The All-Around Center Forward

Suker was the first to arrive in Spain yesterday, but kept his schedule private, heading straight to Florentino's residence for negotiations.

After a brief discussion, Florentino called Casillas—who was still in Madrid—to come and act as Suker's guide.

To truly join a team, one must first integrate into the city itself.

Madrid, the Spanish capital, is a city with a long history.

Here, you can see many ancient buildings and unique cultural products.

Casillas was very enthusiastic; from a teammate's perspective, Suker's joining was purely beneficial.

Therefore, Casillas treated Suker with great warmth.

He even somehow found out Suker's preferences and took him to a Chinese restaurant.

Though the restaurant's style was somewhat eclectic, Suker was familiar with 'creative cuisine' and didn't want to embarrass Casillas, so he ate several bites.

Despite altering the original flavors, the dishes added some strange but not unpleasant characteristics.

Seeing Suker eat quite well, both Casillas and Danar were very happy.

"There's still time this afternoon. Is there anywhere you want to go?"

Casillas asked.

Suker shook his head. "I arrived in a hurry, so I didn't plan any specific places."

"Then let me arrange something?" Casillas raised his eyebrows.

Suker smiled. "Of course, locals should understand the city's highlights better."

"Let's watch bullfighting!"

Casillas said straightforwardly.

"Bullfighting?"

Suker was surprised.

Spain's most famous spectacle seemed to be bullfighting!

"There are major bullfighting events in March and November every year. Although it's not the main season now, there are still some bullfighting shows."

Danar asked, "Which matador's show is it today?"

Casillas smiled. "Julio Aparicio. His bullfighting skills are exquisite. He's performed multiple times the amazing feat of striking the bull's heart in one sword thrust—killing it instantly. If I hadn't become a professional player, I might have considered becoming a matador."

Suker could see a trace of yearning in Casillas's eyes.

If this guy hadn't become a pro, Spain might have lost a national goalkeeper and gained a matador.

"I don't mind!"

Suker shrugged.

"Then let's go."

Casillas was a bit impetuous; as soon as Suker finished the last bite, Casillas pulled him ready to depart.

"Goodbye! Come again sometime!"

Danar smiled and waved to Suker.

Suker politely responded but thought to himself that he probably wouldn't return.

Though creative cuisine was interesting and fresh, after the novelty wore off, it wasn't that tasty.

Casillas's car was an Audi Q7, and they drove towards the Madrid bullring.

Along the way, Casillas kept chatting with him.

"The European Championship match against you guys was really tough," Casillas sighed, "Aragonés even resigned over it."

Suker blinked and turned to say, "Should I apologize?"

"No, no!" Casillas waved hurriedly, "We just felt regretful. Also, there are internal issues with the national team, sigh…"

Casillas's tone was a bit helpless.

For these young players, Raul's presence wasn't necessarily a help, and might even suppress their performances.

Because when Raul played, many tactical resources had to be devoted to him.

Though they still respected Raul, the aging star might actually be an obstacle to success.

Hence their conflicted feelings.

"I watched your game against Belarus. You're still in great form," Casillas complimented Suker slightly, signaling goodwill.

Suker smiled back, "I think joining Real Madrid will make the team more competitive. You're the teammates I chose, and I believe we can overcome the current difficulties together."

Casillas nodded and smiled, "You're not as hard to approach as the rumors say."

Suker was surprised, "Am I hard to approach?"

"Someone said your personality is strange, but it's probably just rumors," Casillas chuckled awkwardly.

"Who?"

"Just a friend."

"Which friend?"

"Uh…"

Seeing Suker pressing for details, Casillas felt a little overwhelmed.

Just then, the Madrid bullring appeared ahead.

Casillas immediately shouted, "We're here! Today's bullfight will be fantastic."

Suker asked, "Can we go backstage?"

Casillas was surprised, "You actually know about 'filtering the bull' (checking the bull's condition)? Many outsiders don't observe the bull's state beforehand. Looks like you really know bullfighting. I can take you backstage!"

Ten minutes later, backstage at the Madrid bullring, Suker squatted near a shed, watching an old craftsman trimming a bull's hooves.

Suker was very focused.

Each fighting bull is fierce by nature. To stimulate their fighting spirit, the bulls' hooves are trimmed before the match.

In a cramped space, the bull is locked inside and tightly chained, then the hooves are trimmed swiftly.

Due to the danger involved, this tests the craftsman's skill and speed greatly.

Watching the smooth, quick hoof trimming, Suker couldn't help but admire the craftsman's skill.

Compared to blacksmiths he'd seen trimming horseshoes before, this was many times more skilled.

Casillas stared at Suker dumbfounded.

His head was spinning.

What exactly was this guy doing?

Coming to the bullring to watch hoof trimming?

What kind of hobby is that?

"The bullfight is about to start!"

Casillas urged.

Suker turned and said, "You go ahead, I'll watch the hoof trimming here."

The craftsman glanced at Suker with admiration.

Suker immediately gave a thumbs up: "Excellent work!"

The craftsman immediately worked even harder.

Finally, someone who understood the trade—he had to show off his skills!

Casillas was a bit at a loss.

He didn't understand what was so interesting about this.

But since Suker wasn't leaving, what was the point of him going?

Casillas reluctantly watched the craftsman's movements.

Actually, this was quite addictive!

"I spent a whole afternoon backstage at the Madrid bullring for the first time."

"So, tell me, is it interesting?"

Suker turned and asked.

Casillas's lips twitched.

He wanted to say yes, addictive even.

But his Spanish matador spirit told him this was wrong!

Casillas exhaled deeply and said, "Tomorrow is your signing ceremony. Many fans will probably come to Bernabéu. Have you thought about how you'll greet them?"

Suker asked, "Will there be a lot of people?"

Casillas replied, "As far as I know, all major Spanish media will attend, club legends and executives will be there. The captain will probably lead you in, plus a speech by the president and other programs."

Suker's signing wasn't a small event, but a record-breaking major transfer for Real Madrid.

Based on that, Real Madrid would surely hold a signing ceremony worthy of his price tag.

Not to mention police escorts or city-wide welcomes, it would be extremely lively.

So far, Suker's jersey number hasn't been decided, but many fans have already pre-ordered his soon-to-be-released shirts.

This summer transfer window had other signings for Real Madrid, but all were overshadowed by Suker.

He was absolutely Real Madrid's most favored player and the one fans expected the most.

Before Suker's arrival, fans watched his game videos repeatedly, watching his countless goals.

Seeing such a powerful player join their club naturally stirred their emotions.

Even when AC Milan knocked Real Madrid out of the Champions League twice, fans watched eagerly.

Watching Suker's unstoppable goals.

Watching Suker's crazy performances.

They were certain that in Real Madrid's revival, Suker would play a key role!

On July 1st, amid flashes of camera lights,

Suker, accompanied by Florentino, walked out of the medical center.

In the eyes of thousands of eagerly waiting fans, Suker signed a five-year professional contract with Florentino.

Facing the cameras, the two lifted up the white jersey bearing countless glories.

[9]

[Suker]

Real Madrid officially entered a brand new era.

The second phase of the Galacticos had begun to set sail!