The All-Around Center Forward

Suker's villa in Madrid was located in a suburban area near the training base.

Far from the bustling city center, the location was relatively quiet and peaceful.

The surrounding infrastructure was also well-developed.

Because the property was built and developed directly by Real Madrid, nearby shopping centers and other facilities were also managed by the club.

For a professional player like Suker, life revolved around just two points—home and the training base—so geographical location wasn't a top concern.

The villa itself was expansive—three floors and a large private garden.

The entire villa zone was owned by Real Madrid, and Suker was renting one of the units.

Currently, Suker's agent Zorančić was supervising workers in renovating the garden, which was being completely dug out and rebuilt into a small private football field.

While the workers busied themselves in the yard, Suker was inside receiving guests.

It was the second day since he joined Real Madrid, and the eyes of all of Europe were fixed on the club and on him.

And now, Manuel Pellegrini, Real Madrid's head coach, had personally come to visit.

"Next season, we'll be building a whole new squad around you."

Pellegrini looked excited.

He had just joined the club last season, but due to roster limitations, high-level management turbulence, and various other factors, he hadn't been able to fully implement his ideas.

But now, with Florentino Pérez returning as club president, the management stabilized and major reinforcements arrived—Suker, Xabi Alonso, Albiol, Benzema—and the overall lineup was significantly strengthened.

Pellegrini was especially thrilled about the additions of Suker and Xabi Alonso.

Xabi Alonso had already proven his top-class midfield capabilities at Liverpool—his vision, passing, and control were elite.

As for Suker, his status as a goal-scoring machine was undisputed. Together, these two would massively upgrade Madrid's offensive potential.

So just on Suker's second day with the club, Pellegrini came directly to lay out his plan.

"I'm honored you value me this much, but…" Suker paused. "What about the captain?"

Raúl was a big issue.

Suker and Raúl played the same position—central striker.

Of course, Suker could shift out wide if the tactics demanded, but his main role was still as a center-forward.

Pellegrini chuckled and replied:

"I've already discussed this with the club. Mr. Pérez was very firm—'We didn't spend €100 million on Suker to make him compromise. Everything must be done to fully unleash his attacking power.'"

Hearing that, Suker felt much more secure.

Back when he joined AC Milan, he wasn't a big enough name to avoid being shuffled around—moved out wide to assist Shevchenko.

But now, he came to Real Madrid as a €100 million man. No one spends that kind of money to play a support role—especially not for a veteran like Raúl, whose best days were behind him.

Even with Raúl's legacy at the club, Florentino wouldn't allow sentiment to override competitive goals.

"Preseason starts in a week. You don't need to rush—just focus on blending into the squad. La Liga is different from Serie A—the tempo, tactics, and style will take some adjustment."

Pellegrini wasn't worried though. Suker's playing style made him versatile enough to handle any attacking position.

"But I do suggest you start working with Alonso soon—I want to build our central spine around you two."

"Central spine?" Suker raised his eyebrows.

Pellegrini nodded with a smile:

"Yes. I'm planning to convert Sergio Ramos into a center-back. He has the potential. Pair that with Alonso's control in midfield, and your firepower up front—we'll have a powerful core structure."

That truly surprised Suker.

He remembered this change had been introduced by José Mourinho, turning Ramos into one of the world's top center-backs.

Ramos had mainly played right-back early in his career, but his mental toughness and physical attributes made him more suited for central defense.

Although he was still raw defensively, Suker believed Ramos hadn't yet fully evolved into "Dirty Ramos"—a necessary transformation for high-stakes matches.

Pepe, Ramos, the promising Marcelo, and new signing Arbeloa gave Real Madrid a solid defensive core.

In midfield, there was Van der Vaart, Xabi Alonso, Diarra, and up front:Suker, Raúl, Higuaín, Benzema.

The Galácticos Phase II project wasn't complete yet—but its shape was beginning to take form.

Pellegrini left in a rush, but full of energy.

So far, Suker had worked under three club managers:

Ancelotti (the most complete and capable)

Besić (steady and methodical)

Van Stoyak (a free-spirited tactician prone to brilliance—and failure)

Compared to them, Pellegrini felt... a bit vague.

Not bad—but lacking a defining trait.

Every elite coach has their own unique style:

Ferguson: iron-fisted authority

Wenger: wise and visionary

Ancelotti: all-rounder

Guardiola: smooth and cerebral

Mourinho: disciplined strategist

Klopp: pure passion

But with Pellegrini, Suker couldn't quite pin it down.

Still, Pellegrini was his current manager, and Suker would respect him.

After all, he had just joined the club—it was time to ease in.

A week flew by quickly.

During that time, Suker got a full taste of Real Madrid's commercial power.

His personal manager, Charles, was in constant contact.

Real Madrid also signed a commercial cooperation agreement with Suker's agency.

The club's commercial events weren't just for Real Madrid to profit—players got a cut, too.

Revenue was shared based on popularity and marketability.

There were also numerous commercial responsibilities during Suker's time at Madrid.

This system wasn't just about money—it also boosted a player's public profile, which helped in Ballon d'Or campaigns.

Compared to Milan, Madrid was far more commercialized.

As David Beckham once said:

"At Real Madrid, it feels like you're always in front of a camera."

Suker now felt that firsthand.

For instance—today was his first team training session.

That morning, Charles showed up at dawn with a camera, recording Suker from the moment he woke up to the moment he stepped into the dressing room.

These videos would be uploaded to the club's official site and promoted on YouTube, boosting Suker's global image.

Fans loved behind-the-scenes footage of their favorite stars.

Having watched Suker's incredible match performances, many were now eager to see what he was like off the field.

Of course, most of the "daily life" footage was scripted.

"Alright! Now we move on to filming inside the locker room," Charles clapped and folded his camera, smiling.

Inside Florentino's office, Suker awkwardly pulled his hand back and whispered to Raúl:

"Do they always do this?"

Raúl smiled and shrugged:

"You'll get used to it."

Suker grimaced.

He had no choice—whether he liked it or not, he had to get used to it.

The two of them left Florentino's office and headed for the locker room.

Today marked Suker's official first day at Real Madrid—and as tradition, captain Raúl personally escorted him into the dressing room.

From this day forward, Suker would begin his career at Real Madrid.