Chapter 543 Academic Master

Southampton is located in the southernmost part of England and has the warmest climate in the UK. Snow is rare, but there is a lot of rain.

In February, the sea breeze blowing from the Solent Strait, bringing with it a damp and chilly feeling, covered the window glass with a layer of hazy mist. Sitting in the warm room and looking out, it seemed like a fantasy world.

Varane sat at the desk under the window, turned on the LED reading light, and opened a thick textbook in front of him.

After coming to Southampton, he did not suspend his studies like other professional players.

The Saints also respect the players' personal choices and strongly support the players to continue their education.

Because they believe that professional football is becoming more and more sophisticated and careful, a good cultural level can help players better adapt to the changes in professional football, and at the same time, it can also help players take better care of themselves.

So, after Varane came to Southampton, he entered the best school in Southampton for further studies.

Varane's status as a professional player for Southampton and a main defender also made him a star student in school. Wherever he went, fans asked him for his autograph, and he received several love letters from female classmates almost every day.

This made the young French boy, who was just beginning to fall in love, couldn't help but smile happily every time he thought of it.

Even though he has performed poorly in recent times and has been accused and criticized by many media and reporters, his classmates still give him support and encouragement.

But what touched him most was the recognition from the team.

Just this afternoon, head coach Bielsa called him to his office and had a good talk with him for half an hour, telling him that Master Huan had made the decision personally and Southampton wanted to sign a new contract with him.

There is no need to say more about what this means!

Signing a new contract means promotion and salary increase!

Thinking of this, Varane felt warm in his heart on this cold winter night.

"Master Huan and the team are so good to me, I have to work harder. Come on, Rafael!"

Varane muttered to himself to cheer himself up, and he almost tied a white scarf on his head with two words written on it: Win!

Just as he shifted his attention back to the textbook on the table and was about to concentrate on studying, the sound of a cell phone vibrating came from the desk. He picked it up and saw that it was an unfamiliar name.

"Who is it? Why are you calling so late at night?"

Varane muttered something, but since the call came, he just answered it.

"Hello, is this Raphael?" A man's voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Yes, hello, who are you?" Varane asked.

"Have you forgotten? I am Zinedine."

"Zineidin?" Varane's mind was confused. It seemed quite familiar, but he couldn't remember it.

Who is this?

"Yes, it's me. Please forgive my rudeness, but I do have something very important to talk to you about. Do you have time to talk on the phone?" asked the person who claimed to be Zinedine on the other end of the phone.

Varane groaned, "Sorry, I'm reading and don't have time!"

He had no idea who Zinedine was, so his tone was naturally not very good.

There are too many scammers these days, and the number of people who call to commit fraud is countless.

It's funny to say, the guy on the other end of the phone who claimed to be Zinedine, I couldn't remember who he was at all, but he acted as if he was very familiar with me. Could he be a scammer?

"Oh, I'm not kidding you, it's really important and it's about you, and I only need a few minutes."

Varane curled his lips and said, "Oh, well, go ahead."

Even if he is a liar, he is a very sincere liar. Just listen to what he says.

"I am very happy to inform you that I have solemnly recommended you to Real Madrid. They are very interested in you and have entrusted me to negotiate with you on behalf of Real Madrid."

real Madrid?

Varane had naturally heard of this team, the world's top giants.

But Real Madrid has taken a fancy to me?

And you even entrust a guy you don't even know to talk to you?

More importantly, why are you calling so late?

What's going on?

Isn't this what was written in the newspapers: the most common trick used by telephone scammers?

Damn it, do you think I’m one of those old men and women in their seventies or eighties?

Am I so gullible?

After all, I am also an excellent student and a top student, okay?

Thinking of this, Varane suppressed his annoyance and wanted to see what tricks he was playing.

"By the way, Rafael, I want to ask you a question, what do you think of Real Madrid?"

"Very good, a legendary team that almost all professional players in the world dream of playing for!"

"Yes, you are right!" The person on the other end of the phone nodded with a smile.

"I want to tell you, Rafael, now you have a chance to join Real Madrid, put on the white jersey, and play at the Bernabeu Stadium!" From the tone, it seemed like he was telling an extremely lofty dream.

But Varane suddenly asked, "How much does it cost?"

The other party seemed to have been completely unpredictable. How could such a noble and elegant dream be related to vulgar money?

"What did you say?"

"I mean, how much would I have to pay you to play for Real Madrid?"

The person on the other end of the phone was stunned for two or three seconds before he stammering, "You...you..."

"Stop talking nonsense, Mr. Liar. I won't be fooled!"

After saying this, he laughed smugly, as if he was satisfied with himself for having seen through the evil scheme of the telephone scam.

"Me? Liar?" The person on the other end of the phone was almost going crazy.

"You actually called me a liar? I, Zidane, have been playing football all my life and have never been misunderstood like this. You actually called me a liar?"

