Since the start of 1996, Richard had found himself unexpectedly busy.
First, there was Karren Brady and her mission involving Adidas and FC Girondins de Bordeaux.
Second, the Netscape IPO demanded his attention.
Third, he was targeting several Italian players for the next season, preparing for the worst-case scenario—that "City's shop" might really open.
Fourth, there were ongoing negotiations regarding Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Keith Gillespie.
January had flown by, week after week, and Richard had already spent three weeks in Brescia.
He had come with the hope of watching Andrea Pirlo in action during a Serie B match for Brescia. But to his frustration, Pirlo never got on the pitch, leaving Richard restless and eager for answers.
In the next fixture, once again Richard waited—yet unexpectedly, Pirlo remained on the bench, leaving him feeling helpless.