When playing football, you should call it GOAT.

Chapter 86 Decision 1
2003 7 Month 7 Day.

When the phone rang for Vincent Durok, a senior reporter for L'Équipe, he was organizing all the information he had gathered over the past month following Roy's transfer—from London to Madrid, from Manchester to Milan, every fax, every photo, every news item was piled up on his desk.

On the other end of the phone, Claire Bertrand's voice was as calm as ice.

"July 10, 10 p.m., Paris, Stade de France."

"Roy will announce his decision."

"You have 15 minutes of exclusive questioning rights."

The phone hangs up.

Drucker tapped his fingers three times on the table, as if to confirm that this was not a hallucination.

Stade de France? Wasn't this his original planned battlefield?
He had sketched this scene in his notebook: the empty stadium amplified the echoes of conversations, and any question could be initiated with a simple, “Listen, the ghost of the goal celebration is still there.”

But now, the stadium is no longer empty; instead, it will become one of the focal points of the summer football transfer window.

Drucker turned on his computer, and three alternative titles appeared on the screen—now, they needed sharper rewriting.

Monaco's Genius Makes a Choice: Roy Joins Manchester United, the Red Dynasty Reboots

"When the lights of Old Trafford focused on the number 7 jersey, Ferguson wasn't betting on a genius, but on a new king who could tear the old order apart."

The Bernabéu's New Crown Prince: Roy Chooses Real Madrid, the Galácticos Set Sail Again

"Are the nobles of the Bernabéu ready to welcome an 18-year-old boy who has his own throne? There is no doubt that he is not going to assist Ronaldo."

Vanguard of the Ruble Dynasty: The Blade of the Tsar's Iron Cavalry

"Abramovich's coffers can buy any star player, including Roy, of course."

Truk closed his notebook and walked to the window.

In the Parisian night, neon lights flicker, and the lights of the Eiffel Tower pierce the night sky in the distance.

He recalled the interview he had given four months earlier on the banks of the Seine.

Roy said:
"In the world of football, there is no 'reservation,' only 'value.'"

On the 10th, the whole world will know—what exactly is Roy's "value".

Of course, there's also an alternative: "Cowardice? Loyalty? Roy's Last Battle in Monaco"

"He could have conquered Europe, but he chose to stay—was it cowardice, or a greater ambition?"

On that day, Mundo Deportivo reported:
Barcelona are close to signing Mexican center-back Marquez for under €500 million. The deal has been approved by all three parties and is only awaiting a medical. A key defensive player who shone at the 2002 World Cup, Marquez's transfer was successful despite Monaco's financial crisis. Barcelona are offering him a 4+1 year contract with a reasonable salary.

This signing will trigger a reshuffle in Barcelona's defense: the club now has six non-EU players, including the Mexican. Rustu and Márquez will certainly occupy two of the four non-EU slots, meaning at least two of Saviola, Riquelme, Roschenbach, and Giovanni will be unable to remain with the team.

Furthermore, with Marquez joining the team, Barcelona already had four center-backs: Marquez, Puyol, Anderson, and Cristanvar. The latter two were clearly at a disadvantage in the competition for positions.

Of the current four center-backs, Cristanvart may leave the team, and Anderson may retire. Meanwhile, the non-EU player quota means that at least two South American players, including Saviola and Riquelme, will have to leave. Barcelona will also continue their pursuit of Chelsea's Gallas to bolster their defense.

7 month 8 day.

"Fútbol es Fútbol" is Spain's most influential football television program.

The studio backdrop featured a promotional poster for Real Madrid's Hong Kong tour, with Beckham's number 23 jersey and the words "China·Hong Kong" prominently displayed.

The show's star producer, Carlos, tidied up the documents: "Good evening, Madrid. Just two hours ago, Real Madrid completed the pre-match signing ceremony with the Chinese national team at the Hong Kong Stadium. But tonight we're going to talk about a decision that could change Real Madrid's future for the next decade."

Insert footage: At the signing ceremony in Hong Kong, representatives of Asia Sports Development Company presented Beckham jerseys to Hong Kong officials.

Laguerre, holding the latest fax, said: "Exclusive news: Real Madrid has issued an ultimatum to French starlet Roy, demanding a decision by midnight on July 10th on whether to join the Galacticos this summer, or the deal will be permanently put on hold."

