When playing football, you should call it GOAT.

Chapter 83 Money is the Trophy
"Without a doubt."

Roy's voice carried a carefully crafted respect: "Manchester United is one of the greatest clubs in the world, and it is an honor to play for them."

Ferguson's eyes flickered slightly behind his glasses, his keen ears catching that subtle "one of".

He was all too familiar with this phrasing; Stam had used a similar expression before his transfer.

Madrid truly deserves the word 'great'.

This objective assessment made him feel bitter.

But recalling the noble demeanor of the White Army during the Bernabéu era is quite different from Florentino's Galácticos today.

(Following the Munich air disaster, Real Madrid provided Manchester United with various forms of assistance in their rebuilding efforts, and at one point decided to loan Di Stefano to Manchester United.)

Sir Busby's victory at the Bernabéu in 1968 suddenly came to mind.

The footage of Best dribbling past Real Madrid's defense overlapped with an image of Beckham wearing a white robe.

They always dig up our red roses with golden hoes.

"anything else?"

Ferguson spoke as casually as if he were discussing the weather, but a slight movement of his Adam's apple betrayed his nervousness. "If many top clubs extend invitations to you..."

His gaze swept meaningfully over Queiroz in the distance. "Just treat this as casual conversation."

Roy's gaze naturally shifted to Kaká beside him, the Brazilian's innocent eyes filled with sincerity.

Roy smiled and spoke in Spanish:

"Cómo debo llamarte?" (How should I address you?)

Kaka said gently, "Kaká."

Roy nodded:
"In Monaco they call me Roro. Like Ronaldinho, but without magic."
Kaka gently repeated the nickname, a friendly smile curving her lips.

Roy turned slightly to the side and gestured an invitation to Sir Ferguson.

"Sir, please allow me to introduce you to Kaká, the rising star of Milan."

Ferguson's sharp blue eyes gleamed with approval. "Of course I know this Brazilian talent. Your performance in São Paulo was impressive, young man."

Ferguson speaks some basic Spanish, and Roy acts as a supplementary translator.

Kaka politely shook the old coach's hand and responded in broken but clear enough English.

Both sides chose to greet each other in languages ​​they were not proficient in, forcing Roy to provide additional greetings in both directions.

Kaká was born into a middle-class family, which is the main reason why his style is so different from other Brazilian players. His father was an engineer and his mother was a teacher.

Ferguson sighed softly, then turned to Roy and whispered, "What a pity about that damned work permit system. Otherwise..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but just shrugged helplessly.

This move contained too many unspoken implications—the helplessness regarding the Premier League's transfer policy and the regret of not being able to sign this South American talent.

He also has to resolve the work permit process this year in order to sign Ronaldinho.

Roy nodded knowingly, his gaze shifting between the two men.

The string music from the dinner party started at just the right moment, masking the slightly awkward instant.

Kaka seemed to understand something, but he simply maintained his signature gentle smile, his eyes as clear as ever.

“Then my choice also includes that,” Roy continued the previous topic.

“Milan,” he paused for a moment, making sure the weight of the word had fully settled, “and Juventus.”

This choice demonstrates ambition without appearing overly opportunistic; after all, who could have foreseen the future of Phonegate?
"No Arsenal?"

Ferguson's lips curled into an uncontrollable smile, his Scottish accent trembling with triumph.

In that instant, the empty number 7 jersey in Carrington's locker room suddenly became incredibly clear in Ferguson's mind.

Is it because of Thierry?

Sir Alex Ferguson's voice carried the relaxed quality of the southern French sun, yet it couldn't hide the probing in his tone: "Those articles in L'Équipe are more sensational than Beckham's autobiography."

“Thirry and I have no problem,” he deliberately dragged out the last syllable, leaving the sentence hanging between the two of them. “Thirry is not the problem.”

"You don't like Alcéna?"

Ferguson's tone grew increasingly cheerful, a moment of pleasure reminiscent of Wenger's expression when he saw Arsenal lose in the players' tunnel.

“No,” Roy looked up, a sly glint in his eyes, “I absolutely love Mr. Wenger’s coaching tactics!”

Ferguson's smile froze instantly, as if someone had announced in his ear that Victoria was the most perfect woman in the world.

He could even barely accept that statement.

After all, if someone had said that a few years ago, he would have slapped his thigh and urged, "Then hurry up and go after that 'singing and dancing girl'," so that his blond boy could focus on playing football instead of becoming a Posh's handbag.

Someone once asked Ferguson, "If you were given a gun with only one bullet, and you had to choose whether to shoot Wenger or Victoria, who would you choose?"

Ferguson answered decisively, "I want two."

