197. Turbulent Madrid (3)
Cristiano Ronaldo completed a one-day vacation nearby after finishing the World Cup European qualifier against Albania.
Afterwards, I entered Madrid, Spain.
Until July 1, he was a member of Manchester United, but since the transfer had already been confirmed, the schedule was to officially announce it.
It had to be a historic moment.
The airport was filled with countless people, and 800 troops were mobilized around the airport just to maintain security.
“Ooooooooooooo!”
“Ronaldo! Ronaldo!”
A resounding voice is a given.
Around the arrival gate, hundreds of various parks were welcoming Ronaldo.
Ronaldo, entering the immigration gate, stopped with an expression of disbelief.
I had no idea that so many people would come.
‘So many Madrid fans wanted me.’
He was once a madridista who dreamed of watching Real Madrid.
This all felt like a dream as I had wanted to join Real Madrid since I was young.
‘Now it’s my turn to give them their dreams.’
It was about time that I started walking again, waving my hands in all directions in gratitude.
“…!”
Ronaldo’s pupils shook.
This is because while I was reading the paket quickly in passing, I came across a few phrases that left a strong impression.
[RONALDO Thank you for Being with WHY!]
‘Woo Ho-young.’
Woo Ho Young WHY.
This was the simple way Real Madrid fans called Hoyoung’s name.
What he meant was that he was grateful for coming to Madrid and being with Hoyoung Woo.
‘Hmm…’
It felt strange to have to see Woo Ho-young’s name at his own arrival welcome ceremony.
There weren’t just one or two such parks.
Although Woo Ho-young and I were going to have a meal together in the future, for some reason I already felt a sense of rejection.
Champions League final.
Woo Ho-young, who he met there, was an uncomfortable and awkward person to Ronaldo.
Moreover, as the media always compared the two, a competitive structure was formed whether they knew it or not.
Meanwhile, one of Paquette’s phrases caught Ronaldo’s attention.
[
RONALDO
This was a testament to how much Real Madrid fans trust Woo Ho-young.
‘I knew it, but…’
How can there be two suns under one sky?
Ronaldo really didn’t like that.
Because I wanted to become the main character of Real Madrid.
However, Woo Ho-young’s presence was not very annoying.
Rather, I was very interested in being able to compete with him.
Ronaldo was a player with a strong competitive nature.
This was something he himself acknowledged, and he knew well that it was the driving force behind his growth.
So, when Kaka’s move to Real Madrid was canceled, there was a bit of disappointment.
However, Hoyoung still remained as Real Madrid’s ‘main character’.
That’s why Ronaldo was able to solidify his strong aspirations.
‘Must bring it within 3 months.’
He said he would reclaim his place as the protagonist.
I made up my mind and headed to Santiago Bernabeu.
Since the official induction ceremony was scheduled for after July 2nd, only a light official press conference was held today.
This was the first question of reporter As, who was selected as the first questioner.
“Mr Ronaldo, you have finally achieved your childhood dream. “How would you describe your move to Real Madrid in one word?”
“Fantastic just that.”
Chrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
of the flash rained down and the next question followed immediately.
“It has been reported that he is going on vacation for about a month, but he is looking forward to it so much that he is returning early, isn’t it?”
“Unfortunately, I don’t think that will be the case. Achieving the treble with Manchester United was very difficult. Maybe that’s why I think I want to rest well this time.”
Ronaldo is quietly showing off his great feat of treble.
He continued without giving the reporter a chance to ask questions.
“And I want to achieve the same thing at Real Madrid. “At the moment I think I will feel more pressure than I did at Manchester United, but as always I will do my best.”
“You have great ambitions for the Treble, right?”
“Real Madrid has been my life’s ambition. It’s still the same now. I definitely want to make this my stage. And I will definitely make it that way.”
“haha. “I think some people watching this press conference should be a little nervous.”
To that question, Ronaldo held out both hands and refused to answer.
This meant that I would not accept vague questions that seemed to be aimed at someone.
Then the reporter asked again.
“I don’t think the many fans who will be watching this press conference right now will be upset. In fact, their desire is to win the Champions League. There are probably quite a few people who think that Real Madrid would have won this championship if it weren’t for you. Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans about this?”
This was also a difficult question.
Still, Ronaldo was able to open his mouth without any hesitation because he had already anticipated it to some extent.
“One thing I am sure of is that we are no longer the same Real Madrid we used to be. We will move forward with a new look under a great manager and colleagues. In particular, Director Scolari is someone I have a deep relationship with. He’s a great manager and he knows how to use me. So, I hope fans will take their time and watch slowly. “My and our Real Madrid will definitely do it.”
It was a clean, uncluttered statement with a bold ambition to open a new era for Real Madrid.
And the interview ended with a light question.
