Van Nistelrooy's real market value was about fifteen million euros.
Manchester United's offer was roughly the same as Bayern Munich's.
But the key difference was this—I gave you the player you wanted.
Without Van Nistelrooy, even if Real Madrid spent twenty million elsewhere, they might not find a striker they truly liked. You can't put a price on what your heart desires. That's why this bid was more competitive than Bayern's.
Even the fans started voicing their frustrations.
"What's going on with Real Madrid? If they don't renew Su Hang's contract soon, more big clubs are going to get involved!"
"Serie A might be struggling with the Calciopoli scandal this year, but once they bounce back, they could easily make a move next season."
"Chelsea are watching closely. Even though they're flirting with Shevchenko, adding Su Hang wouldn't hurt—they've got money to burn!"
"Su's loyalty is obvious. How hard is it for management to just renew his deal?"
"The World Cup is right around the corner—don't let this mess affect Su's form! With our current lineup, getting through the group stage should be easy. Maybe we can even aim for the quarterfinals."
Real Madrid was miserable.
They desperately wanted to tell everyone, "We've already offered €5.5 million—more than Beckham earns! It's Su Hang who won't renew!"
But they couldn't say that.
Because they knew—after Su Hang's phenomenal season, not giving him a top salary would seem downright heartless to the fans.
And the fans wouldn't care about the details. Even if they did, they'd still believe Su Hang deserved the club's highest wage. After all, he was their captain.
In the end, Calderón's assistant called Su Hang again and told him directly: he would receive the team's top salary—€6.4 million!
Money was one thing, but more importantly, it was an acknowledgment of Su Hang's standing within the team.
No matter who the new coach would be, or which new stars joined, Su Hang's position as the undisputed leader of the local core would remain untouchable.
With the Brazilian clique about to break apart, Real Madrid wasn't likely to form any major internal factions again. Su Hang's role as team leader was now firmly cemented.
Even the assistant couldn't help but praise him. "You're facing the same situation Raúl once did—but what you've achieved already surpasses everything Raúl got back then."
"And you're younger than Raúl was at the time. You'll be one of the most influential people in Real Madrid's future."
Su Hang, however, saw things differently.
"Honestly, I don't care about that. I never wanted power or influence."
"If you had shown me even a little more respect at the beginning, things wouldn't have reached this point."
"Whether it's 6.4 million, 4 million, or even 1 million—it makes no difference to me."
"Money doesn't interest me. It doesn't bring happiness. My happiest days were back in middle school when I lived on 40,000 euros a month. It wasn't much, but at least I could enjoy it."
"Likewise, my place in the team doesn't need to be proven through salary."
"If you knew me, you'd understand my mindset and how I do things."
"Unfortunately, you don't."
The assistant was silent for a moment. "Well... you've got a point. I mean, you're already rich, so... about the contract then…"
Su Hang replied calmly, "Let's talk about the contract later. Right now, I just want to focus on playing well at the World Cup."
The assistant froze. "What? But if you don't renew now, Mr. Calderón will be under enormous pressure! Is there still something you're not satisfied with? This is the best offer Real Madrid can give a player—it can't get any higher!"
Su Hang smiled. "See? That's exactly what I mean. If only you showed me a bit more respect."
"Let me ask you—since the renewal talks began, or rather, since Mr. Calderón took office, has he called me personally even once?"
"When it comes to emotions, there's an emotional price."
"When it comes to business, there's a business price."
"There's a saying — 'Three strikes and you're out.' This is your third wasted chance to build that emotional connection."
"From now on, we'll talk business."
"After the World Cup, I'll make time to meet Mr. Calderón in person. Hopefully, he won't be too busy then."
Beep... beep... beep!
Su Hang hung up.
Simon, who had come looking for him, was drenched in sweat.
Was Su really this fearless?
The toughest thing Simon had ever done in his life was resign when Florentino revoked his coaching license and brought in Luxemburgo.
But Su Hang? He was making Calderón come to him personally.
That was another level entirely.
So shocked was Simon that he forgot to hide when Su Hang turned around. Their eyes met—bringing him back to those old days in the Real Madrid training ground's locker room.
Simon spoke first. "Won't this offend Calderón?"
Su Hang's lips curved upward. "At different stages in life, you do different things."
"Before I became captain, I never complained about my situation—no matter how hard it was."
"As captain, I could sacrifice personal interests for responsibility."
"But that was my choice."
"No one has the right to infringe upon my interests or dignity without my consent."
"I'm not always hardline—but when the moment calls for it, I never back down."
"That's my principle."
Su Hang patted Simon's shoulder.
Simon nodded. "By the way, Mr. Aragonés just called the whole team together. Seems he's got an announcement."
They walked toward the training ground.
...
All the players were already there—only Su Hang was missing.
When he finally arrived, the team was complete.
Aragonés looked at Su Hang, cleared his throat, and spoke.
"Over the past weeks, everyone has been fully committed to training, and I'm proud of your attitude."
"Next, we'll be heading to Germany."
"I hope this journey rewards your effort and lives up to everyone's expectations."
"Before we depart, I have an announcement to make."
"After discussing with players eligible for the captaincy—Raúl, Puyol, Casillas, Salgado, Albelda—and considering the coaching staff's opinion, the captain of the Spanish national team for this World Cup will be Su Hang!"
???
Many players were stunned—especially the younger ones.
"What? Su Hang?"
"How could it be Su Hang?"
"Hasn't it always been Raúl?"
"Even if not Raúl, shouldn't it be Casillas or Puyol?"
"He's so young—not even twenty."
"But he's incredibly strong. His tactical understanding surpasses all of us."
"Don't forget, he's also the captain of Real Madrid."
"If even Puyol has no objections, then no one else should."
"This is shocking, but it's a good thing. It'll reignite the fans' passion."
"Now, let's give a warm round of applause to welcome Su Hang for a few words," Aragonés said, gesturing for him to step forward.
The players burst into applause—the atmosphere full of excitement.
Puyol even muttered, "He's much more suitable than Casillas."
Casillas rolled his eyes.
Didn't Puyol realize that, apart from the Barcelona guys, everyone else already supported Su Hang as captain?
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser