Chapter 231: Let Him Go to Millwall!
Diedelkopf received a staggering offer of £100,000, sending shockwaves through the amateur club. The few administrative staff gathered in the club's cramped office, curious about which wealthy benefactor would spend such a fortune to buy a player and eager to catch a glimpse of him.
In the reception area, Aldrich held a private conversation with Klose. Unlike players from top clubs who often display a snobbish attitude when a prestigious team comes knocking, gleefully eager to show their worth, Klose maintained a refreshing indifference. He didn't come across as overly impressed, as if unbothered by the attention from a high-profile club.
Klose was about to turn 19, having spent his time in an amateur club, giving him a grounded view of respect and status.
The two talked enthusiastically at the reception, kicking off their conversation with football topics. Klose asked Aldrich numerous questions, including about Millwall and Aldrich's experiences over the past three years.
Then the focus shifted to Klose himself.
At this amateur club, he clearly had little chance of experiencing the big stage. The training routines lacked structure, and with players being amateur, one could imagine the coaching quality was far from elite.
Aldrich showcased attacking tactics using six or seven cups laid out on the table, captivating Klose, who watched in awe, his eyes wide and mouth agape.
One formation after another, it seemed Aldrich could conjure endless attacking strategies with those cups. He wasn't just using his hands; he was verbalizing the essence of each tactical variation and explaining the role of every player.
Klose was amazed to witness this. In less than an hour, Aldrich had completely won over the young German-Polish talent.
Their conversation naturally shifted to life in London, and Klose inquired about the living conditions and the team's situation. Aldrich answered all his questions.
Millwall was an international team with a distinctly German flavor.
Goalkeeper Butt, right-back Schneider, and midfielder Ballack—they weren't typical "eminent" German players but had quickly risen to become first-team stars at Millwall. If it weren't for the stagnant German national team and the antiquated selection processes, these three undoubtedly had the talent for the national squad, even if they didn't secure starting positions.
With Klose joining Millwall, he wouldn't feel isolated in a foreign land, as other "brothers" would help him integrate into the team.
As they chatted, time slipped away unnoticed, and by evening, they exited the reception area.
Stepping outside, Aldrich was taken aback to find a crowd gathered in the corridor. With the narrow passageway packed, it felt cramped.
The Diedelkopf management had five people lined up against the wall, facing Andrew, while a middle-aged couple stood in the middle.
Klose's parents had arrived upon hearing the news, knowing this was a crucial moment for their son's future!
Klose's father had played football in France, making him extremely cautious about transfer deals.
His mother, however, wore a worried expression, her eyes filled with reluctance as she looked at Klose, likely not wanting her son to leave the country.
After all, it was hard for anyone to hold high expectations for a 19-year-old still playing in an amateur club.
The Diedelkopf management, along with Andrew, had been persuading Klose's parents to support his move to Millwall.
Andrew was naturally looking out for his brother, while the management wanted to ensure the big deal didn't fall through. If Klose rejected the transfer, they'd watch that £100,000 opportunity slip away.
With a smile, Aldrich approached Klose's parents, shook hands, and introduced himself, briefly explaining the benefits of the transfer for Klose.
"Millwall is a young team; we offer more opportunities to young players. Our star striker, Trezeguet, is only nine months older than Miroslav, yet he quickly became renowned at Millwall within three years. I firmly believe Miroslav can also become a top forward here."
As soon as Aldrich finished, the five Diedelkopf management members nodded in unison, their expressions serious.
Yes, yes, Klose should go to Millwall—he would become a top forward there. As parents, they couldn't hold back their child's future!
"We have a well-established youth training system that will maximize Miroslav's potential and help him overcome any challenges he faces. Our elite medical team includes psychologists, nutritionists, and more; we'll provide the best care for Miroslav."
Klose's parents exchanged a glance, their expressions calming as they listened intently to Aldrich's explanation.
The five men nodded repeatedly in support of Aldrich's statements.
Indeed, Millwall is a Premier League champion team; they're not comparable to this amateur club. Your child will train on the best pitches, employ top fitness equipment, and receive guidance from professional coaches—imagine that! Nutritionists and psychologists! If you don't let Klose go, it's your loss!
"Mirolasv will turn 19 next week; he should take the chance to experience this new journey. Regardless of whether he plays, this experience will enrich his life—it's a valuable opportunity. At Millwall, he'll meet many talented peers his age from around the world, expanding his horizons and learning about different cultures. Please allow him to join us at Millwall; if I can't bring him to London, it would be a regret in my life."
The management nodded heavily once again.
Yes, he must go!
The Diedelkopf management fixated their gaze intensely on Klose's parents.
"Please, let him go!"
"Otherwise, we won't be able to get this huge sum of money!"
Touched by Aldrich's genuine sincerity, Klose's parents softened.
His father, Joseph, understood Aldrich's intention well.
A player's growth isn't solely based on hard work and talent; the right environment and proper guidance are vital.
Watching Klose at 19 still stuck in an amateur club weighed heavily on Joseph's heart. But today, Aldrich, a young and promising coach from England, personally came to negotiate the transfer and sincerely persuade them, signaling his strong belief in Klose's future.
With Aldrich's stature, a £100,000 transfer didn't require his personal involvement.
But he came, which reflected respect and earnestness.
Through their brief interaction, Aldrich discerned that Klose valued family immensely. Thus, he engaged sincerely with Klose's parents, working hard to convince them.
Before this, Aldrich didn't know anything about Klose's parents, yet unexpectedly he learned that Klose's father previously played for Auxerre in France.
"Auxerre? So, you played under Mr. Guy Roux?"
Joseph nodded. "That's right; you know him, don't you?"
Aldrich smiled and nodded. "Yes, although I only knew him for a year, we kept in touch. Last summer, we watched the European Championship together, and a few months ago, when I took my team to France, we spoke on the phone. He's a great guy and an accomplished coach."
Joseph looked at Aldrich and then asked, "May I seek his advice on this matter?"
Aldrich nodded with a smile.
This was a perfectly normal situation—it's usual for a father with a player background to seek insight from a former boss, showcasing a parent's careful consideration for their child's future.
After Joseph made the call, he returned as if rejuvenated, walking up to Aldrich with a bright expression. "He wanted me to send his regards to you."
After saying that, he turned to his son and asked, "Do you want to go to London?"
Klose looked at his parents for a moment before finally nodding. "Yes."
Joseph reached out to Aldrich, saying, "Please hold my child to high standards."
Aldrich shook his hand, smiling, "I will!"
After their handshake, Aldrich leaned in and asked quietly, "Can you tell me what Guy Roux said to you?"
Joseph laughed heartily. "He told me to never underestimate you just because you're young. Among all the coaches he knows, you are one of the best at developing young talent."
Aldrich chuckled and then walked over to shake hands with each member of the Diedelkopf management.
The five members beamed with joy, knowing the deal was done, and it felt like waiting for a celebration with drums and flowers.
£100,000—more than their annual income!
Such good fortune was second only to the time they drew Bayern in the domestic cup!
Accompanied by the club management, the Hall brothers enjoyed a delightful two days in Kaiserslautern.
With the transfer of Klose settled, Aldridge added a total of four forwards to the team. However, Klose would not be joining the first team for the new season, unless both of the main strikers were injured. Aldrich knew he needed to be patient with Klose and take the time to develop him in every aspect.
Andrew had to say goodbye to Aldrich.
He needed to travel to Spain to take part in a transfer deal firsthand.
Barcelona is undergoing a managerial change this summer, and the question of Ronaldo's future has also come to the forefront. Since April, from club officials to Ronaldo himself and his agent, the messages shared in the media have been unambiguous: Barcelona has no intention of offering Ronaldo a pay rise or a contract extension. Ronaldo is not untouchable; whoever has the money can take him away!
The battle for the alien was quietly ramping up, and Barcelona had already begun searching for Ronaldo's successor to prepare in advance.
Being Rivaldo's agent, Andrew inevitably found himself caught in the ensuing whirlwind.
Núñez invited Andrew to secretly meet in Barcelona.
Initially, Aldrich thought Barcelona was after a Millwall player, but reconsidered and dismissed the idea.
This was due to the fact that all Millwall key player contract extensions had been officially announced, and the media immediately picked up on the news, dampening other clubs' intentions to poach.
Andrew understood that the information had come through intermediaries in Spain, instantly realizing what they wanted to discuss with him.
Rivaldo had an outstanding first season in La Liga. Though he didn't score as many goals as Ronaldo, who netted 34 in the league, Rivaldo still managed to score 21 times for La Coruña, proving his capability.
Andrew had quite a few stars under his wing now. Rather than feeling drained by the travel, he was starting to enjoy this business.
Meanwhile, Aldrich began his solo journey. With the first-team roster settled, it was time for him to focus on the youth team and the club's future.
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