"Some believe Real Madrid brought in Robinho to solve their problems on the wings. At the same time, it was a powerful counterpunch against Barcelona."
"Barcelona's youngster Messi is hailed as the next Maradona. Now Real Madrid has the next Pelé—always one step ahead..."
Guti's knife and fork slipped to the floor.
Zidane and Su Hang had called it perfectly.
Florentino was playing both sides brilliantly—a true masterstroke.
The Brazilian clique... was it about to arrive?
In fact, it came faster than anyone expected.
Florentino never hesitated.
Even if you were a football legend, if negotiations broke down, it was over—no farewells needed.
Breaking Transfer News! La Liga's Brazilian Beast Baptista Finally Joins Real Madrid! Transfer Fee: €24.5 Million!
Baptista: No Player Can Refuse Real Madrid's Invitation! I Hope to Help Real Madrid Become Stronger!
"Baptista Reveals Position Change for New Season—Luxemburgo Promises a Striker Role!"
"Luxemburgo: Baptista Can Offer Much More; Playing Attacking Midfield Doesn't Maximize His Strengths."
When asked about Real Madrid's already crowded attack, Luxemburgo only smiled, saying the forward line needed fresh blood.
The message was clear: the veterans' time was running out.
Yet Ronaldo's numbers and efficiency were still strong.
That "veteran" naturally referred to El Capitán, Raúl.
With Raúl stepping down, Luxemburgo no longer bothered with even token respect—his intention to phase him out was plain.
Faced with this, Su Hang immediately spoke up:
"Raúl is still at the peak of his career. Even if I have to sit on the bench, I won't let Raúl waste his prime."
"We have the best Raúl, and we must treasure him!"
"As Real Madrid's captain, I also want to say I'm delighted to welcome Baptista. He's a powerful player, and I'll do everything I can to help him settle quickly."
"We're no strangers—we've faced each other many times and know each other's strengths well."
When Baptista saw this, his expression turned awkward.
Indeed, they weren't strangers. And Su Hang was formidable—without question.
In terms of strength and toughness, Baptista wasn't confident he could outmuscle Su Hang, and their head-to-head record favored Real Madrid heavily.
So despite Su Hang being just a nineteen-year-old kid, Baptista didn't dare step out of line.
This captain—he had to respect.
...
Then it was as if Real Madrid had stirred up a hornet's nest of South Americans—new arrivals kept pouring in.
"€6.5 Million! Real Madrid signs Uruguayan Carlos Diogo from River Plate. The versatile player can cover both left and right fullback!"
"€5 Million! Luxemburgo adds another Brazilian! São Paulo's prodigy right-back Cicinho joins Real Madrid!"
"Another €5 Million! Osasuna's Uruguayan defensive midfielder Pablo García moves to Real Madrid! Known for his versatility, he's called the all-purpose substitute!"
But among Brazil's young prospects, there were no standout center backs.
Meanwhile, Sevilla's rising star Sergio Ramos had long been linked with Real Madrid.
After close scouting, Luxemburgo confirmed his talent and immense potential.
He lobbied hard for Ramos's signing.
Ramos was already on the radar of Spain's national team.
Last year, he led Spain's U19 squad to victory at the European Championship.
This March, Luis Aragonés called him up for the first time. On March 26th, he made his debut as a substitute in Spain's friendly against China.
Just four days later, he earned his first start in a World Cup qualifier.
Luxemburgo knew football politics well. Unless something went wrong, Ramos was on track to cement a place in Spain's national team.
A player like that could one day challenge Real Madrid's Spanish clique.
But Ramos's Sevilla roots were the biggest obstacle to fitting in.
Sevilla leaned pro-Barça and had always been openly hostile toward Real Madrid.
So when rumors of Ramos joining Madrid spread, Sevilla fans were furious.
And the Spanish clique at Madrid would hardly embrace the son of an enemy club.
For Luxemburgo, though, this signing killed several birds at once.
It countered criticism that he relied only on Brazilians and South Americans.
It also planted a seed of discord among the Spaniards inside Madrid.
Sky Sports: "€27 Million! Real Madrid splash big again to reinforce their defense! Sevilla's homegrown star Ramos betrays his club, joining rivals Real Madrid in a move stirring massive controversy!"
"Sevilla builds Ramos family dynasty!"
"Ramos's cousin announces he has cut all family ties with him!"
Ramos was silent.
The transfer had hit him like a thunderbolt.
He didn't know what to say.
He felt the whole world was against him.
He hadn't forced the move—he swore it. Sevilla could have kept him. He would have given 200% for the team and signed a new contract.
But the club simply told him: "You belong to Real Madrid now."
What was he supposed to do?
Who wouldn't want to join the Galácticos?
That's Ronaldo!
That's Zidane!
Ramos hadn't even asked to leave. He loved Sevilla deeply. How could he possibly refuse?
It was a financial decision by the club, yet Ramos was left to shoulder the fans' anger.
Nineteen-year-old Ramos drove out to the Madrid reservoir.
He pulled a case of craft beer from the trunk, ready to drown his sorrows.
But soon another car pulled up beside him.
At first, he thought it was paparazzi.
Then he saw the Flying Lady emblem and felt a little relief.
No paparazzi would show up in a Rolls-Royce.
"Hello, Ramos," Su Hang greeted as he stepped out. He opened his trunk, lifting several bags, and motioned for Ramos to help. "Give me a hand—this is a bit much."
Of course Ramos recognized Su Hang.
Two seasons ago, against Sevilla, Su Hang had delivered one assist, scored two goals, and forced three yellow cards, winning Man of the Match.
That performance had shaken the stadium.
Su Hang didn't just conquer Baptista that day—he also left a deep impression on a young Ramos watching from the bench.
From that moment on, Su Hang, Ronaldo, and Raúl were dubbed the "HRR" Rolls-Royce Trident!
...