It perfectly showcased his competitive animosity towards Wenger, his dissatisfaction with Beckham's wife's involvement in team affairs, and his typical Scottish scathing humor.

"Then why?"

He asked, his voice carrying a hint of inquiry.

Roy looked directly into the old lord's eyes and answered simply, "Money."

Ferguson smiled knowingly, and the wrinkles around his eyes smoothed out.

"Are you worried that Arsenal can't afford your wages?" he said casually, but with a hint of sarcasm. "Although Keane has been the highest-paid player in the Premier League for the past three years, Wenger has never been stingy when it comes to salaries."

Indeed, they were generous, so generous that they later offered Sanchez an outrageous weekly wage of £35.

Of course, this is on the premise that they are willing to continue giving, such as Vieira.

“You certainly don’t think that football players only need to be associated with two things – paychecks and goals.”

A sharp glint flashed behind Sir Alex Ferguson's glasses as he noticed Roy's deliberate use of English words, much like the business jargon Beckham might suddenly throw out at the negotiating table.

“I’ve heard,” Roy said in a slightly lower voice, “that Arsenal is building a stadium that’s the most beautiful ever in the Premier League.”

The word "beautiful" is subtly emphasized in this sentence.

"What? Don't you like playing on a beautiful pitch?" Ferguson used the word "beautiful" as if he were describing a flashy luxury item.

"The professor's new stadium. A bet of over £300 million. Bankers have tied Wenger's signature to the loan agreement, a first in football history."

Roy said softly.

"That's why I'm not considering Arsenal. The manager has to subtract the stadium construction loan from the team's profits every year. If my teammate this year is Vieira, next year he might be an African defensive midfielder with a family of over a hundred to support, playing football like a job. Who knows?"

Ferguson chuckled.

“Interesting. I’ve seen players care about the swimming pool at Cheshire mansions, about whether the nightclub girls are hot enough, and some even bring calculators to figure out how many pounds each goal will earn after tax,” Ferguson slowly took off his gold-rimmed glasses and wiped them. “But you’re the first one to make the construction budget a condition of a transfer.”

After Wenger won the double in 1998, he proposed to the board to build a new stadium, and the project was officially announced the following year.

With financing completed in February, the construction of the building that will shape the Premier League landscape for the next two decades has begun this month, with the initial engineering work underway.

According to data from Bopulas, this construction project made Arsenal the largest builder in the UK before the stadium was completed. The project eventually cost nearly £400 million, with the club bearing all the costs itself.

The funding sources included large amounts of cash, issued bonds, and loans from six lending institutions, resulting in a rather large payment structure.

The bank made a special request to the Arsenal board: the financing was contingent on Wenger remaining at the club for at least another five years.

A football team's head coach has been included in a bank loan contract—a first in football history and also a first in British financial history.

"We're betting that Wenger can continue to create miracles like he has for the past seven years," said Peter Hill-Wood, then chairman of Arsenal. "I sincerely hope he stays at the club; he could even become chairman!"

To avoid a financial crisis, the club must sell at least 55,000 tickets for each match, qualify for the Champions League in three out of the first five years, and significantly reduce player salaries.

And as it turns out, that old Frenchman did indeed create a miracle. Every time Arsenal successfully finished in the top four, it meant that they had achieved their annual sound business KPIs, and the complex loan on the bank's financial statements appeared healthy.

"Totti recently threatened to transfer to AC Milan to pressure Roma to increase their transfer budget."

Roy's fingers slowly traced the rim of the trophy, as if outlining an invisible trophy, "because he firmly believed he was the best player in the world, and he craved the glory of the Ballon d'Or."

“I also think he is one of them.”

Roy's smile gradually faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression.

“But unfortunately,” his voice was low and firm, “he will most likely not be able to realize this dream.”

"If I believed I could become the best player in the world, I would never have put myself in that situation."

This statement was made with absolute certainty, each word sounding like a solemn declaration after careful consideration.

His expression was neither mocking nor regretful, but rather a cold and clear-headed understanding.

“I have studied Platini’s trajectory. Three consecutive Ballon d’Or winners required a double helix of advancement in both club and country. In this respect, I think Arsenal will be no different from Roma in the Premier League in a few years. They will still be strong, but it will be difficult for them to reach the top.”

"So I will only choose clubs that allow me to reach that award, or even clubs like Platini and Zidane, where I have the opportunity to win the highest individual award consecutively. Of course, I will put up matching goal and assist numbers and dedicate all my personal value to the team's honor."

"If this club's tactical system can give me 85-105 or more shots on target each season, then I can convert them into 25 non-penalty goals."

Ferguson slowly turned his head, revealing eyes that had witnessed countless legends, now gleaming with the light of someone discovering a new continent.

“In the past 29 years,” he said, as if attending an academic seminar, “I have seen two kinds of players: one who tattoos the transfer fee on his arm and the other who tattoos the team logo on his heart.”

"But you, kid, you've turned your career into a damn prospectus."

"But to be honest, compared to those silly kids who cry and shout for a son, most of what they said was just polite talk."

Sir Alex Ferguson's glasses suddenly reflected a sharp light: "I much appreciate honesty in laying out the 'Golden Globe odds' clearly on the negotiating table." From that moment on, Ferguson knew who he was dealing with.

The situation Roy mentioned regarding Arsenal isn't exactly a secret; much of the data is publicly available. However, it's worth paying attention to if you do.

He believes he is very strong, so he wants to join a very strong team and make that team even stronger.

But if the club loses its competitiveness, he will not hesitate to leave.

This is a "chosen mercenary".

"Money is trophies."

Ferguson nodded. "Wenger thought football was economics, but football has always been accounting."

"Arsenal's new stadium loan is due in 2030, while the naming rights fee for our training ground has already covered three generations of youth training investment."

"Welcome to the real Premier League, kid. Here, the balance sheet is the most honest tactics board."

July 2, Porto Bessa Stadium.

This is the home stadium of Boavista, a team in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

The Figo Foundation All-Star team was led by Figo, while the captain of the UNICEF All-Star team arrived late on the day of the game.

Michael Schumacher, a multiple-time Formula One World Championship winner.

[Figo Foundation All-Star Team 442]

Goalkeeper: Buffon

Right-back Salgado, center-back Hierro, center-back Blanco, left-back Roberto Carlos

Midfielders: Figo, Zidane, Makelele, Pires
Center forward Ronaldo, center forward Raul

[UNICEF Team 442]

Forwards: Shevchenko, Van Nistelrooy

Midfielders: Conceição, Rui Costa, Michael Schumacher, Rivaldo

Left-back Serginho, center-back Panucci, center-back Campbell, right-back Zanetti

Goalkeeper: Toldo
When Schumacher's name appeared in the starting lineup, Roy's lips curled into a knowing smile.

He focused all his attention on the F1 world champion – this was not a pure football match, but a carefully orchestrated charity show.

The racing legend's crossover football match can attract a large audience and charitable donations.

Isn't this better than F1?

The first half of the match.

In the 11th minute, Raul opened the scoring!

Zidane delivered an elegant lob pass from midfield, the ball arcing perfectly over the defense.

Ronaldo, like a ghost, beat the offside trap, deftly controlled the ball with his toe near the byline, and then passed it across to the middle, where Raul easily tapped it into the empty net from 3 meters out!
As a defensive midfielder, Schumacher symbolically stretched out his leg to intercept Zidane's pass, but clearly held back to let the ball pass.

The French master smiled knowingly, and then the two exchanged a knowing look.

In the 18th minute, Conceição equalized in a flash!

Rivaldo cut inside from the left wing, drawing three defenders, before suddenly unleashing his signature outside-of-the-foot through ball. Portuguese speedster Conceição burst into the penalty area like an arrow, unleashing a powerful shot from a tight angle into the near corner of the net!

During the attack, the racing legend attempted a one-two pass, and Makelele deliberately slowed down his pursuit, allowing the crossover superstar to complete a textbook wall pass.

Roberto Carlos even pretended to be shaken up, eliciting good-natured laughter from the crowd.

In the 25th minute, Salgado scored a header to put Salgado ahead!
Figo delivered a precise corner kick from the right, and Salgado surged forward from the far post, outjumping Panucci to unleash a powerful header!

Schumacher, who was defending by the goalpost, jumped high but deliberately missed the header, and after landing, he exaggeratedly spread his hands to show his helplessness.

Toldo couldn't help but chuckle as he gave the German racing legend a thumbs-up in front of the goal line.

33 minutes.

Carlos made a high-speed run down the left flank and crossed the ball, where Ronaldo was sandwiched between Panucci and Campbell:

He volleyed the ball away with his right heel.

He turned and gently unloaded the falling ball with his chest.

He then unleashed a left-footed shot that flew straight into the top corner!

As the last line of defense, Schumacher symbolically stretched out his leg to block, but deliberately lags behind by half a beat.

After scoring, Ronaldo ran over to give him a high-five, and the German imitated the Brazilian's signature finger-wagging celebration.

The most exciting moment came in the 40th minute when Schumacher suddenly surged into the penalty area, and Buffon dramatically lunged in the opposite direction, watching as the racing legend's shot slowly rolled into the net.

Roy immediately looked at the big screen, which was indeed playing a loop of Mercedes-Benz's promise to make additional donations.

Whenever Schumacher gets the ball, both teams tacitly maintain a defensive distance of 1.5 meters.

