In the blink of an eye, it was Thursday. The day is finally here. My first official contract.
I was so excited for this. Signing the contract means that I would get 1 stat point as well. I could use it to upgrade one of my stats. I am thinking of putting it into finishing.
My thought process behind this is that I am already at a decent position in terms of passing. I am better than others when it comes to vision. And I am already known for it. The immediate way for me to make an impression and burst into the senior teams is if I have an X factor and that could be my finishing.
Scoring some goals initially would give me a way in quickly. From then on, I could keep my place with my playmaking. I want to be that double threat from early on.
I opened up the system quickly to take a look at the progress on my stats. It was pretty impressive for just a little over a month of practice. Once I play competitive matches, I expect the progress to be quicker.
**********G.O.A.T System**********
Stats Missions Training Cards
**********G.O.A.T System**********
Stats
Name: Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite (Kaka)
Age: 15
Height: 176cm
Weight: 70.4kg
Position: Attacking Midfielder/ Winger
Preferred Foot: Right
Weak Foot: ***
Skill Moves: ****
Work Rate: ****
Overall Rating: 78
Potential: 92
Pace: 85
#Acceleration: 86.5(+0.5)
#Sprint Speed: 84.5(+0.5)
Shooting: 73
#Positioning: 80.3(+0.3)
#Finishing: 70.2(+0.2)
#Shot Power: 72.8(+0.8)
#Long Shots: 74.4(+0.4)
#Volleys: 68
#Penalties: 78.5(+0.5)
Passing: 74
#Vision: 80.4(+0.4)
#Crossing: 68.5(+0.5)
#Free Kick Accuracy: 70.4(+0.4)
#Short Passing: 76.6(+0.6)
#Long Passing: 74.8(+0.8)
#Curve: 74.3(+0.3)
Dribbling: 82
#Agility: 86
#Balance: 82.2(+0.2)
#Reactions: 74.4(+0.4)
#Ball Control: 80.6(+0.6)
#Dribbling: 84.2(+0.2)
#Composure: 62.6(+0.6)
Defending: 37
#Interceptions: 32
#Heading: 54.5(+0.5)
#Defensive Awareness: 40.2(+0.2)
#Stand Tackle: 32
#Slide Tackle: 36
Physical: 53
#Jumping: 62.2(+0.2)
#Stamina: 65.6(+0.6)
#Strength: 50.8(+0.8)
#Aggression: 46
Traits:
#Speed Dribbles
#Playmaker
#Technical Dribbler
These stats look solid. I closed the system, happy with my progress.
I wasn't going to go to school today. My father and I are going to the club for the initial contract version and discussions.
My father found a really good lawyer, Mr. Marc Jacobs, who works with his civil engineering company who specialises in contract negotiations. So, that was a plus. He would be joining us, to make sure that we don't sign anything we shouldn't.
I got ready quickly. Put on a plain white shirt, grey pants. Used a brown leather belt that I got as a gift for my birthday to neatly tuck it in. I received a pair of brown leather boots as well for my birthday from my mom. She said that I needed them for all kinds of occasions and that I can't wear my sneakers everywhere. I looked very good if I say so myself.
All I need now to finish my look is a classic timepiece. I didn't have one yet. But, I will buy some soon. In my past life, I was obsessed with watches. I don't know what it is about them, but I really appreciated them. A Patek Philippe Calatrava would go so well with this ensemble. But, I would have to sell my kidneys to buy that right now. So, I shall wait for them.
Audemars Piguet, A Lange & Sohne, Richard Mille, Rolex, Patek, Omega, Breitling. I am going to own them all. This is something I wanted in my past life. But, this time, I will start a proper watch collection. I will have the means to do it, so why not.
I went to my father's room, and asked him if I could borrow one of his watches. He gave me a Seiko watch. It was a silver metal strap, with black dial and silver indices. It was a classic watch. I liked it. I thanked him and put it on.
As I was going out, my mom saw me and she gushed about how smart I was looking. I really enjoyed these little things. The way she is so expressive, be it positive or negative, she never hides her emotions. She is quick to praise me for every little thing, and if I make a mistake, she is quick to anger as well. I love this about her.
With that done, both of us left for the club. We would be meeting the lawyer Mr. Jacobs there. The ride was calm. This was just the initial discussion, so we didn't want to make a big deal out of it. We wanted to see the terms offered first and then react.
We parked the car, and immediately saw a man waving at my father. He was a portly man, short and bald but had a very warm and welcoming smile on his face. He must be Mr. Jacobs.
I don't know why, but I was expecting a mean looking lawyer.
Nevertheless, we met him. Introductions were made and he congratulated me on this opportunity. Apparently he is a massive football fan. He is from the United States, but his family settled here in Brazil. We kept things simple and it was just small talk.
Before entering the building, he asked us to not talk or agree to anything even verbally, and to let him do all the talking. He said that we would have plenty of time to review things and come to a decision as a team, and we would have an opportunity to raise concerns later on.
We went to coach Joao's office. He was our point of contact with the club. He is the one who handles u15 prospects and he has been the one who has been observing me and singing praises.
As soon as he saw us, he had a small smile on his face and he said "Welcome, welcome Mr Leite, Ricky. You're both looking good today."
Looking at Mr. Jacobs, he just glanced at my father and my father made the introduction.
"This is Mr. Marc Jacobs. He is a lawyer at my company who handles negotiations. Since all of this is new to us, we wanted him to be there to guide us and be there support"
"Ah! That makes sense. Nice to meet you Mr. Jacobs. It is good to come prepared. But, I am afraid, today it won't be big, we have the initial offer, you would review it, and we could discuss if we want any changes to it. We shall prepare the final offer based on the feedback. Let us go to the meeting room, the lawyers are waiting for us there."
We went to the conference room, two other people were already there. One was a representative from the recruitment team, and the other was a lawyer.
Once the introductions were made, coach Joao spoke.
"We have been very happy with the way you have developed in the past 6months Kaká. We were not sure before, despite your talent, because of how frail you were, but now, standing at 176cm, you look ready.
We have observed the dedication you've been showing in training, listening to our feedback and putting it into practice. We like seeing things like that.
I know that you want to play for the u17 team and that you aim to get into the first team soon.
First, let us start with the u15 competitions and once you prove yourself there, we could look into the senior team promotions."
He then handed us a contract.
"I won't bore you with discussing all the details. Everything is self explanatory, this is not a complex contract since this is your first professional contract. I will let you go through this first, and then call us if you have any doubts about anything."
All three of them left us alone in the meeting room.
Even though I wanted to be calm, I was nervous. My hands were sweaty and I was shaking.
I took a deep breath to calm myself down, and I saw a look of approval pass on my father's face. He saw me being nervous and must have wanted to see what I would do before he intervened.
I had my first professional contract in my hands.