Li Ang set his sights on his' old club ', Real Madrid.
His target was Real Madrid's Spanish international, Fernando Morientes.
Morientes was definitely the biggest victim of Florentino's superstar policy in Real Madrid.
He was an excellent striker nurtured by Real Madrid. After Florentino brought in Figo, Ronaldo, and other star players, Real Madrid's living space was constantly being suppressed.
In Florentino's eyes, this local striker who had no market value was not likable.
In fact, when Hierro and Florentino had a falling out and were eventually expelled by Real Madrid, it was Hierro who spoke up for Morientes. He pointed out that Real Madrid players like Morientes were the cornerstones of the team, and not those superstars who were bought in at a sky-high price.
Hierro's actions completely angered Florentino. In the end, the team captain who had made great contributions to Real Madrid was cruelly purged.
In the summer of 2003, after Hierro was purged, Morientes was also purged and was loaned to AS Monaco in the French Ligue 1.
What Florentino did not expect was that Morientes, whom he looked down on, was having a good time in Monaco. In the 200304 season, Monaco faced Real Madrid in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. It was Morientes' goal that helped Monaco eliminate Real Madrid. This was undoubtedly a resounding slap to the faces of Real Madrid's higher-ups. Although Monaco lost to FC Porto in the finals and was the runner-up, Morientes won the honor of being the best scorer in the Champions League with nine goals. This was a great irony to the Real Madrid president.
Real Madrid's fans also called for the club to recall Morientes, especially the team captain, Raúl, who strongly called for the return of his good friend.
In this summer, Morientes returned to Real Madrid on loan.
The media in Madrid also cheered for Morientes. They claimed that Real Madrid's frontline with Raúl, Ronaldo, and Morientes was the strongest in Europe.
Morientes, who had always been loyal to Real Madrid, told the media excitedly that he missed the Bernabéu and was looking forward to the new season.
However, Li Ang knew that Morientes' loyalty to Real Madrid was destined to be betrayed once again. Florentino still looked down on this local striker. In fact, the more outstanding Morientes' performance during his loan spell at Monaco, the more it proved how wrong Florentino's decision was. This was something the proud Real Madrid president could not tolerate.
In fact, Li Ang knew that even if Morientes returned, Florentino would not tolerate him. Just this summer, Real Madrid brought in the English superstar, Michael Owen, to further reduce Morientes' chances of appearing in the game.
In the end, Morientes wasted another half a season on the substitutes' bench. This time, he was disappointed and angry. This time, he finally chose to leave the Bernabéu in the winter of 2005.
Real Madrid looked down on Morientes, but Li Ang looked up to him. In Li Ang's eyes, Morientes was a very well-rounded center forward. Whether it was his footwork or his ability to head the ball, he was excellent. If such a player was paired with Dinatale in the frontline, they would form the greatest chemistry!
*****
Albertini's transfer was as a free agent. Sporting de Gijón did not spend a single cent on the transfer fee.
Therefore, Li Ang still had more than six million euros in transfer funds in his hands. He decided to use the transfer funds to invest in Morientes.
Morientes was the golden boot of last season's Champions League. Normally, six million euros would be impossible to get such a star player. However, Li Ang had his own considerations. Morientes might be an exception. Real Madrid had wanted to get rid of Morientes for a long time. The lower transfer fee was nothing to the rich and powerful Real Madrid. Six months later, when Morientes transferred to Liverpool, it was only seven million euros.
Moreover, Li Ang felt that his Sporting de Gijón was not completely unattractive to Morientes. There was no other reason. Real Madrid's old captain, Hierro, was here. Morientes had always been very respectful and grateful to Hierro.
That's right, Li Ang wanted to play the emotional card. He planned to invite Hierro to persuade Morientes and persuade him with emotion and reason. This could be said to be Sporting de Gijón's biggest and only barrier to 'seducing' Morientes.
Hierro was a little hesitant about Li Ang's request. This veteran who had dedicated his life to Real Madrid still hoped that Morientes, a Real Madrid player, could shine at the Bernabéu. Hierro was a little hesitant about persuading Morientes to leave Real Madrid.
"Morientes will not have a future in Real Madrid," Li Ang said to Hierro. "Florentino doesn't like him. That has decided everything."
Hierro was a little silent. He agreed with Li Ang's reason.
However, emotionally, he still wanted to see Morientes play in Real Madrid.
"Fernando, just wait and see." Li Ang said, "Real Madrid will definitely bring in a new striker. This is to replace Morientes' position. He won't have many chances to play in Real Madrid."
"Coach, let me think about it," Hierro said.
Li Ang patted Hierro's shoulder understandingly. He knew that Hierro would not be able to accept this emotionally. From the bottom of his heart, he wanted Real Madrid to get better and better.
Li Ang's prophecy was almost fulfilled the next day. Real Madrid officially announced that they had signed Liverpool's captain, Michael James Owen, for 12 million Euros!
Hierro no longer hesitated when he saw Florentino's smile on the television and Owen holding up Real Madrid's white shirt. He finally picked up the phone and dialed the number.
*****
Madrid.
Morientes was in his own home. He covered his face in pain. The television was switched on, and the news of Owen joining Real Madrid was playing.
Immense anger and the feeling of being cheated were gnawing at the heart of the 28-year-old Real Madrid star.
This summer, when he returned to Real Madrid on loan, Morientes was hesitant about his future. Although he performed well in Monaco, he did not know if he still had a future in Real Madrid.
At this time, Real Madrid's higher-ups conveyed Florentino's message to him. They asked him to stay in Real Madrid with peace of mind. Real Madrid needed him!
This news made Morientes very excited. If possible, he would certainly like to stay in Real Madrid and fight for his beloved white shirt on the battlefield.
Morientes looked forward to scoring goals for Real Madrid in the new season, in La Liga, in the Champions League. His chest was boiling with excitement.
However, at this moment, he knew that he had been betrayed.
From the beginning, Real Madrid could not tolerate him. There was no place for him.
The promise made by the club's higher-ups was just to appease him. To be precise, they were using him as a backup. It was a precautionary measure.
From the beginning, Real Madrid had been trying to bring in Owen in the transfer market. However, as it was difficult to poach the Liverpool captain, they were afraid that bringing in Owen would be fruitless and their frontline would be too thin. Therefore, they appeased him.
Now, Owen had joined Real Madrid as he wished. This made Morientes finally understand the story behind it.
Now, the team had spent a lot of money to bring in Owen. Another Ballon d 'Or winner had come to Real Madrid. It was conceivable that in the future, Real Madrid's forward lineup would be split between Raúl, Ronaldo, and the newly joined Owen. Morientes could only play as the fourth forward and get a pitiful amount of time.
After understanding all this, Morientes was in extreme pain. He was willing to give his all for Real Madrid, but he was hurt again and again … He felt like an abandoned child of Real Madrid. He was extremely lonely and miserable.
At this moment, the phone in the living room rang.
PS: Today is the birthday of my book friend Zhaochupeng. Happy birthday. I wish you good health and a happy family.
Thank you for your continued support.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
