074. A Prestigious Spanish Team (2)

It is impossible to decide on an important transfer by just listening to one team.

Weighing is a necessity, not an option.

That's why Rucci stood in front of Real Madrid's board as Hoyoung's representative.

We had to get the best conditions possible.

The opponents are Chairman Perez and Finance Director Sanchez.

Negotiations that began thereafter were carried out in a bright atmosphere.

Perez, who was sitting on the other side, raised his rimless glasses and said.

"Stop talking about Sao Paulo. "The conversation with the club ended four months ago."

"I heard. "You pay all the penalty (buy-out) in cash."

Since Lucci was an agent representing the player, he had to clearly point out the buyout issue for Hoyoung.

This is because some clubs often practice 'piracy' by ignoring formal procedures and bringing in players, which can have a negative impact on the players later on.

However, if Real Madrid paid the penalty in a lump sum, there was no need to worry anymore.

After that, there was a back and forth about the player's future.

In fact, the conversation was deep as it was a more important issue than weekly wages.

Treasurer Sánchez said.

"Our proposal is this. Article 3 of the Youth Policy to prevent violations of the Youth Protection Act. We fully support the Spanish business of the player's father or mother and actively help them with their immigration settlement. Please share your thoughts on this."

It was a condition commonly placed on promising young people.

For example, Lionel Messi moved from Argentina to Spain with his parents at the age of 14.

There was support from FC Barcelona during the process, and thanks to that, no major problems occurred later.

From that perspective, it was a very satisfying proposal for Lucci.

but.

"This is not the direction the player wants."

"I came to buy players. "Let's stop the tug-of-war."

When Perez spoke directly, Rucci thought it was time to reveal his true feelings.

"The player's maternal family is located near Madrid's outer ring road. It's a small town called Zorica. Moreover, Woo Ho-young's maternal grandfather has already been appointed as his legal guardian, so there is no problem."

Perez lifted his chin and swallowed his words.

Sanchez asked on his behalf.

"How far is it from the training ground?"

"It takes almost 3 hours round trip by car. Moreover, Woo Ho-young's maternal grandparents are people who live frugally with their retirement funds. Moving is realistically difficult."

"Heulheul."

widely!

Perez hit the table cheerfully and laughed.

"Isn't it enough to find a house? "Please tell them to come only physically."

This means that all funds will be supported.

As expected of Perez, it was an exciting proposal.

However, it was not a matter that he could decide blindly.

He is the 'Chairman' elected by citizens' vote, not the team owner.

Because Real Madrid, a civic club, does not have an owner in the first place.

Nevertheless, the reason Perez was able to make such a decision was because the club had a youth policy called 'full support for player recruitment.'

That's how badly Perez wanted to bring Hoyoung.

his star quality.

He highly valued the benefits it would bring to the club later.

Because it was Hoyoung who had the title of U-17 World Cup Golden Ball winner.

"great. "I will tell you about the issue of where to live."

Afterwards, the conversation was led by Rucci.

It wasn't a difficult negotiation.

This is because Chairman Perez had already completely opened his mind.

So, the contract was almost completed.

Lucci said something meaningful.

"We want a first-team tutor for Woo Ho-young."

"Hmm… That's a difficult problem. "I can provide you with a personal coach."

The finance officer closed his mouth there.

Because anything beyond that was not his subject matter.

This time it was Perez who responded to the request.

"There are conditions."

"I will listen."

"Skipping a grade to Real Madrid C (3rd professional team) until 2008."

"!"

"I want to see that player at the Bernabeu as soon as possible. "I have no intention of sending it to England."

I didn't know if it would be possible for Hoyoung.

That's why Lucci didn't back down either.

"There are conditions here too."

"What conditions do you mean again?"

"Please give Woo Ho-young a tutor. Then, you will be able to skip a grade to Team C by 2008."

"haha. "Why are you obsessed with tutoring?"

"The players want it."

"Heulheul." "I will try my best."

Negotiations are over.

All that remained was Hoyoung's decision.

Finally, Lucci asked.

"Is there anything you would like to say to Woo Ho-young?"

"I tell you to come here. "Is there anywhere else for a handsome athlete to go other than here?"

Early October.

Hoyoung, who finished the World Cup while coveting Vela's stable goal scoring ability (B+2), returned to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

And then I received a call from Luci.

Now I really had to decide.

'Okay, let's go to Real.'

I made a decision in my heart and went to see coach Carlos.

In response, Coach Carlos gave valuable advice.

"Well thought out. Spain, with its emphasis on technical skills, suits you. "You will learn a lot."

"thank you."

Hoyoung, who felt lighter thanks to this, repeatedly expressed his gratitude.

But Carlos still had more to say.

"Do you remember what I said at the beginning of last season?"

"sure. "You said you would experience new soccer wherever you go."

"okay. You must cherish that moment. Those experiences will be a great asset. And finally."

A light smile appeared on Carlos's lips.

"I believe you will do well."

It was the brightest smile Carlos had ever seen.

It's already December.

The moment came when Real Madrid paid all of Woo Ho-young's buyout and the provisional contract between Ho-young and Sao Paulo FC was terminated.

[Select the talent you want to pursue.]

-Excellent understanding of tactics (A+2)

-Charismatic leadership (A)

-An excellent eye for prospects (A-)

Carlos's talent.

Hoyoung left Carlos' side by choosing 'Excellent tactical understanding (A+2)'.

