Chapter 776: No Debts Between Them
Although the itinerary of the delegation from France Football was kept sufficiently confidential, the rapidly growing internet and social media platforms have made the world devoid of secrets.
According to common sense analysis, these people would either appear in Manchester or Madrid, with no third option. Therefore, since early December, there have been "enthusiastic" crowds waiting outside the perimeter of the two airports.
Sure enough, when Fabrice and the others had just disembarked from the plane, they were immediately photographed and exposed on the internet, quickly attracting coverage from all media outlets.
The 2016 Ballon d'Or winner—Wang Feng! Under the votes of 173 renowned media figures globally, the Chinese superstar reclaimed this honor.
In 2009, he was the last winner before the merger of the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards, and now he has become the first winner after their separation. This continuity clearly demonstrates Wang Feng's unparalleled sustained dominance.
On the evening of December 11th, the official website of France Football gradually announced the list of the top 17 winners, with 13 others who did not receive enough votes not ranked.
The newly established European Ballon d'Or voting still adopted the points system, with each judge able to nominate three winners in order. The first-place nominee received 5 points, the second-place received 3 points, and the third-place received 1 point.
In the end, Wang Feng topped the list with 595 points, overtaking Ronaldo's 466 points. The third place went to Atletico Madrid's Griezmann with 198 points, while the fourth was Juventus' Higuain with 91 points. Messi only received 68 points, placing fifth.
It's not surprising that the Chinese superstar won the award. He single-handedly led Real Madrid to a decade of dominance in the Champions League and has continued to excel at Manchester City. From any perspective, he is truly deserving of the title.
While Ronaldo, who had high hopes, did have some competitive edge, having helped Portugal win their first European Championship, he had two fatal flaws.
Firstly, he exited the European Championship final early without significant contributions, and secondly, his performance at the club level was lackluster. He failed to win any titles with Manchester City and even led a peak team into difficulties after transferring to Real Madrid.
The stark contrast between Wang Feng and Ronaldo, especially after swapping clubs, added to the luster of the Chinese superstar.
If it weren't for the support and push from Real Madrid behind the scenes, the Portuguese star's points should have been more than doubled, rather than being relatively close as it is now.
However, when the results were announced, an angry Ronaldo immediately called his agent, Mendes: "What's going on? Isn't Real Madrid the most influential club in European football? Why did I miss out on the big prize?"
Mendes helplessly replied on the other end of the phone: "I'm surprised too. Professionals generally dislike Manchester City. I can only say that Wang Feng is too dazzling, overshadowing everyone's dislike. Regardless, both Real Madrid and I have made the greatest effort."
"I only care about the final result! I win the European Championship but can't get the Ballon d'Or, what kind of logic is this?"
"The club must compensate me, whether it's a salary raise, contract renewal, or a lifetime contract, you go and talk to them, I just want a stance."
Mendes nodded: "Alright, I'll negotiate with them."
On the other hand, when Florentino heard Ronaldo's complaints relayed by Baldano, he was so angry that he slammed the table directly: "How can I help him? If the performance isn't there, it just isn't. Does he think he can reach the sky with just the European Championship?"
Baldano smiled bitterly and said: "He saw Muller's successful example two years ago and thought he could give it a shot."
"Can they be the same? What does Muller have? World Cup champion, Bundesliga champion, Champions League runner-up!"
"If he could win a Premier League title and bring it over, it would be a different story, but now it's all empty-handed. Leading Real Madrid is even more incomprehensible. How can he compare with Wang Feng?"
Baldano, the general manager of Real Madrid, nodded deeply in agreement, then said: "The result is already like this. The Portuguese star's challenge hopes to advance contract renewal discussions earlier and increase his salary."
"It's impossible," Florentino said decisively: "Postpone all contract negotiation work for now. If necessary, we can let him go for free in four years anyway, we didn't spend any money to get him back then."
"I understand. Should we start looking for a new home for Ronaldo in the next two years?" Baldano asked.
"Of course, and also initiate the acquisition plan for Hazard. He will be our future key core to develop," Florentino said.
After dealing with the trivial matters, Florentino collapsed exhausted into his chair. He felt a bit regretful in his heart; he really shouldn't have let Wang Feng go!
Although the Chinese superstar strongly demanded to leave first, he himself also had some intention of going along with the flow.
Thinking of this, he called Wang Feng to congratulate the Chinese superstar on winning the new Ballon d'Or. "Wang, I want to apologize to you. Real Madrid couldn't help you in this matter and even hindered you," Florentino said sincerely, keeping his attitude very low.
Wang Feng naturally had heard about Real Madrid supporting Ronaldo. To be honest, he felt a bit displeased. After all, when he transferred from Inter Milan, the Nerazzurri were still fully supportive, in stark contrast to the attitude of the Galacticos now.
He is recognized as the best player in the club's history! Yet now they are so cold and ruthless? After careful consideration, he couldn't completely blame Real Madrid. Whether it was the premature departure of legends like Raul and Casillas in the past or the current full support of Ronaldo, the purpose of the Galacticos has never changed: the club's interests above all else.
Wang Feng increasingly felt fortunate for his decision to leave. When Florentino tried to persuade him to return to Real Madrid, the Chinese superstar politely declined. The club owed him nothing, and he owed the club nothing.
On the day of the award ceremony, France Football prepared a small venue in Paris. Due to budget constraints, there was no red carpet or live broadcast. There was only a backdrop, and after receiving the Ballon d'Or trophy, Wang Feng accepted interviews and photo shoots from the magazine.
He still attributed most of the credit to his teammates, head coach, and club staff, giving special thanks to both Real Madrid and Manchester City. Without their platforms, he wouldn't have achieved his splendid record.
"In seven months, I will be 34 years old. The achievements of the past are in the past, and now I want to pursue all the honors in front of me because I don't know how long my professional career can last."
"In the limited time I have, I will continue to strive. For the younger generations who want to keep up with this old man's pace, you need to work harder!"
As for the season's goals, Wang Feng didn't hesitate to aim for the league and the Champions League. "Everyone at Manchester City is eager to reclaim the Premier League title and make a historic breakthrough in the Champions League."
"I know it's difficult, and there are many challenges, including squad rotation arrangements, pressure from competing on two fronts, and so on. All I can do is provide rich experience and techniques and do my best to help the team."
"History has repeatedly proven that as long as everyone is united, nothing is impossible. The Blue Moon will eventually shine over Manchester and the whole of Europe!"
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