“Mr. Li, there’s something I need to clarify with you before we begin our formal discussion.” Galliani, still somewhat skeptical about the relationship between Li Shiguang and Raiola, decided to steer the conversation back to the main point. “We’ve already had serious discussions after receiving news that you want to bring in Kaká. There’s no consensus within the club, or rather, the opposition is even stronger! And Carlo and I are also against selling Kaká.”
Galliani didn't know how determined Li Shiguang was to buy Kaka, but in any case, creating some difficulties for Li Shiguang would at least give him an advantage in the subsequent price negotiations.
But this statement really left Li Shiguang a bit bewildered.
Is this some new negotiation tactic? Are they trying to raise the price this way?
If your club doesn't want to sell Kaká, why are you and Ancelotti at this cafe tonight? Trying to get a free coffee from me?
“Uh… Mr. Galliani… I don’t quite understand what you mean.” This was the first time Li Shiguang had encountered Galliani’s opening move in negotiations, so he looked at Galliani with a confused expression, as if he were looking at two idiots. “Since AC Milan doesn’t want to sell Kaká, then what is the purpose of you and Mr. Ancelotti appearing in this café tonight?”
"I just wanted to see how sincere Leeds United really were..."
“Enough, gentlemen.” Li Shiguang interrupted Galliani’s reply, then stood up from his chair with a livid face, turned around and grabbed the coat draped over the back of the chair, starting to put it on. “In my opinion, it’s AC Milan that lacks sincerity. You can ask any club in Europe that I, Li Shiguang, have done business with. Whenever I’m at the negotiating table, I always bring the utmost sincerity! And I should remind you, Mr. Galliani, that my presence here tonight as the owner of Leeds United, communicating with you, who is only the CEO of AC Milan, is already the greatest expression of my sincerity!”
"Let's go, Diego!" After getting dressed, Li Shiguang called out to Simone and walked towards the door without looking back.
Simone glanced at Raiola, who seemed to be still in a daze, grabbed his coat, and quickly followed after her.
"It's so cold!" After going outside, Simone asked Li Shiguang while pulling on his clothes, "Boss, are we just leaving like this?"
Li Shiguang shook his head, a mischievous smile on his face.
Of course I won't just leave like that!
He's gambling!
I'm betting Galliani will definitely chase after me and keep me here!
Serie A's appeal and AC Milan's own finances are already declining. Even though Kaká is currently very important to AC Milan's performance, Galliani would never completely abandon this potential big customer just for that reason, especially since he hasn't even quoted a price yet!
In fact, when Li Shiguang heard Galliani say that he wanted to test his sincerity, he knew why Galliani said that the club did not agree to sell Kaká. To put it bluntly, he just wanted to raise the price without any reason!
Li Shiguang was well aware of Kaka's market value.
When Real Madrid brought him from the San Siro in 2009, they spent a whopping 65 million euros, which was the second-highest transfer fee in the history of world football at the time! But Kaká was at his peak then, and he also had many honors such as the Champions League title and the FIFA World Player of the Year. As the last FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or winner before the two superstars dominated the world football scene, it was only natural that his transfer fee was high.
However, Kaka's current market value is far from 65 million euros. In Li Shiguang's estimation, if he were to acquire him now, a price of no more than 50 million euros would be reasonable!
Galliani's attitude just now clearly showed that he wanted to make exorbitant demands, which is why Li Shiguang responded so firmly! Otherwise, he would probably be led by the nose in the subsequent negotiations.
"Sizzle~"
Before Li Shiguang could answer Simone, the sound of a door opening came from behind them.
Simone turned his head and saw Galliani, who was so anxious that he hadn't even put on his coat, pushing open the door.
Holy crap! You really got me all wrapped around your little finger!
Simone glanced at the composed Li Shiguang beside him as if he were a monster, and unconsciously moved two steps to the side, giving the space to Galliani who was walking over.
"Mr. Li, Mr. Li, you've misunderstood!" Galliani was, after all, over sixty years old. The cold wind blowing down from the Alps in January made him shiver a little, but he was a little anxious, so he tried his best to keep his tone calm. "I didn't mean you weren't sincere, and we didn't mean to refuse your offer for Kaka. Please forgive my slip of the tongue just now."
Seeing that he had achieved his goal, Li Shiguang put away his mischievous smile, and a slightly angry expression reappeared on his face. He turned his head to look at Galliani, who was rubbing his arms with both hands.
"OK, I forgive you, Mr. Galliani! The car is almost here. Are you here to see Diego and me off?"
“Yes, yes, then let’s go back…” Galliani breathed a sigh of relief at Li Shiguang’s first sentence, but something seemed off about what he said next. He quickly grabbed Li Shiguang and said, “Hey, hey, hey! Mr. Li, don’t do this. We haven’t even started discussing the main purpose of our meeting today. How can you leave like this? Please take care of this old man. It’s really a bit cold outside.”
Finally, after arguing with Galliani for a few more minutes, Li Shiguang reluctantly allowed Galliani to drag him into the coffee shop, his face still grumpy.
After everyone sat down again...
Li Shiguang didn't give Galliani another chance to speak. He picked up his coffee, took a sip, and then coldly stated his offer for Kaka.
“Mr. Galliani, I don’t want to beat around the bush anymore. 30 million euros, that’s my offer for Kaká!”
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