Please note that this is not a regular transfer—look at these numbers.

[Screen Display]

Real Madrid is fully committed to its Asian market strategy, covering 23 Asia-Pacific regions.

A six-year contract has been signed with Asian Sports Development Company (ASD), with initial revenue expected to be €22 million, which could soar to €40 million if successful.

If Roy joins, he will become one of the core members of Real Madrid's global brand strategy, second only to Beckham in the Asian strategy, and will enjoy commercial resources comparable to Beckham in the future.

"This is not a negotiation, but a last chance."

Carlos slammed his fist on the table: "That's why Florentino is so determined. Roy isn't just a player, he's the key to unlocking the Asian market. Look at the frenzy Beckham caused in Hong Kong, Real Madrid needs a second 'cash cow'."

Veteran football journalist Raquel later added: "Real Madrid's offer was unprecedented, but the club made it clear that this treatment was a one-time thing, and would not be offered again after that."

Real Madrid's ultimatum: July 10th, there is no other choice.

Time is of the essence. Roy's agent, Milaccio, has received official documents from Real Madrid demanding a final response by July 10th, or the club will turn to other transfer targets.

It is said that Real Madrid offered a record signing fee, the exact amount of which is confidential, but it far exceeds the standard for ordinary star players.

With a significant increase in commercial revenue sharing, Real Madrid's Asian market development plan is second only to Beckham as a key figure.

A special commitment to directly enter management after retirement.

[Street Interview] Madrid fans discuss heatedly outside the Bernabéu:
Taxi driver Antonio (a die-hard Real Madrid fan): "Make 4000 million? Spend it! Let the Frenchman and Beckham sell jerseys together, and next year we can buy the entire Champions League!"

Café waitress Maria (a middle-aged female football fan): "Raul needs help? That French kid is much better than Portillo! But... is he more handsome than Beckham?"

Newsboy Pepe, waving a Marca extra edition, exclaimed, "Tomorrow's headline is booked! Either 'Roy Arrives' or 'Van der Meyde Saves the Day'!" He suddenly lowered his voice, "Actually, I'd rather sell the Henry story from Arsenal."

Juan, a retired teacher, put down his newspaper and adjusted his reading glasses (a neutral old football fan): "These days, football doesn't have tough guys like Juanito anymore. You have to go to Asia to promote a player when you sign him."

When he heard "retire and move into management," he scoffed, "Santilana played for Real Madrid for 17 years, and what's he doing now? A commentator on TV!"

Bookstore owner Diego (an Atlético Madrid fan) sneered: "Ha! Real Madrid is collecting player cards again? They should buy defenders! We'll beat them three next season! Fernando Torres is the best! That French softie can't handle the Calderón!"

Back in the studio.

Carlos said seriously, "These conditions will never be given to a second young man."

"Dear viewers, here comes the important part—Real Madrid's football academy project in Shanghai is about to begin, and Roy is very likely to become the spokesperson for this project! Imagine: the skill and charm of the Chinese-American prodigy, combined with Real Madrid's brand appeal in Asia, this is not just a signing on the competitive level, but also a strategic business move!"

Laguerre flipped through the documents in his hand, his speech quickening:
"According to our inside information, President Florentino Pérez personally believes that Roy's technical characteristics are a perfect fit for Queiroz's tactical system. His arrival will not only relieve the goal-scoring pressure on Raúl and Ronaldo, but also stimulate the competitive spirit of young players like Portillo - Real Madrid doesn't need substitutes, it needs a catfish effect!"

Carlos: "But please note! The club's management has issued a stern warning—if Roy refuses this time, Real Madrid will never offer the same terms again, even if he begs to return on his knees! This is not a threat, this is an ultimatum!"

Raguel held up the latest fax: "And at this moment, Roy's team's attitude remains ambiguous. Our sources revealed that he is weighing the options: on one hand, the Bernabéu's century-long glory and the huge business opportunities in the Asian market; on the other hand, the allure of the legendary Manchester United number 7 jersey, and Abramovich's ruble offensive prepared at Stamford Bridge."

Carlos: "That's right! Don't forget that the number 7 jersey left by Beckham at Manchester United is still vacant. Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly called three times in person! And Chelsea's offer is even more outrageous—Abramovich offered a super contract that includes salary, bonuses, and image rights. It's said that his private jet is ready to land in Nice at any time!"

