets crazy?"
Chen Xiaoliang: "I..."
"I've watched countless movies and met countless people, boss!"
Mourinho: "No other recommendations?"
Chen Xiaoliang: "No, coach. You want someone who can help you win the championship. I am also aiming for the championship. It is useless to buy cheap stuff from anybody. It is better to practice Kumbulla more."
Mourinho: "Oh, our captain seems to have the potential to be a head coach. He has even started to make training plans. I'll ask Pinto to ask him and give me a scouting report to see if he is as awesome as you say."
Chen Xiaoliang thought, Dio is in his name, he was born with it, of course he is cool.