"Zidane?" Varane was stunned.

Only then did he suddenly realize!

Isn’t it?

Zidane's name is Zinedine Zidane!

Oh my God, the idol of French players actually called me, but I thought he was a scammer?

Oh, Meg, this world is crazy!

"I'm sorry, Mr. Zidane, I misunderstood. There have been a lot of phone scams in the UK recently, so..."

Zidane on the other end of the phone was filled with depression. He always felt hopeless and unfavorable after giving his name. When did he become a liar? I was stunned!

But he didn't argue about it any further, and instead began to produce evidence to convince Varane.

For example, he got Varane's mobile phone number from the French national team.

"Raphael, you should believe it now, right?"

"Well, believe it, believe it!" Varane immediately nodded with a smile.

Zidane, that's his idol since he was a child, how could he not be happy?

"So what do you think about joining Real Madrid?"

As soon as Zidane asked this question, Varane's smile froze.

Transfer to Real Madrid?

"We are all very optimistic about your ability, and we all know clearly that your recent situation in the Premier League is not ideal. Real Madrid has agreed to the plan to introduce you. As long as you nod, you don't have to do anything. They will send someone to negotiate with Southampton."

Varane remained silent, staring blankly at the window glass in front of him, which was covered with a layer of hazy mist.

He seemed to see his own reflection in the glass.

Join Real Madrid?

It would be a lie to say that I wasn't moved at all!

How many professional players in the world could resist being excited when faced with an invitation from Real Madrid?

But after the initial excitement, he quickly calmed down and regained his composure.

Is it really better to go to Real Madrid than to stay at Southampton?

Can the president of Real Madrid care and take care of himself like Master Huan does?

Varane shook his head vigorously, he knew very well that this was impossible!

"Why aren't you talking?" Zidane was a little surprised.

"Perhaps, I can give you more time to talk to your family and agent."

Unexpectedly, Varane shook his head lightly, "No, thank you, Zinedine."

"Um?"

"I think I have decided to renew my contract with Southampton!"

"Why?" Zidane couldn't help but be a little surprised.

Is there anyone in this world who can refuse an invitation from Real Madrid?

"There is no reason. Maybe in the future, I would like to play for Real Madrid. But at least for now and in the next few years, I would like to stay in Southampton because everything here makes me feel... impeccable!"

Impeccable?

Zidane found that he could not say anything else.

Although outside media and reporters have criticized Varane, it sounds like Southampton is very optimistic about this young central defender and plans to renew his contract. This is undoubtedly the greatest encouragement and affirmation a club can give.

If I put myself in their shoes, even if I were a player, I would definitely choose to stay!

"Okay, I understand!" Zidane was not the kind of person who liked to get entangled, so he immediately expressed his opinion with a smile.

"That's great too. I hope to continue to see your wonderful performance in Southampton. At the same time, I also hope you understand that we are friends. If you need any help, you can always call me."

"Well, thank you, Zinedine!"

“You’re welcome!”

The two chatted for a while and then hung up the phone.

But a few days later, when Zidane was interviewed by the Spanish media, he took the initiative to bring up the incident with a smile, and called Varane a "nerd" with a smile, and as a result, this title followed Varane.

On the other hand, the contract renewal negotiations between Southampton and Varane went exceptionally smoothly.

Since Yang Huan has expressed his willingness to do his best to renew the contract with Varane, the future core of the defense, and Varane is very willing to renew the contract, the two sides basically agreed on the terms of the contract as soon as they came into contact.

The remaining details were all taken care of in the next two or three days.

After the deal was reached, Southampton immediately held a press conference and solemnly announced the five-year contract extension for Varane.

This was also greatly appreciated by Saints fans. Varane's strength and potential are unquestionable. At best, his recent form has been a little worse, but his future is still bright.

At the press conference for the contract renewal, Varane also expressed his gratitude to the club and Master Huan, and reiterated that he would not leave Southampton and would only play for the Saints.

This statement also won him the applause of fans again.

At the weekend, as February began, the 25th round of the Premier League arrived, with Southampton away challenging Wigan Athletic.

The latter is currently ranked 18th in the Premier League this season and has fallen into the relegation zone.

As a result, Southampton showed no mercy, and Bielsa's team defeated Wigan Athletic 4-0 away from home with Ibrahimovic's brace, Neymar and Gareth Bale's goals.

After the game, Ibrahimovic won the best player of the match award.

Toni Kroos, who has been in great form recently, continued to perform impressively. The double defensive midfielder combination with Modric once again helped Southampton defeat their opponent.

But Varane didn't even make the match roster.

Because, when Bielsa asked him, he should prepare fully for the match against Manchester City!

This is a crucial battle that determines Southampton's progress in the league standings.

Again playing at St. Mary's Stadium, the Saints have no reason not to win!