CHAPTER 38: A NEW ALLIANCE

4 November 2012

In the morning after the match, in the quiet of his family's living room, Alex scrolled down to a number saved in his phone: Jorge Mendes. The super-agent who shaped careers across Europe. He pressed the call button.

"Jorge? It's Alex. Do you have some time to talk?"

A warm voice responded instantly. "Alex! Of course. Shall I come by tonight?"

"Please," said Alex, brushing hair out of his eyes. "My family and I want to discuss my future."

The Family Discussion

That evening, Mendes arrived — sharp suit, crisp shirt, and that confident smile that carried across the room. The Marshalls welcomed him into the living room, where mugs of tea and a plate of biscuits were laid out on the table. The atmosphere was warm but serious.

Mendes spoke openly, voice rich with authority."Alex is a rare talent," he began, leaning forward slightly. "But talent needs guidance. My role is to secure his interests — now and in the future. I'll be with him every step of the way: contract negotiations, sponsorships, media, making sure he can focus on football while I handle the rest."

Alex glanced between his father and Mendes. "I just want to focus on the pitch. Will you make sure the rest is sorted?"

Mendes smiled, brushing a hand down the lapel of his suit. "That's precisely why you have an agent. You play. You win. I make sure you're valued as you deserve — and protected from distractions."

Alex's father nodded slowly. "We want him to have someone we can trust. Someone who understands that this is more than just business."

Mendes offered a hand. "Then let's build this future together."

Alex shook it firmly. "Let's do it."

Mrs. Marshall smiled, brushing a hand across her son's shoulder. "Just promise us one thing, Mr. Mendes — that you'll have his best interests at heart."

Mendes placed a hand over his chest. "With my word. I've worked with many great players, and what separates the best from the rest is having the right team around them. My job is to make sure Alex can focus on making memories on the pitch, knowing that every decision off it is made with his long-term future in mind."

Alex's older brother, leaning in from the side, spoke for the first time. "That means making sure he doesn't get lost in the money or the noise. Will you stand by him when it's tough?"

Mendes met his gaze. "Through victories, through setbacks, through the moments when the spotlight is too bright — I'll be there. An agent is more than a negotiator. It's a partnership."

Alex drew a deep breath and smiled. "That's what I need. Someone in my corner."

Mendes returned the smile and rose slightly, extending a hand once more. "Then, let's make it official."

Alex shook it firmly. "Let's do it."

In that quiet room, under the warm glow of the lamp, a bond was made — one that would carry Alex far beyond the training grounds and match days.

The Negotiation

Two days later, in the crisp air of Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill, and Jorge Mendes sat in a wood‑paneled office. Alex was there too, hands resting quietly on his knees, doing his best to listen like a professional.

Mendes started first, voice measured and confident. "Sir Alex, David — the boy has shown he can step up when called upon. He's making an impact beyond his years. We want a contract that reflects that, and also gives him a pathway for growth."

Sir Alex exchanged a glance with Gill, leaning back in his chair, hands pressed together. "Go on, Jorge. Let's hear it."

Mendes laid a document on the table and tapped it with one finger.

"Duration: three years, plus an optional one‑year extension.

Base Salary: £25,000 per week.

Bonuses:

£3,000 for every goal,

£2,000 for every assist,

and an appearance fee of £1,000.

Signing Bonus: £500,000 upon signing.

Release Clause: £50 million.

Renegotiation Clause: At 20 first‑team appearances, review the base salary to £40,000 per week."

David Gill adjusted his glasses, brushing a hand across the paperwork. "That's strong. Very strong. We understand he's a special talent, but he's still very young."

Mendes smiled calmly. "Precisely why we've built in incentives for performance and a review down the line. We're making sure both sides win — if he delivers, the club benefits, and he's rewarded accordingly."

Sir Alex nodded slowly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "The boy's worth it, Jorge. You can't teach that mentality he has." He looked across at Alex. "He's got United in his blood. We want him to stay, grow, and become part of this club's future. What do you say, son?"

Alex met the manager's gaze, voice firm. "I want to be here, boss. Always have."

Gill offered a satisfied smile and nodded. "Then we have ourselves a deal."

Mendes offered a hand across the table. "Thank you, Sir Alex. David. You're making an investment in the future — and I'll make sure the boy delivers."

Sir Alex rose, brushing down the lapels of his jacket. "Done, then. Let's make it official."

A pen was placed in front of Alex. He felt the weight of it as he signed, committing to United, committing to himself.