Raguerre: "But Real Madrid's advantage is that we can offer not only money, but also historical status. Imagine: Ronaldo, Raul, and Roy paired together, with Beckham's crosses. Of course, if Roy chooses Chelsea, he can immediately become the flagship star of Abramovich's 'Ruble Dynasty'."

Carlos suddenly turned to the camera:
"So the question is simple now—Manchester United's legendary number 7? Chelsea's blank check? Or Real Madrid's 'Galácticos' star power? Laguerre, which do you find more appealing?"

Laguer smiled meaningfully:
"Football is football, but the silence at this moment is often more intriguing than an official announcement."

"July 10th is the final deadline, and Real Madrid will not wait indefinitely. If Roy refuses, they will quickly move on to other targets, and such an opportunity may never come again."

(Football is Football will continue to follow this major transfer development, so please stay tuned for further reports.)
July 10, 2003, night.

Manchester, Carrington training ground, Ferguson's office.

Ferguson sat behind his large oak desk, his fingertips tapping lightly on the surface, a draft contract with red-highlighted clauses spread out before him. Outside, Manchester raindrops pattered against the glass, but he paid them no heed.

“Robert,” he said bluntly, his Scottish accent deep and firm, “five years, £1500 million after tax. That’s the highest price Manchester United can offer, and that’s what Keane was offered.”

Assis, Ronaldinho's brother and agent, raised an eyebrow slightly, his fingers tracing the edge of the contract.

He was used to this kind of negotiation, but Ferguson's aura still made him cautious.

“Sir Ferguson, the numbers are tempting, but,” he paused, “do you really think Manchester United can fulfill all of Paris Saint-Germain’s add-ons?”

Ferguson sneered and pulled a data sheet from the drawer.

Winning the Champions League? Manchester United have reached the knockout stages in all of their last five years, winning the title once, reaching the semi-finals once, and the quarter-finals once.
Premier League title? Manchester United have won seven top-flight league titles in the past decade.

FA Cup? It's been a long time since I've played that, but...
“Robert, Manchester United doesn’t win by luck.” He pushed up his glasses. “If Ronaldinho had come, these bonuses wouldn’t be a ‘possibility,’ but a ‘certainty.’”

Assis slowly took a letter from his briefcase and gently placed it on the table.

“An invitation from Vice President Rosell,” he smiled. “Barcelona is willing to match the salary, and the weather in Manchester is indeed not as good as in Barcelona.”

Ferguson's eyes turned cold, but a smile still lingered on his lips.

"The weather?" he scoffed. "Robert, the players aren't here on vacation. The rain at Old Trafford can't dampen the cheers of 7 people."

He stood up, walked to the window, and pointed in the direction of the training field.

"Beckham is gone, and the number 7 jersey is empty. Ronaldinho has arrived, and he is the new king of Old Trafford."

Assis paused for a moment, seemingly weighing his options.

“There’s one more thing,” Assis finally spoke, “image rights. Can Manchester United guarantee they won’t interfere with the parts that Mr. Damon controls?”

French media mogul Damon owns Sports5 Media Markets, which holds the image rights to Ronaldinho.

Ferguson was prepared.

"Manchester United's commercial team will work seamlessly with Ronaldinho's personal sponsors," he said calmly. "Nike, Pepsi. Manchester United's global influence will only make his image rights more valuable."

Assis nodded slightly, but still did not agree.

"We need time."

Ferguson glanced at his watch, his eyes sharp.

“Robert, Manchester United’s patience isn’t unlimited. If we don’t get a response by noon tomorrow, we’ll move on to other targets.” Just as Assis was about to get up, the phone on Ferguson’s desk suddenly rang. He answered, and the voice of Manchester United’s CEO came through the receiver:
"Paris Saint-Germain has just agreed to a base transfer fee of £1500 million."

Ferguson smiled slightly, hung up the phone, and refocused his gaze on Assis.

"It seems that one less obstacle has been removed from the negotiations."

Assis took a deep breath and finally smiled.

"So, Sir Ferguson, it's a pleasure doing business with you?"

Ferguson extended his hand, and the two shook hands.

"Welcome Ronaldinho to Manchester United."

