Chapter 530: Declining a lifetime contract
On the day of winning the championship, the entire Real Madrid team stayed overnight in London. The next morning, they boarded a special plane back to Madrid. By then, Barajas Airport was already crowded with enthusiastic fans. Many of them had stayed up all night just to catch a glimpse of the team's heroes.
As Wang Feng stepped out of the plane with the UEFA Champions League trophy, deafening cheers echoed throughout the city. Countless people shouted the name of the Chinese superstar, and his prestige in Spain reached its peak.
Next came the familiar championship parade and grand celebration banquet. The royal family and the prime minister eagerly inquired about Wang Feng's recent life, expressing their willingness to help resolve any issues.
Winning the European title for five consecutive years was not just the glory of Real Madrid but also the glory of Spain. The huge wealth generated by the team also benefited the entire country.
The banquet lasted until midnight. When Wang Feng returned to his villa, his wife and sister, along with other family members, congratulated him.
As he held his sleepy daughter in his arms, she fell asleep with a sweet smile on her face. Wang Feng, feeling joyful yet slightly annoyed, said, "Yao Yao, how could you stay up so late while pregnant? Was it Tian Tian who persuaded you?"
His sister retorted, "No way! Everyone wanted to congratulate you as soon as you got home." Yao Yao nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, it's a great honor. It would have been a pity if we couldn't witness it firsthand."
Wang Feng comforted them, saying, "It's okay, there will be many more opportunities." After chatting for a while, the family dispersed to rest.
The morning sunlight shone through the curtains onto the bed. Wang Feng, already awake due to his body clock, had no intention of getting up. Instead, he gently hugged his wife beside him and continued to enjoy this peaceful moment with his eyes closed.
With their energetic daughter rushing into their bedroom, another lively day began. In the morning, Wang Feng played with his daughter in the garden, and in the afternoon, he had to go to the training ground.
However, it wasn't because he was eager to train but because Florentino and other club executives wanted to discuss plans for the next season with him.
Florentino, with a radiant smile, welcomed Wang Feng into his office. He looked at least twenty years younger, full of energy.
"Benitez officially submitted his resignation yesterday," Florentino said as they settled down, bringing up the first topic. "The club has decided to accept his resignation, so now we need to hire a new coach."
Wang Feng was somewhat surprised. Although he and the Spaniard had some conflicts before, they had been getting along fairly well in the latter half of the season. Why did he suddenly decide to leave?
Seeing the expression on the Chinese superstar's face, Florentino reassured him, "This has nothing to do with you, Wang. Benitez's tactics have never quite matched the Galactic battleship, and he has made new plans for his career, so he decided to leave."
"We are currently inclined to appoint Italian coach Ancelotti to take charge of the Galactic battleship. He knows you very well. What do you think?"
Wang Feng immediately recalled the days of the Milan Derby. Although AC Milan often suffered under Inter Milan in those years, Ancelotti's coaching level was indeed commendable.
Later, he went to Chelsea after missing out on Real Madrid, but he never quite got along with the dominant club owner Abramovich, leading to poor results and his eventual dismissal at the end of this season.
Respecting the club's decision had always been the principle that the Chinese superstar adhered to regarding the choice of head coach. This time was no exception. So Florentino smiled and said, "Let's decide on that for now. Ancelotti is eager to communicate with you."
Florentino then sincerely expressed that the club was seeking a new model and hoped that Wang Feng could understand and support it. "Maintaining the team's peak state requires personnel mobility. The current lineup may need to be reorganized."
However, he assured Wang Feng that the club would continue to build the team around him as the absolute core. They were even willing to offer a contract unprecedented in the club's history, ensuring that Wang Feng would serve Real Madrid until retirement on a hefty salary.
"This is the treatment you deserve. To be honest, your achievements have surpassed all predecessors."
Wang Feng smiled and declined, "My second contract will not take effect until next season. We can delay the renewal for a while."
"As for the team rebuilding, I believe all the executives and coaching staff will discuss and formulate detailed plans. I will fully respect the club's decision."
Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. They had started researching roster updates early on, but they were very concerned that Wang Feng might have other thoughts. Hence, they were considering providing him with a stable heart.
They didn't expect the Chinese superstar to be so generous and confident. Upon careful consideration, it was true. Now it wasn't Real Madrid needing the club, but the club needing Wang Feng.
Having Wang Feng serve Real Madrid until retirement was also the vision of the executives. After all, his influence and commercial value were simply astonishing. Even though his athletic abilities would decline with age, these two aspects would not diminish.
Finally, Florentino mentioned the renovation plan for the team's home, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The proposal had already been approved by the members' assembly. Although the club had sufficient liquid funds, they would complete it in the form of cash plus loans.
"The total budget is 1.05 billion euros, with plans to borrow half of the amount. By then, the Santiago Bernabéu will become the best stadium in Europe, without question!"
After communicating with Wang Feng, the Galactic battleship quickly began their summer transfer actions. Firstly, the main players left the team. Robben joined Bayern Munich for 20 million euros, while Sneijder transferred to Inter Milan for 12 million euros.
The departure of the Dutch duo was expected by Wang Feng. Their contracts had been stalled for the past two years, and even their outstanding performances at the World Cup couldn't persuade the club executives to offer bigger contracts.
Main defender Ashley Cole's departure came as a surprise to the Chinese superstar. He joined AS Roma for 13 million euros, and the club ultimately chose to renew the contract with Pepe instead.
After this battle, Pepe's after-tax annual salary reached 4 million euros, making him the fifth-highest-paid center-back in the world, behind Ferdinand, Puyol, Nesta, and Heinze.
As for the long-serving starting defensive midfielder Diarra, his contract expired, making him a free agent. He then joined French powerhouse AS Monaco.
With four out of eleven starting players leaving the team, along with veteran Gago being loaned to Roma and backup goalkeeper Dudek retiring, Wang Feng found himself with fewer old comrades.
Before leaving, the Chinese superstar specially held a banquet for them, wishing them a smooth journey.
"I have no regrets about coming to Real Madrid. Wang, this period should be the highlight of my career!" Robben finished the wine in his cup in one gulp and continued, "You also need to continue to shine and create an unprecedented achievement!"
Wang Feng nodded vigorously. He rarely drank a few more glasses, until he and everyone else fell asleep together, and eventually, they were all led home by their respective family members.
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