late at night.
Mendes was driving his Bentley Flying Spur on the highway from Nyon to Geneva International Airport. Besides Mendes driving, Li Shiguang, Rivaldo, and Allen, who joined them at the last minute, were all in the car.
It's different from when I came.
There was not a sound inside the luxury car at this moment; the silence was somewhat frightening.
Li Shiguang had been in the car for almost ten minutes, but he just kept his eyes closed, leaning back in the comfortable car seat without saying a word.
He didn't say anything.
The other three also tacitly remained silent.
Sudden.
Li Shiguang opened his tightly closed eyes, a slight smile appearing on his lips. He looked at Mendes, who was driving attentively in front of him, and said, "Jorge, aren't you afraid of running into Alex at the airport since you're personally driving us?"
The sound broke the silence inside the car.
Li Shiguang's slightly relaxed tone made Allen and Mendes breathe a sigh of relief.
The main reason is that they weren't there when Li Shiguang and Ronaldo were chatting, so they don't know how their conversation went. Rivaldo is also a quiet person, and he hasn't even exchanged a glance with Li Shiguang since they met. In addition, Li Shiguang hasn't said a word since he got in the car.
This situation led Mendes and Allen to believe that Li Shiguang had not achieved any good results from today's conversation and was sulking.
“Haha, not at all, Mr. Li.” Mendes chuckled and explained, “I already asked. Alex and Cristiano’s planes take off at ten o’clock. By the time we get to the airport, they’ll probably be almost at the English Channel.”
After those two sentences, the atmosphere in the car became much more relaxed.
After Mendes finished speaking, Allen immediately turned to look at Li Shiguang: "Boss, I talked with Frank for a long time, and it's clear that he is indeed very interested in the sports director position you're offering."
"Oh? When you two are chatting, he's usually the one initiating the questions?" Li Shiguang asked, a little curious.
“Yes.” Allen nodded.
"Frank? Frank Rijkaard?" Mendes suddenly interjected, his tone surprised. "He's leaving Barcelona?"
Allen is not someone who doesn't know what's important.
Since they were able to discuss this topic in front of Mendes, it means that Li Shiguang must have given prior instructions and there was no need to avoid the Portuguese agent.
Upon hearing Mendes' question, Allen patiently explained, "Well, I talked to Frank for a long time at the banquet. He said that Barcelona had indeed given him an ultimatum: if he didn't reach the Champions League semi-finals, he would be fired immediately. But he also said that after this season, regardless of whether he could achieve the goals set for him by Barcelona, he would resign to Laporta. It's just that before the owner invited him to join Leeds United, he hadn't decided whether to take a break or look for another club after resigning."
"Haha, when I asked him if Laporta had spoken to him, he wouldn't admit it." Li Shiguang laughed and teased the face-conscious Rijkaard, then looked at Mendes, "Jorge, let me remind you, hurry up and build a good relationship with me, the future sporting director. Maybe the first person he sits down at the negotiating table after taking office will be you!"
“Mr. Li, Frank and I have always had a decent relationship, but I really don’t know about Barcelona…” Mendes started to say, but suddenly realized that Li Shiguang’s words had a hidden meaning. A surprised smile appeared on his face, and he even unconsciously let go of the accelerator. “No! Mr. Li! From what you just said… you’ve already reached an agreement with Cristiano!?”
“No, not at all.” Li Shiguang smiled slightly, recalling Ronaldo’s absent-minded look when he left the villa, and said, “But as our conversation progressed, Cristiano was at least no longer opposed to joining Leeds United. Jorge, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he’s tempted.”
“Then I’ll ask him when I have time!” Mendes understood the meaning of Li Shiguang’s last sentence and quickly responded, “Mr. Li, when are you planning to make an offer to Manchester United? I’ll be happy to help you arrange a few interviews.”
“I’m not in a hurry. I promised Cristiano that I wouldn’t let this affect the rest of his season.” Li Shiguang shook his head first, a mischievous smile appearing on his lips. “As for you, you can make some noise in the media tomorrow, but don’t reveal that Leeds United wanted to buy Cristiano. Even if Alex sees it that way, he’ll only think that you’re putting pressure on Manchester United.”
Mendes nodded slightly: "Okay, I understand what you mean, Mr. Li."
····
the next day.
With the Champions League quarter-final matchups revealed, various discussions have emerged across Europe, both in traditional media and online.
For English fans, their focus is naturally on the four Premier League teams.
Manchester United, needless to say, were already in good form this season, and their luck in the quarter-final draw was just as good, as they drew the same opponent as last season, Roma.
It's worth noting that Manchester United's overall performance wasn't as good as it is this season, even last season.
However, they still thrashed Roma 8-3 on aggregate in the quarterfinals.
The two teams met again in the quarterfinals this season. Although the revenge scenario looks exciting, in the eyes of Premier League fans, especially Manchester United fans, Manchester United has already stepped into the semifinals.
Needless to say, Chelsea is another story.
While there are no weak teams in the Champions League quarterfinals, Fenerbahce and Schalke 04 are still considered the last two teams in the group. Before the draw, most people believed that these two teams would hardly pose a significant threat to the top teams in the Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga.
Chelsea's Champions League journey this season has indeed been smooth, with incredibly favorable draws in the round of 16 and quarterfinals. After drawing Fenerbahce, most people assumed they were already guaranteed a spot in the semifinals.
As for the remaining two Premier League teams...
It has to be said.
The clash between Arsenal and Leeds United is undoubtedly the most anticipated match of this year's Champions League quarterfinals.
Although the two teams have never faced each other directly in the Champions League, just three days ago, Leeds United defeated Arsenal 2-0 at Elland Road, essentially extinguishing Arsenal's hopes of winning the Premier League title this season.
It was thought that Wenger would have to wait until next season to get revenge.
But who could have imagined that just one day later, the wheels of fate would turn, and the two teams would meet again in the Champions League.
People are very curious.
Two weeks later.
Wenger successfully avenged his earlier defeat, helping himself and Arsenal retain their hopes of winning the Champions League.
Li Shiguang continued his unbeaten record against Wenger this season, leading Leeds United in their quest for the treble!
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