The All-Around Center Forward

"A 100 million euro transfer fee?! That's insane! INSANE! Did Real Madrid really pay that much?!"

On the other end of the phone, Duimović was screaming in disbelief.

When he transferred to the Russian league, his transfer fee was barely a fraction of Suker's—it was becoming an increasingly huge gap.

"How much are they paying you annually?"

Duimović was dying to know. The media hadn't revealed any concrete numbers yet.

Most estimates pegged Suker's salary around 10 million euros a year, but they were just guesses.

Suker replied into the phone, "You really want to know?"

Duimović immediately regretted asking.

"No! Don't say it! It'll crush me!"

The gap between an average player and a top-tier superstar was enormous.

Just judging by Suker's mind-blowing transfer fee, it was clear his salary would be massive.

Still, Duimović was too curious.

"11 million, at least?"

"Heh."

"What do you mean, 'heh'? Is it even less than that?"

He had already added an extra million on top of media predictions!

For reference, his own annual salary was just 1 million.

"Don't ask. It'll just depress you," Suker said, chuckling.

Duimović clutched his chest. "Damn it, you've already depressed me!"

"My salary is just one million! Come on, tell me—how many of me is it?"

"Fourteen."

"Goodbye."

Duimović hung up, completely defeated and overwhelmed by the crushing reality.

"I told you not to ask," Suker said with a grin.

"I want to play for Real Madrid too. Got any connections?"

"You're not going."

Suker didn't even hesitate.

"Why not? I'm not that bad!"

"Your skills aren't the issue. Florentino likes good-looking players."

Duimović went berserk.

That stung worse than being told he wasn't talented.

But Suker wasn't wrong—Florentino was absolutely a face-value obsessive. Looks did give players an edge.

The old man had a thing for good-looking players.

"Goodbye."

Duimović hung up the call—any further and he'd lose all self-worth.

Suker chuckled and placed the phone on the coffee table, then turned to look at Kaká.

At that moment, Kaká was sitting on the couch, staring blankly into space.

"What are you thinking about?"

Suker nudged him.

Kaká snapped out of it and gave a bitter smile:"Real Madrid made me an offer too."

Suker nodded.It was clear that Florentino wanted to bring both Suker and Kaká to Madrid in a package deal.

"How much was the offer?"

"50 million euros."

Suker frowned. "Too low."

In the original timeline, Kaká's transfer fee reached 65 million. But likely due to Suker's arrival, Real Madrid had shifted priorities and couldn't invest as much in Kaká now.

Suker was their top target.

"The club asked me if I'm open to a transfer. I'm torn," Kaká said bitterly. "Now that you're leaving, Milan's future…"

Suker paused for a moment, then said:"Don't rush. If it doesn't happen this season, Real will come for you next season. And when they have more funds, even if you don't ask to leave, Milan will still sell you."

Kaká gave him a look. "Could you have said it any harsher?"

Suker shrugged. "It's the truth. Milan needs money, and they're already selling off valuable assets. I'm the perfect example."

"Why are you so sure Real Madrid will still want me next year? What if I underperform and they go after someone else?" Kaká asked, genuinely worried. "What if they lose interest?"

Suker smiled:"So what you're worried about is—you want to stay one more year, but you're afraid Real Madrid won't want you anymore?"

Kaká sighed and nodded.

Suker reassured him:"Don't worry. I've got your back. I'll pressure Real Madrid if I have to. Besides, President Pérez promised me—if not this year, then next year he'll bring you to Real Madrid."

Despite Suker's comforting words, Kaká still looked troubled.

Suker patted him on the shoulder.

"Stop overthinking. That overactive brain of yours won't solve anything. Just give it a year. Transfer to Real next summer and team up with me."

Kaká was known for overanalyzing and being too serious.

But Suker's words didn't irritate him—in fact, they made him feel a bit better.

"Alright, forget it. I won't dwell on it anymore," Kaká shook his head and smiled.

"What's for dinner tonight?"

Suker: "…"

February 27th – 2008/09 UEFA Cup Round of 32, Second LegAC Milan vs. Ajax, San Siro

In the 67th minute, the score was 1–1.

After trailing in the first half, Pirlo capitalized on a free kick earned by Suker to score and equalize.

Ajax had performed particularly well, especially in the first half.

Their high pressing and intense movement threw AC Milan into chaos.

Luis Suárez took advantage of the confusion, finding the perfect moment to launch a stunning long-range shot and give Ajax the lead.

But after halftime, Milan made adjustments and began attacking more aggressively, relying on Suker's dribbling and relentless pressure on Ajax's defense.

Pirlo capitalized on a free-kick chance, curling it into the net.

Watching Pirlo score from a set piece, Suker felt a bit envious.

Set pieces were still one of Suker's weak points.

Both Messi and Ronaldo were exceptional with free kicks, but Suker had never acquired that particular skill boost.

He had some ability in this area, but without innate talent or "card-based bonuses," it was difficult to reach Pirlo's level.

77th minute – AC Milan corner kick.

Everyone's attention was on Suker—especially Vertonghen and Vermaelen, who flanked him on both sides, arms outstretched to block his movement.

Bang!Pirlo took the corner.

Vertonghen and Vermaelen realized Suker hadn't moved at all.

Meanwhile, Šimunić, Pato, and Seedorf were fighting hard to charge forward.

"Crap!"

Vermaelen immediately pulled back.

Just then, Suker began sidestepping left, analyzing the ball's trajectory and player positions to instinctively anticipate the drop zone.

This was what people called "striker's instinct."

And he was right!

The ball deflected off Šimunić's and Vermaelen's shoulders and dropped perfectly in front of Suker.

Suker accelerated, met the ball mid-air, and struck.

A flying volley.

The ball went straight into the left side of the net.

"GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The entire San Siro erupted in a thunderous roar.

SUKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fans screamed and cheered with all their hearts.

They were thrilled—but their emotions were also mixed.

Every match with Suker now felt like one less to cherish.

At the end of this season, Suker would be leaving Milan.

The club and Real Madrid had already agreed on the transfer fee, and Suker had reached a deal with Madrid as well.

All that remained was for the summer window to open, and for Suker to sign the contract. Then he would become a Madridista.

Without realizing it, Suker had already played four seasons at San Siro.

From a rising young star to the most-watched footballer in the world.

Milan fans felt that even though Milan nurtured Suker, he had repaid the club with two Champions League titles and two league titles.

There were no hard feelings.

And with his departure bringing in a 100 million euro transfer fee, Milan had nothing to complain about.

From a fan's perspective, it was clear—this was a forced sale due to Milan's financial needs.

That thought made the farewell even more bittersweet.

After this season, San Siro would lose one of its beloved sons.

In the VIP section of San Siro, Florentino Pérez clapped and laughed with joy.

"Magnificent! What a goal! So decisive, no hesitation—that's the mark of a top-tier player, wouldn't you agree?"

He turned to Silvio Berlusconi, beaming.

Berlusconi forced a smile."Of course. Suker has always been a top-class player."

"This kid is amazing. He'll be a huge asset for our squad. I can't wait to see him in a Real Madrid jersey."

Florentino's eyes practically sparkled.

Berlusconi, on the other hand, tasted only bitterness.

If not for the fallout from the Calciopoli scandal and its domino effect, which had wrecked his cash flow, he wouldn't have sold Suker.

It wasn't a choice.

They needed the money.

Selling Suker was the best option available.