Assis opened his black umbrella and stepped into the dense rain of Manchester. He glanced back at the brightly lit window of Carrington's office—Ferguson's figure was still standing by the window, the Scotsman's cold gaze piercing through the rain, as if silently announcing: Manchester United's number 7 legend was about to have a new owner.

He took out his cell phone and dialed a number.

“Tell Barcelona,” Assis said in a low voice, “we’ve chosen Manchester United.”

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone, before the person finally replied with only one sentence:
"Wise choice."

Ferguson had just picked up his whiskey glass when the office door was suddenly pushed open.

Manchester United CEO David Gill strode in, clutching a fax in his hand.

"Alex, something's happened."

Ferguson frowned as he took the document, his eyes scanning the headline—"L'Équipe Breaking News: Roy Announces Contract Extension with Monaco, Rejects Real Madrid's Ultimatum."

"What?!" Ferguson's fingers tightened suddenly, causing the ice cubes in the glass to crackle.

Gil's expression turned grave: "Real Madrid has just switched their allegiance to Van der Meyde, aiming to snatch him away from Moratti, while we..."

"We've just finalized the deal with Ronaldinho!"

Ferguson growled, but before he finished speaking, his pupils suddenly contracted.

A terrible thought flashed through his mind—if Roy doesn't go to Real Madrid, will Florentino turn around and try to snatch Ronaldinho away?
"Contact Paris Saint-Germain immediately!" Ferguson grabbed the phone. "Confirm the transfer agreement is in effect now! Get them to make an official announcement, immediately!"

Jill nodded and rushed out the door, while Ferguson turned to the window, where rainwater writhed into eerie patterns on the glass.

His mind raced with calculations:
Roy will stay at Monaco, and Real Madrid desperately needs a superstar, so they might snatch Ronaldinho away.

Barcelona is still eyeing the game, and Rosell will not give up easily.

Manchester United must secure the deal before anything changes.

The phone rang suddenly.

Ferguson grabbed the receiver.

“Alex,” came the voice of the director of Paris Saint-Germain, “the agreement has been signed, but Damon’s image rights company is requesting final confirmation.”

“No buts!” Ferguson interrupted sharply. “Manchester United’s checks are ready, and the official announcement must be made before midnight tonight!”

10 PM, upper stands of the Stade de France

The July heatwave continued to intensify within the stadium's concrete structure, while the steel roof frame cast spiderweb-like shadows under the moonlight.

Roy leaned against the railing, the loose hem of his linen shirt billowing gently in the breeze, and dark stains from sweat were faintly visible on the collar.

As L'Équipe reporter Duluk approached on the sun-baked steps, Roy turned around, the stadium lights casting dappled shadows on his face. It was the first time in over a month that he had shown such a relaxed smile.

Duruq joked, "It's only two hours before Real Madrid closes the door on you."

He pointed to his wristwatch, its dial gleaming coldly in the moonlight.

Roy raised his eyebrows, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Real Madrid's doors will never close for me," he said softly, but with an undeniable certainty, "just as the Mediterranean Sea never rejects any wave."

“So,” he loosened his sweaty tie, “is it Real Madrid? Manchester United? Or Abramovich’s Chelsea?”

Roy's voice could be clearly heard inside the stadium:
"Neither, Vincent. I choose to extend my contract and return to the Champions League with Monaco."

Duluk nearly dropped his voice recorder.

He had considered countless names of wealthy families, but he never expected this answer.

"Looks like all the prepared drafts I had in advance won't be needed." Durok chuckled dryly.
He recalled the three article titles he had prepared, each one catchy and capable of analyzing the different characteristics represented by the club.

“But you can write new articles,” Roy said softly.

Roy's finger lightly touched the Duruk watch, the second hand on the dial gleaming silver under the light.

His voice was deep and clear, breaking the silence:

“Vincent, do you remember our last conversation? The one about Attila and Rome.”

Duluk felt his breath catch slightly.

“Right now, all of Europe is talking about how Real Madrid’s doors are closing.” Roy suddenly laughed, a laugh that reminded Drucker of the calm sea before a Mediterranean storm. “But history tells us that no city-state in the world has doors that cannot be opened by war.”

He turned to face the empty stadium, his fingers lightly tapping the railing:

"But this time, I don't need to wait for their invitation."

