As soon as Mendes finished speaking, Li Shiguang laughed happily: "You're amazing, Mr. Mendes. No wonder most of the transfer deals in Europe are under your control! When Mino and I expressed the same idea, he took much longer to consider it than you did."
“You flatter me, Mr. Li.” Mendes smiled modestly. “Before your Leeds United rose to prominence, I did handle many high-profile transfers. But in the past year or so, every record signing in every transfer window has been inextricably linked to your Leeds United.”
Li Shiguang knew that Mendes was referring to the two Brazilian players, Kaká and Maicon.
Indeed, Maicon, the most expensive signing in this winter transfer window, was sold to Real Madrid by Li Shiguang, while Kaká, the most expensive signing in the summer transfer window, was bought by Li Shiguang from AC Milan.
Li Shiguang did not refuse Mendes' suggestion. Instead, he leaned forward and whispered, "Mr. Mendes, if you wish, I can also link you with the new record signing in the next two transfer windows."
The new bidding king?
Are you trying to get involved with me? Does that mean you want to buy one of my players?
Li Shiguang's choice of words startled Mendes. His brows, which had just relaxed, furrowed again, and his mind raced, with faces appearing in his head like a slideshow.
The image of the boy with the white earring, whom Mendes had snatched from another Portuguese agent, José Vega, over a dinner, remained fixed in his mind's eye.
Mendes' eyes widened suddenly as Cristiano Ronaldo's face vanished from his sight. He then stared incredulously at Li Shiguang, who was grinning broadly in front of him, and exclaimed, "No way! You want to buy Cristiano?!"
Looking at Mendes's face, which was contorted with astonishment, Li Shiguang praised him again: "You are very smart, Mr. Mendes."
That's impossible!!
This was the first thought that popped into Mendes' mind after receiving confirmation from Li Shiguang, and he roared inwardly!
The reason why it seems impossible is not because I doubt that Li Shiguang can afford to buy Ronaldo.
Furthermore, given Mendes' understanding of Ronaldo, even if he didn't want to stay at Manchester United, he wouldn't choose Leeds United! Real Madrid is his first choice!
Mendes and Real Madrid manager Sanchez are very familiar with each other. As early as two years ago, Sanchez told Mendes that no matter what, they would definitely bring Ronaldo to Real Madrid someday.
Earlier this year, when Mendes met Sanchez at an event, Sanchez asked Ronaldo if he had any plans to leave Manchester United. After confirming that Ronaldo was considering leaving, Sanchez even tried to make an offer to Manchester United! However, he was immediately rejected by Ferguson.
So when Mendes hears that Li Shiguang wants to buy Cristiano Ronaldo, he thinks he's really daydreaming.
But Mendes knew he couldn't say that directly to Li Shiguang. After all, the words had already been spoken to this extent, and Mendes understood.
If I want to receive the same treatment as Raiola...
So, the conditions.
It was about helping this man in front of me sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
Oh shit!
I'm so conflicted!
After figuring things out, Mendes looked constipated, his mind in turmoil. He knew he couldn't persuade Ronaldo to join Leeds United, but at the same time, he wanted to maintain a good relationship with Li Shiguang, since Leeds United's group of young talents were walking euros to Mendes!
No, I have to persuade him. I can be his advocate for all the other players besides Cristiano!
Thinking this through, and after carefully considering his words, Mendes spoke slowly to Li Shiguang after making sure he wouldn't offend him: "Mr. Li, I don't know if you're aware of Cristiano's experience. Well... how should I put it, given the current situation, even if he agrees to leave Manchester United, he most likely won't agree to join Leeds United, because he seems to have a team he wants to join."
Li Shiguang looked intently at Mendes, a slightly mocking smile playing on his lips.
It's just a dream of becoming the emperor, what's there to be ashamed of?
But at this moment, he didn't want to expose Mendes immediately. Instead, Li Shiguang asked with feigned curiosity, "Which team does he want to join?"
"Uh..." Faced with Li Shiguang's question, Mendes showed an awkward expression for the first time since entering the coffee shop. "It's not convenient for me to say this directly. Anyway, before joining Manchester United, Cristiano expressed his desire to join that club to me!"
Li Shiguang waved his hand with a smile, completely unconcerned about Mendes' words: "Childhood dream? Hahaha, come on! I think Cristiano has become a mature professional player now. As you know, Leeds United is a very well-run club now. If he comes to Leeds United, believe me, I can give him a significant boost in personal terms! Of course, Mr. Mendes, you can also get a substantial commission."
“It’s not about money.” Mendes smiled sheepishly, still not revealing that Ronaldo wanted to join Real Madrid. “I know Cristiano; he’s an extremely talented and fiercely competitive player! For him, money isn’t everything when choosing a club; he has requirements for the coach and the squad!”
"Oh?" Mendes had barely finished speaking when Li Shiguang's eyes narrowed, his previously normal voice suddenly turning icy. "You mean, I'm not qualified to coach him!?"
"Ah!?" Upon hearing this, Mendes was taken aback, realizing he had made a careless mistake. He quickly apologized to Li Shiguang, "No! No! Mr. Li, I absolutely didn't mean that! You only took two or three years to bring a team on the verge of bankruptcy back to the Premier League, win the Premier League title, and reach the Champions League quarterfinals. If you're not qualified to coach Cristiano Ronaldo, then no coach in the world is!"
However, Li Shiguang did not change his attitude because of Mendes' quick apology.
His voice remained icy: "So you mean Leeds United's squad is no good?! Mr. Mendes, you're a renowned agent in Europe. Let me ask you this: from your perspective as an agent, in terms of market value, are the players in Leeds United's current squad among the top three in the entire Premier League?!"
He looked helplessly at Li Shiguang, whose face was full of anger.
At this moment.
Mendes really wanted to slap himself twice!
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