It was a day that brought tears to my eyes.

Mid-December 2005.

Hoyoung, who was scheduled to visit Korea and then move to Spain next week, was temporarily unemployed and was therefore free every day.

I left the country exactly 4 days later.

So this morning, I took some time off and went outdoors to warm up.

Next to her, Monica was stretching her body.

It was around 8 a.m. when Hoyoung stopped exercising.

"Let's go now."

"already?"

"huh. "This is enough for today."

[Choose the talent you want to pursue.]

– Balanced body balance (B+3)

– Excellent dance step combination (B-)

– (See more)

You can achieve the condition after completing all '500 minutes of morning exercise together'. I was able to.

Hoyoung chose body balance (B+3) and then opened his mouth.

"What do you want to eat?"

"okay."

Monica was sad.

It was evident from his face.

But the fate was not meant to end here.

Hoyoung thought so.

And I was so grateful to Monica.

Because the language sense she gave me was a very important talent in my career as an athlete.

I've been studying Spanish in my spare time since last month, and it's actually been helping me a lot.

Suddenly.

Hoyoung held Monica's hand.

Monica's large eyes shook.

"Let's eat something delicious."

"Okay~"

Monica had to work hard to control her weight, but she decided not to worry about it today.

Because there isn't much left until I see Hoyoung.

The day of returning home came frighteningly quickly.

Before leaving, Hoyoung visited the people he was grateful for and said goodbye to them along with his thanks.

Sao Paulo FC general manager Victor and Emily.

And even the people at home.

"I've been indebted to you a lot over the past three years, sister."

"What's your situation?"

Due to the nature of her job, Maria Choi often had to part ways and meet again, but this time she was especially disappointed.

"Can't I pretend not to know you later?"

"haha. "I will definitely come and visit you next time I stop by Brazil."

Next it was Monica's turn.

"I'm going to Spain too~"

Those words reminded Hoyoung of the conversation he had with Monica three years ago when they first met.

They say that if you do well here, they will send you to study abroad in Spain, a powerhouse in rhythmic gymnastics.

"okay. Until then, take care of yourself."

Hoyoung stroked Monica's head.

It was a sweet glimpse.

Hoyoung rested for a few days in Korea and then headed to Madrid, Spain as scheduled.

As soon as I left the airport arrival gate, a barrage of flashes exploded.

Spanish reporters were eagerly waiting for the U-17 World Cup Golden Ball winner to transfer to Real Madrid.

And right in front of him, a handsome man was welcoming Hoyoung.

"Welcome to Madrid."

It was Michelle, the head of youth development at Real Madrid.

Afterwards, a brief press conference was held at a simple venue.

As Hoyoung is receiving much attention from the public, many questions were asked.

There were also difficult questions.

"As a foreigner, can you survive among the youth in Spain?"

At that moment, three or four reporters burst out laughing.

This is because it was unprecedented for an Asian youth to join Real Madrid.

Hoyoung understood their reaction.

'It was only later, with the emergence of players like Lee Kang-min, Lee Seung-hu, and Baek Seung-oh, that the path opened up.'

The current Spanish league (Laliga) was very distant from Korea.

Lee Chan-soo moved to Real Sociedad, a Spanish first division team, based on his performance in the 2002 World Cup, but returned to the K-League without doing much.

That's how high the Spanish league was.

Maybe it would be Eindhoven in the Netherlands, where Park Ji-seok and Lee Hyung-pyo played.

But Hoyoung answered clearly and with a serious face.

While speaking fairly fluent Spanish.

"I will achieve what no one else has achieved."

"…Ohh."

"Ha ha ha ha ha."

That short answer made the conference room burst into laughter.

It was a confident interview that could only be done because it was Hoyoung.

As soon as the interview was over, the group got into the prepared car and headed to central Madrid.

Then, as if he had some time to spare, Mitchell shook my hand again.

"I couldn't even say hello properly earlier. nice to meet. "We will see each other often in the future."

"Please take care of me."

Everything was done smoothly.

There was no need to worry about housing as the club had already found a house not far from the training ground.

'It's very spacious.'

It was a fairly spacious house for a family of three to live in.

After reuniting with his grandparents, he and Mitchell headed to Real Madrid's home stadium for the induction ceremony.

Official name: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

It was the second largest stadium in Spain with seating for more than 80,000 people.

'It's amazing to see it again.'

Before Hoyoung returned home, he had been to Madrid, Spain, and coming back now gave him new feelings.

Because I came from the perspective of a player, not a spectator.

"and."

No matter how many times I looked at it, I felt like I would be overwhelmed by its majesty.

"Now then, would you like to pose with the uniform?"

A pure white uniform with the Adidas logo on the chest.

The number 43 was engraved on the back along with the words 'HY WOO'.

It was a uniform number representing the top prospect on the team.

"But teenagers don't usually do things like this, right?"

"I'm going to publish a big article. "You can't run away anywhere."

"ha ha ha."

"Okay, let's take a picture. Please smile brightly."

click!

The sound of a camera shutter echoed through the Santiago Bernabeu.

It was the moment when Hoyoung's second act opened.

.

.

20 Advanced Chapters are currently available in Patreon, make sure to visit and support our team.

PATREON:

patreon.com/Immortal_author

KO-FI:

https://ko-fi.com/immortalauthor

DISCORD:

https://discord.gg/KscfBegBPT