Duluk looked down at the voice recorder; the red indicator light resembled a beating heart.

He suddenly understood Roy's metaphor of "Attila sharpening his axe," which seemed not arrogant but a long-term perspective.

His age advantage of 18 years old allows him to use the Champions League as a hedge against risk.

If he leads Monaco to create a miracle, he will enter the transfer market with the aura of a conqueror.

Even with mediocre results, one can use the "loyalty" persona to buffer public pressure.

This flexible approach is far more in line with the career planning of modern football stars than the gamble of hastily joining a top club.

As he quoted from Sun Tzu's Art of War at the used bookstore, "Victorious armies first secure victory and then seek battle."

Roy's contract extension was by no means a sign of cowardice or retreat, but rather a reflection of his view of his football career as a complex, multi-threaded equation.

Duluk frowned slightly: "But at a top club, you could have started from a higher point to pursue the Champions League. Monaco's best all-time performance was only the semi-finals. Do you really believe this team can go any further?"

“Since we’re comparing the great families to ‘Rome,’” Roy suddenly spoke up, “Vincent, have you read Tito Livy’s *History of Rome Since its Founding*?”

"When Romulus chose to establish his capital on the seven hills, everyone said he was crazy—there was neither the wisdom of Athens nor the wealth of Carthage there."

“But Romulus knew that in someone else’s temple, you would always be just a sacrifice.”

"Because Monaco has nothing?" Vincent retorted.

"Exactly!"

His palm gently patted the railing, the metallic vibrations echoing in the night. "Only by building a city on a blank hill can you simultaneously become architect and god, legislator and destroyer, king and revolutionary!"

Roy took a step closer.

"Vincent, do you know how many matches are needed to win the Champions League after the format change?"

“13 games,” Durok replied.

"That's right, 6 group stage matches and 7 knockout stage matches. Every goal we score brings us one step closer to the trophy."

"I mean, it's a math problem. Monaco was once just one step away from the final."

He raised his right hand, his thumb and forefinger almost touching. "Such a short distance. But the most fascinating thing about football is precisely this 'almost.' It makes you neither completely regretful nor willing to give up."

“Therefore I don’t set a destination, because every goal redefines possibility. It might take us to the knockout stage, it might take us to the quarterfinals, the semifinals.” His gaze followed the searchlights above the stadium. “Who knows? Maybe it will be the winning goal in the 93rd minute of the final.”

He suddenly turned and pointed to the players' tunnel, his voice echoing in the empty stadium: "Deschamps always says that the Champions League is like this tunnel; you never know what kind of lights and shouts you'll face when you walk out, but one thing is certain."

"As long as you score one or two more goals, you can take one more round in the tunnel."

"The Champions League can be that simple sometimes."

“Remember, Vincent,” Roy’s voice suddenly softened, “this isn’t a story about rejection.”

"The day after tomorrow, I'm going back to the team for summer training camp, to practice my left-footed shooting and free kicks. After all..."

He blinked and walked up the steps, his tone relaxed: "Who knows if we'll need a perfect curveball in game 13?"

"Good evening, Monaco! Please allow us to interrupt your enjoyment of the Mediterranean moonlight—shocking news has just arrived from the Stade Louis II!"
Our beloved Roy has officially announced his contract extension! This unparalleled 18-year-old talent rejected offers from Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea, choosing to continue fighting alongside Monaco in the Champions League!

(Echoes from Deschamps' interview: "This is not a sacrifice, it's ambition")

"Under the moonlight at the Stade de France, your devil revealed to L'Équipe: 'Next season we'll try to build our own Rome on seven hills.'"

When asked about Champions League goals, the response was typically Monte Carlo humor: 'Who knows if I'll need a left-footed curler in the 13th game?'

Fans, tune your radios! The club will hold a contract renewal ceremony at Prince's Palace Gardens at 8:30 a.m. the day after tomorrow.

Now, let's confirm once again, with the sound of the waves: Roy still belongs to AC Milan in the new season!
Goodnight, Monaco!

May you dream of the reflection of the Champions League trophy.

— Radio Monte Carlo (RMC Monaco).

The new season has started. I had to go out today, so I didn't write much. I feel there's a lot to say, but also too much to cover. I'll do a 10,000-word free summary of some news tomorrow.

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(End of this chapter)