As the ink dried, Sir Alex placed a hand on his shoulder. "This is just the start, lad. Remember that."

Alex smiled, voice confident. "I won't forget, boss. Not for a second."

David Gill offered a firm handshake. Mendes gave a slight wink. And in that wood‑paneled office, a boy from Manchester became a young man ready to write the next chapter of his story

After the Contract 

In the corridor of Old Trafford, the crisp evening air felt like a reward. Mendes adjusted the cuffs of his suit and smiled at Alex.

"Congratulations, kid," he said. "That contract is more than a piece of paper — it's a statement. You're a part of United's future now."

Alex nodded, brushing hair out of his eyes. "Thanks, Jorge. I just want to focus on my game. Everything else… it feels like noise."

Mendes placed a hand on his shoulder. "That's why I'm here. Let me worry about the noise. You focus on making magic with the ball. Stay humble, stay sharp, and the rest will come."

Alex smiled. "That's a deal."

Mendes tightened his grip slightly, voice softening but firm. "And one more thing, Alex. This contract is a lot of money for someone your age. It can disappear just as quickly as it came if you're not smart. Save your money. Invest wisely. Always pay your taxes. I'll help you find a good accountant, someone you can trust. The reality is, too many athletes have gone broke after retirement because they trusted the wrong people or lived like the tap would never run dry."

Alex frowned, listening, swallowing hard. "I've read about that. You're saying I need to think long‑term, right?"

Mendes gave a sharp nod. "Exactly. Enjoy your hard work — you've earned it. But also make sure it lasts long after you've hung up your boots. You can build a life now that will support you and your family forever, or you can watch it vanish. Stay grounded, stay disciplined. The best investment you'll ever make is in yourself and your future."

Alex breathed out slowly and met the agent's gaze. "I understand. Thanks, Jorge. Not just for the contract… for looking out for me too."

Mendes smiled, releasing his grip. "That's why you have an agent, Alex. You win on the pitch, I'll help you win off it. Now go get some rest — big things are coming, my boy."

Alex nodded, a quiet sense of purpose burning in his chest as he headed down the tunnel. The contract was signed, but for him, it felt like the true beginning.

As the corridors of Old Trafford grew quiet, Sir Alex called after him.

"Alex! Come here, lad." The gaffer waved him closer, voice softening. "That contract? You've earned it. Not just with your feet, but with your attitude."

Alex met the manager's gaze.

"Remember this — the contract doesn't make the player. The work does. You can have the best agent in the world, the best boots, the best bonuses, but none of that means a thing if you don't put in the hours. Do that, and you'll be a United great."

Alex felt a lump in his throat. "Thank you, boss. I'll give it everything."

Sir Alex smiled, a rare softness in those seasoned eyes. "I don't doubt it, son. Now get some rest. We've a big match coming up."

Back at the house, the family was abuzz.

"Three years, bonuses, release clause… bloody hell, son!" exclaimed Jamie, shaking his head in disbelief, grinning like an idiot. "That's more money in a week than I make in a year!"

"Watch your language," Mum scolded sharply, brushing tears from her eyes as she pulled Alex into a tight hug. "I'm so proud of you. Not because of the money — because you've worked for this every day. You've put your heart into every training session, every match. That's worth more than any contract."

Dad smiled quietly, resting a strong hand on Alex's shoulder. "I've watched you chase this dream from the moment you could walk, son. Never forget where you came from, and never forget why you play. Stay grounded. Stay hungry. This is just the beginning."

Jamie nudged Alex with an elbow, smirking. "Big-shot footballer now, eh? Guess I've gotta call you 'sir' at home too?"

Alex snorted, brushing it off. "Only if you want to carry my laundry, bro."

Jamie laughed and pulled him into a playful headlock. "Nah, you're still the same scrawny kid I used to beat at FIFA. Just don't forget about the rest of us when you're too famous for Old Trafford, alright?"

"Never," Alex promised, grinning as he wriggled free.

Mum pressed a hand to her heart, voice wavering. "I can't believe this… my boy, a Manchester United Star. You've worked so hard for this moment. We're so proud of you, Alex. So proud."

Alex felt the warmth of their embraces, the pride in their eyes. Whatever came next — the pressure, the spotlight, the long nights and hard days — he knew where he came from. And he knew, deep down, that was the biggest win of all.

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[what do you guys think about the contract ? too much or too low ? i think it's quite good and also mendes is the agent so, and Man United is a big club.]