Chapter 651: Chapter 651: Asking for More Is Robbery
"BREAKING! AC Milan has accepted Real Madrid's offer. The two parties are currently discussing salary terms. For Real Madrid fans, they'll soon witness the most powerful striker of the century don the iconic white jersey at the Santiago Bernabéu!"
This report from Marca sent shockwaves throughout Spain.
Just as Calderón stepped down, Florentino Pérez orchestrated a jaw-dropping transfer operation for Real Madrid.
During Calderón's four-year term, he failed to bring in any true superstar.
Yet before even officially taking office, Florentino had already secured Suker's transfer.
This alone highlighted the vast difference between the two administrations.
Florentino's approval ratings soared.
For Real Madrid fans, their feet barely touched the ground—they were practically floating with joy.
Suker!
That's Suker!
Two-time Champions League winner and Best Player.
2008 UEFA Euro's MVP and Best Player.
2007 Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year.
2008 Ballon d'Or winner again.
The honors heaped on him were dazzling.
And Real Madrid fans were no strangers to Suker's strength.
For two consecutive Champions League campaigns, Real Madrid was knocked out by AC Milan.
Milan contributed greatly to Real Madrid's infamous "Round of 16 Curse," and Suker, as Milan's top star, was the main culprit.
At the time, Real fans wanted to rip him to shreds.
But now, this once-hated figure was about to wear Real Madrid's white kit—Suker's image had completely transformed in their eyes.
From the most hated man to the most beloved.
Many Real Madrid fans had already stopped caring about this season's performance. Whatever happens, happens. Next season, once Suker joins, their attack will be unstoppable.
Sure, they were fond of their captain, Raúl the Ring King, and reluctant to let go.
But looking at the dazzling Suker, they knew what choice to make.
At this point, every Real Madrid fan was eagerly awaiting July's arrival.
By then, Florentino would be officially in office, and Suker would officially join the club.
A double blessing—nothing could top that.
Meanwhile, at Milanello's training base in the meeting room:
Galliani smiled and shook hands with Florentino, then turned to Suker and said, "I'll leave you two to talk. I won't interrupt."
AC Milan had accepted the transfer offer, but the salary and other details still needed to be negotiated.
This was the final step toward joining Real Madrid.
Just because Milan accepted didn't mean Suker had to agree.
If the salary wasn't satisfactory, he had every right to reject.
Still, Milan's agreement was already a good start.
"Whew~~~"
Watching Galliani leave, Florentino finally exhaled in relief.
Hard work had paid off—this moment had finally come.
"Come, my boy, let's have a good chat!"
Florentino warmly guided Suker to the meeting table.
He acted very close, and his eyes practically sparkled when looking at Suker.
Even though he was investing a great deal, he believed Suker wouldn't disappoint them.
Moreover, thanks to this massive transfer, the ripple effect was already starting to spread. Real Madrid's fame and global influence would continue to grow.
Real Madrid had committed more than half of their transfer budget for this deal.
Traditionally, the club wouldn't do that, but this was an exception.
On one hand, it would boost Suker's commercial value. On the other, in the new era of big-money football, it allowed them to grab the biggest slice of the pie.
Now, Real Madrid and Suker had opened the era of 100-million-euro transfers.
In the future, even if other players surpassed this figure, none could generate the same buzz.
Why? Because Real Madrid was the first. They were the pioneers. That mattered.
Even though they had spent 100 million euros on the transfer fee...
Florentino planned a squad overhaul in the summer transfer window.
Robben, Sneijder, Huntelaar, van Nistelrooy—this entire Dutch contingent would be shipped out.
Their sales would help Real Madrid recoup some of the costs.
Thinking of this, Florentino's smile grew even wider.
"Let's discuss your compensation package, my boy!"
Suker squirmed a little—Florentino's tone made him a bit uncomfortable, like a weird uncle.
Of course, he understood this was Florentino's way of treating him like one of his own.
With Florentino backing him, Suker would live very comfortably at Real Madrid.
At least, much more comfortably than Cristiano Ronaldo did in the original timeline.
"We've prepared two salary packages for you!"
Florentino's secretary handed over two documents.
"The first one: a 5-year deal with an annual salary of 11 million euros.That's currently the top salary in football.There are also goal bonuses, assist bonuses, and a loyalty bonus upon renewal."
Suker and his agent, Zorancic, lowered their heads to read. The offer was full of sincerity—hardly anything to nitpick.
"And the second option?" Suker asked.
The secretary smiled:"The second one is even more generous: 14 million euros annually,plus Ballon d'Or and assist bonuses, and a six-year loyalty bonus.But with this version, Real Madrid will explicitly promise to fully support you in winning the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year."**
"Additionally, we'll partner with your team to develop commercial promotions.Any revenue from that will be split 60-40."
Suker raised an eyebrow."I get 40?"
"No—you get 60." The secretary smiled.
Suker turned to Zorancic, giving him a questioning look.
Zoran was dumbfounded and started flipping through the contract in a frenzy.
As his agent, he should be negotiating harder, pushing for more, right?
But damn—this offer was already insanely good!
Back at Milan, Suker's salary was only 4 million euros!
And now they were offering 14 million—nearly five times more.
"Aren't you going to say anything?"
Suker gave Zorancic a look of disbelief.
"Be more professional, please?"
Zorancic pointed at the contract and shrugged.
"What do you want me to say? If I ask for more, it's basically robbery at this point!"
Florentino chuckled as he watched the two.
"As for housing, our club has a residential area where many players live.We can assign you a villa there. Can you drive?"
Suker shook his head.
Florentino:"You'd better get a license. We work with many car brands,and they regularly give new cars to our players as part of sponsorship deals.As a Real Madrid player, you'll need to act as their ambassador."
Suker:"That's not an issue. I even have a car in Milan—this one!"
Florentino:"You mean that red Ferrari? Leave it in Milan."
"We're currently collaborating with Rolls-Royce.They've agreed to custom-design a signature model just for you."
Suker blinked."Is it free?"
Florentino smiled:"Of course not! But you'll advertise for them."
Suker:"I'll drive it every day to work!"
Suker stood up, reached out his hand, and said:"I'm happy to join Real Madrid!"
Florentino replied warmly:"We're happy too, my boy!"
After signing and shaking hands, both sides confirmed that Suker would officially join Real Madrid on July 1st of this year.
With that settled, Suker finally let out a long sigh of relief.
Next season, he would leave Milan behind and step onto a new stage—
Spain.Real Madrid.An era without Cristiano Ronaldo, but with Suker, was about to begin.
Real Madrid acted quickly.
That very afternoon, their media department officially announced Suker's signing.
They confirmed that Suker would join on July 1st, and that a grand unveiling ceremony would take place at the Bernabéu Stadium.
Fans were invited to witness Suker's glory in person.
After all arrangements were made, Suker left the meeting room in Milan.
But Florentino didn't leave right away—he decided to stay in Milan for a while longer.
His excitement hadn't worn off yet.
Or rather, he hadn't seen enough of Suker.
The thought of such a powerful player joining Real Madrid—a signing he personally orchestrated—filled Florentino with joy.
The only problem?
He just couldn't get enough of watching Suker.
He planned to stay a few more days in Milan, watch a few more of Suker's matches, and then return to Spain.