Rui Costa delivered three "babysitter passes" to the German, one of which led to a stunning 30-meter long pass from Schumacher.

Rui Costa even gave a thumbs-up to praise the German's superb passing skills.

That’s so true, bro!

Ronaldo's exaggerated performance of pretending to be knocked down by Schumacher during a confrontation, clutching his chest and rolling around, caused the entire audience to burst into laughter.

The scoreboard showed 2-3. In this heartwarming exhibition match, Schumacher won everyone's respect with his charm and professionalism.

“That’s what you call professional,” Roy chuckled.

In the second half, Figo and Schumacher switched positions, with Figo becoming the captain of the UNICEF All-Star team and Schumacher becoming the captain of the Figo Foundation All-Star team. The participating stars also took turns playing.

In the 59th minute, Roy scored a "supercar-style" goal!
Guardiola casually turned and pulled the ball around in midfield, easily shaking off Makelele's symbolic pressing, and then delivered a precise 40-meter long pass.

The original La Masia number 4 turned and dribbled the ball, turning the UNICEF team's defense into offense!
The ball found Roy, who was making a forward run, like a guided missile. The moment the young star received the ball was like an F1 car activating its DRS (Drag Reduction System) on a straight!

He suddenly accelerated and surged ahead, leaving Schumacher, who was only making a token attempt to catch up, far behind. The German racing legend even stumbled, shaking his head and revealing a helpless smile.

He knelt on the grass, making an exaggerated "speeding" gesture.
Facing Hierro's cover, Roy suddenly slowed down and used three consecutive stepovers to completely confuse the former Real Madrid team leader.

As Hierro attempted to intercept, Roy had already adjusted his footing and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that flew straight into the top left corner of the goal!
Buffon made a diving save, but it was too late; the ball slammed against the underside of the crossbar and bounced into the net!
Roy then began to play in unison.

In the 69th minute, Kaká came on, turning the charity match into a "Schumacher hunt."

When Kaká replaced Rivaldo, the shy Brazilian starlet changed his usual mild-mannered demeanor and his eyes suddenly became sharp – he keenly scanned the entire field and quickly locked onto the weakest link in the defense: Schumacher.

71 minutes.

Kaká received a pass from Deco in midfield, deftly dribbled past Davies who was making a token outstretched leg, and then strode towards the penalty area.

Schumacher, as the midfield defender, adopted an F1 driver-like defensive posture, with his center of gravity extremely low and his arms outstretched, but Kaká was completely unfazed by this.

Pretending to move to the outside, Schumacher immediately shifted to the side.

Suddenly, he slashed the ball inside, and the racing champion slipped and fell to the ground!
Kaka then surged into the penalty area, calmly slotted the ball past Buffon into the bottom right corner.

On the field, Roy stared wide-eyed, approached Kaká, and muttered in Spanish, "Why are you staring at that German?"

Kaka scratched his head, looking completely innocent: "Because he's the worst defender."

75 minutes.

This time, Kaka started directly from the right wing, and Schumacher, not believing in bad luck, took the initiative to meet him and defend.

As a result, it was eaten raw at an accelerated pace.

Kaka made a powerful turn, and Schumacher's turning speed was comparable to that of a rusty race car, leaving him two meters behind.

A near-zero angle shot into the top corner, Buffon didn't even try to save it, he simply raised his hands in surrender.

Ronaldo, who was substituted off the field, laughed so hard he had to lean on an advertising board, mimicking Schumacher's slipping motion.

Zidane covered his face and shook his head, as if to say, "This kid is too honest."

Schumacher himself laughed and gave Kaká a "you're awesome" gesture.

The final score, according to the default rules of the friendly match, was 5-5.

The entire match was like a meticulously choreographed football ballet, featuring both fluid teamwork and breathtaking individual performances.

The spectators in the stands sometimes exclaimed in amazement at the brilliant passes, and sometimes chuckled at the humorous mistakes.

When the final whistle blew, the entire stadium erupted in prolonged applause, which was not only an affirmation of the exciting game but also a show of support for the charity cause.

This star-studded charity match demonstrated the power of football in the most touching way.

Here, legends and rising stars write heartwarming stories together, and competition and entertainment blend perfectly. The biggest winners are the children who are about to receive help.

As Schumacher said in an interview: "Tonight we are not playing football, we are playing hope."

The above is a biting satire.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The second update might be a little late, so please check it tomorrow.

Originally, reading the two chapters together would have been incredibly enjoyable, but because I wanted to write a long story about the transfer window, which involves several clubs and requires incorporating a lot of data and suitable contract offers, I haven't finished writing it yet.

I'll update it as soon as I finish writing it.

(End of this chapter)