“I heard that you two will meet separately next month when Honorary Chairman Alfredo Di Stefano returns from vacation. Is that true? So how do you feel?”
“Actually, I’m as nervous as I was when I met Manchester United’s Sir Bobby Charlton. My father, Sir Alex Ferguson, always said: Stefano said he was his idol and advised him that there was a lot he could learn from him. It was very meaningful that he asked to see me separately. “I am willing to run whenever he calls.”
“okay. “I hope we can meet each other sooner than anyone else.”
“thank you.”
Real Madrid was scheduled to embark on a summer world tour this season as usual.
However, since we were planning to participate in the Peace Cup this time, we were planning to have a light summer world tour in the United States.
And we were given a sweet vacation until early July, the scheduled convocation date.
However, not all players took a break.
In particular, Hoyoung had a tight schedule.
Late at night.
Hoyoung was talking to Lucci in his room.
“I’ve been running non-stop for 9 months, just waiting for June, and it’s not over yet.”
“Now is the start. “Soccer players make extra income in the summer.”
“How on earth are you trying to trick me?…”
“I should earn at least my annual salary! Do you know how much Woo Ho-young is worth now? It has risen to a level that cannot even be compared to the ice cream commercials we filmed before. And after the World Cup, it will increase exponentially again!”
Lucci was in a state of excitement.
During the pre-season, we usually film one-off commercials lasting 6 months or commercials lasting 1 year, but this season, Hoyoung was given a huge opportunity to do so.
“As far as what is confirmed, we are scheduled to film a sponsor commercial in August and appear on Spain’s most famous radio station.”
Woo Ho-young had already become a major management target for Adidas.
This was a fitting treatment for the youngest ever Champions League top scorer.
“After that, an agreement is possible depending on Woo Ho-young’s wishes.”
“Isn’t it better to sign a sponsorship contract rather than a one-off deal?”
“But the work that needs to be done every year will increase.”
Money or time?
The choice was up to Hoyoung.
“I think it would be a good idea to first listen to all the terms and conditions and only sign a contract with the ones that are good.”
“I agree!”
“haha. “Looking around, I see that Mr. Lucci’s face has brightened up a lot now.”
“I took a breather when the season ended. There was a big incident at the club… but in the end it went well. Regarding the penalty, we were able to renew the contract at a satisfactory amount. And now all that’s left is…”
“From now on, it’s really important.”
Hoyoung felt it after watching Ronaldo’s press conference upon his arrival in Madrid two days ago.
Becoming a true colleague may take longer than you think.
Lucci expressed his thoughts.
“Director Luis Scolari is caught.”
“I think the same thing. “He is a very stubborn and stubborn director.”
Hoyoung knew him well.
This is because he was a famous general from Brazil who had experience winning the World Cup.
Moreover, he gave this interview after taking charge of Real Madrid.
-I am not afraid of star players. If there is a player who disobeys my words, even if it is Pele, I will boldly remove him from the starting lineup. No matter who criticizes me, I won’t be able to change my thoughts.
In addition, as he served as the Portuguese coach for a long time, he had a very close relationship with Ronaldo.
Although Hoyoung’s position did not overlap with Ronaldo’s, it was still annoying.
“It seems that President Calderon is determined to give Ronaldo strength. In fact, Ronaldo was Perez’s work, but before that, he was Calderon’s work.”
That was correct.
Perez was not active in signing Ronaldo from the beginning, but he changed his mind due to constant requests from the board, including Calderon, and Stefano’s advice.
“Oh. And when do you plan to go to Korea? “More than 100 companies have requested advertising.”
“Huh… that much? Surely this isn’t a school uniform advertisement?”
“There are four school uniform companies. Isn’t Woo Ho-young the idol of teenagers now? “That’s natural.”
Hoyoung suddenly got goosebumps.
I didn’t know that it was only in Madrid, but I couldn’t even imagine what would happen if I went back to Korea.
“I haven’t decided exactly yet, but I think I’ll probably take a week off sometime next week. “I decided to go on a trip with my family before my mother goes to Paris.”
“Well then, I’ll find out next week. Please let me know as soon as you decide on a schedule.”
“yes. “Let’s go together and get some fresh air.”
But I didn’t know that the schedule might be pushed forward even further.
Not long after that, a Korean number was recorded on Hoyoung’s cell phone.
“korea? Who are you at this hour?”
“well. This is my first time seeing you. “Are you Director Cha Beom-gon?”
As soon as Hoyoung answered the phone, his eyes lit up.
It was because of the caller’s gentle voice.
-Uh, hello. Are you Hoyoung?
“yes. But what?”
-Oh yeah. nice to meet. I’m director Heo Seong-su. You know me, right?
“!”
Heo Seong-soo, head coach of the Korean national team.
It seemed like there would be one more schedule this summer.