Chapter 1: Are you familiar with ...?

16 May 2012

[System activation condition: Sign a managerial contract with a team in the top four leagues.]

Looking at the familiar System panel that had displayed the same words for the past ten years, Henry couldn't help but sigh. It was not easy, after all.

How many people were competing for this position across the entire world? The top four leagues combined had only eighty teams, and he had to fight for a seat among them.

In fact, it wasn't really because of this so-called System that he wanted to become a manager. He didn't even fully believe in it. The real reason was simple, football was his obsession.

He had always wanted to play professionally and become successful, but unfortunately, his fragile physique didn't allow it. So, he had to settle for the next best thing, coaching and managing.

He had acquired his coaching qualifications long ago, worked with many low-level teams, and now, at 36, he was about to leave his mark in the Premier League. How could he not be excited?

Southampton was a Premier League team seven years ago, but then it entered its dark era, falling so low that it dropped to League One. If not for that, would someone like him have even gotten the chance to lead them?

Now, after guiding the team back to the Premier League, it was time to discuss a new contract. But for some reason, he had a bad premonition.

Henry's thoughts ended as he arrived in front of Chairman Nicola Cortese's office door. He took a deep breath, hoping just this once, that his instincts, which had always been his greatest talent, were wrong. Then, he knocked.

"Enter." A straightforward voice responded from inside.

Henry straightened himself. Nicola was a businessman above all else. He only cared about profit, nothing else. Although it was thanks to Nicola that Henry had even gotten this opportunity, he had no illusions.

If he was no longer valuable, the club would cast him aside in a heartbeat.

"Henry," Nicola began, his tone polite but businesslike. "We've reviewed your performance over the past two seasons, and the board is impressed with what you've achieved. Getting us back to the Premier League is no small feat."

Henry nodded, recalling all the hard work of the past years. A wave of nostalgia washed over him, but he quickly composed himself. "Thank you, Mr. Cortese. It's been a difficult journey, but I'm proud of what we've accomplished together."

Nicola sighed. To be honest, he didn't want things to come to this. But after the death of the club's previous owner, Southampton had been in turmoil.

Now that they were back in the Premier League, things had only become more complicated. And, unfortunately, Nicola no longer had the final say in club matters.

He placed a folder on the table and slid it toward Henry. "We'd like to offer you a new contract. However, given the club's financial constraints, the terms might not be as… generous as you'd hope."

Henry opened the folder and scanned the document. His eyes narrowed as he read through the details. The salary was much lower than expected.

The contract duration was only one year, with an option to extend. And there were multiple clauses about performance targets, ones that, if not met, could easily result in termination.

He immediately understood.

The club was forcing him into a position where he would refuse the contract, giving them a legitimate reason to part ways with him without backlash from the fans.

If he agreed, that was fine, they would get a cheap, reliable manager who had already stabilized the club. If he refused, that was even better, they could bring in a bigger name.

Even though he felt angry, Henry remained calm. He read through the contract carefully, and the more he did, the more certain he became. They didn't want him to stay.

Even if he signed, he would undoubtedly face many difficulties. But managing a Premier League team… activating the so-called System… was he really willing to give up that chance?

Nicola, sensing Henry's inner struggle, chose not to press him further. "Don't rush your decision," he said. "Take your time and think it over. Give me a call later."

Henry nodded, then stood up and left the office.

As he walked through the stadium, he took in the familiar surroundings, the place where he had worked tirelessly for the past two years.

He could still see the shadow of fans in the tribune and outside, chanting his name, but it seems that it's just the past. He had given his all for this club. And now, he was being pushed out.

With a lonely expression, he walked away.

Just as he left St. Mary's Stadium, his phone rang. It was an unknown number, but as a manager, you never knew what a call could mean. So, out of curiosity, he answered.

"Hello, this is Henry Walker."

"Hi, Mr. Henry. This is Jorge Mendes, Portuguese football agent. I've been following your work with Southampton over the past few years. If you're open to a new challenge, let's talk."

Henry was silent for a moment, wondering if he was hallucinating.

Jorge Mendes? The agent of Cristiano Ronaldo? The same man who represented José Mourinho?

Why would someone like that be calling him?

It seemed too good to be true. But if there was one thing Henry had learned in football, it was that opportunities had to be seized. Otherwise, regret would follow.

"Hello, Mr. Mendes," Henry finally replied, steadying his voice despite many kinds of thoughts in his mind. "I must admit, I'm surprised to receive a call from you. But I'm certainly open to hearing what you have to say."

Jorge chuckled lightly. "Good. I appreciate your directness, Henry. Let's cut to the chase. I have an American client who's very interested in your managerial style. He's the co-owner and new chairman of a club, and he believes you could be the right fit for a project he's overseeing. Are you familiar with AS Roma?"

Henry nearly dropped his phone.

AS Roma?

This was big. Really big. So big that he briefly wondered if this was some kind of elaborate prank.

"Yes, I'm familiar with them," Henry replied, trying to stay calm. "A club with a rich history and passionate fans. No disrespect, Mr. Mendes, but if possible, can we talk face-to-face? I don't think this is a discussion that should be done over the phone."

"That's exactly what I was hoping to hear," Mendes said, sounding pleased. "I'll be in London tomorrow for some meetings. If you're available, we can meet in the afternoon at The Ritz. Does that work for you?"

Henry took a deep breath. This was moving fast, but he couldn't afford to hesitate. Opportunities like this didn't come often.

"Yes, that works. I'll be there."

"Perfect. See you then, Henry."

The call ended, and Henry stood there in a daze.

This was real. It had to be.

He quickly searched online for the latest news on AS Roma. Sure enough, just as Mendes had said, the club had been taken over by an American businessman, Thomas DiBenedetto, as part of a consortium that included James Pallotta.

They were looking to modernize the club, build a new identity, and challenge for the top spots in Serie A. If they were really interested in him, this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

But why him? He had never managed in a top flight before. His only achievement was leading Southampton back to the Premier League.

He shook his head.

All those questions could wait.

Tomorrow, everything would become clear.

END OF THE CHAPTER