章 143: I Quit
When Martin and Butragueno anxiously descended from the stands, Gao Shen was in the comprehensive interview area, being interviewed by media reporters. He seemed to be in high spirits and kept laughing.
He had just dealt with a few reporters from *Daily Sports*, but the person he wanted to find was nowhere to be seen.
It seemed foolish to be so scared when you're the uncrowned king.
But Gao Shen didn't mind; his goal had been achieved.
Of course, the media was most interested in Gao Shen himself.
Leading Real Madrid to the Champions League and the Double at the age of 25 is legendary.
Gao Shen expressed gratitude to seniors, assistants, players, and Real Madrid staff for their support and help. He acknowledged that he wouldn't have won the championship at Stade de France without them.
The media also noted that Gao Shen once again ignored Martin and reminded him immediately.
"President?" Gao Shen thought for a moment and then nodded, saying, "Yes, he appointed me as Real Madrid head coach, and I thank him."
But that was all.
It was too bland; it didn't reflect the relationship between the greats and their champions.
A provocative media outlet asked about Barcelona's bottle of super champagne, reportedly very expensive.
Gao Shen jokingly said, "If you don't mind, we can buy it, just in case you need it."
The media laughed heartily.
In fact, Barcelona's high profile before the game was to blame.
Teams reaching the Champions League final often prepare in advance, such as organizing a parade bus for after winning the championship. These preparations are usually handled discreetly to avoid jinxing the outcome.
But not Barcelona!
Before the game, Laporta and other management frequently made a show, with Catalan media highlighting the super champagne, making it seem as though Barcelona had already won the Champions League.
Now that the championship is lost, what will happen?
Despite Barcelona's loss, Gao Shen still acknowledges Rijkaard and the Barcelona players. He believes Barcelona is one of the most formidable teams in world football and a future champion favorite.
Gao Shen's praise of Barcelona players like Ronaldinho, Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Deco was so high that many media found it hard to believe, as it did not fit their impression of his attitude.
Was this a deliberate contradiction?
Not really.
Gao Shen genuinely thinks these players are powerful but believes they haven't reached their full potential yet.
For Real Madrid players, Gao Shen praised them individually, avoiding repetition.
The media knew Gao Shen was adept at praise in the locker room, but seeing it firsthand was something else.
...
Soon, the media noticed Martin and Butragueno approaching.
With Real Madrid's presidential election coming up this summer, Martin seized the opportunity to present himself in front of the media. He walked over with a smile, stood next to Gao Shen, and praised the team's performance.
But he had a habit of bringing himself into every praise.
For example, he praised how he coached well and achieved the double crown, something Real Madrid hadn't seen in 50 years, and how he had the vision to see Gao Shen's potential and support him as Real Madrid's boss.
Gao Shen smiled wryly and saw Butragueno shaking his head helplessly.
He was also at a loss for words regarding the chairman's behavior.
Can we not have some dignity?
Gao Shen smiled and extended his hand, which Butragueno, slightly surprised, shook.
"Emilio, thank you so much for your care and support during this time, thank you!"
Butragueno's heart skipped a beat, realizing something. He tried to hold Gao Shen back with one hand while using a little persuasion, but Gao Shen smiled and freed himself from Butragueno's grip.
Except for Martin, everyone at the scene noticed the interaction and was surprised.
It was only when Gao Shen stepped forward next to Martin and all the media microphones turned to him that Martin noticed something was wrong. When he looked at Gao Shen again, he was shocked and annoyed.
Was this a deliberate attempt to overshadow him?
Martin had come down intending to renew Gao Shen's contract that night but was thwarted.
He wanted to undermine Gao Shen to teach him a lesson and prevent arrogance.
But as soon as Gao Shen spoke, Martin was stunned.
"I am very grateful to Chairman Martin for choosing me to coach Real Madrid. I am also thankful to everyone at Real Madrid for their support and help over the past three months. I am grateful to all the Real Madrid players, whether in the first team or Castilla, and to the passionate Real Madrid fans."
Even those who were not perceptive could tell something was wrong.
"Gao," Martin's face changed slightly, and he shouted from the side, trying to stop Gao Shen.
But Gao Shen ignored him.
"Coaching Real Madrid is an incredible opportunity for me. I never imagined I would lead such a great team, that we will fight together in La Liga and strive for results in the Champions League. This is a beautiful memory I will never forget."
Martin's face turned pale as he realized what Gao Shen was about to do. He reached out and pulled Gao Shen's arm, "Gao, let's discuss this back at the office."
Gao Shen turned to face Martin directly, feeling proud.
Martin had always viewed his contract with Gao Shen and its renewal as a means to control him. Now, Gao Shen was about to publicly announce his departure.
Gao Shen looked straight at Martin, pulled out a resignation letter from his suit pocket—the same letter he had previously shown in the Arsenal dressing room.
Martin panicked upon seeing it.
He realized the significance of this letter at that moment.
He also realized that Gao Shen had always carried it with him and never discarded it.
Gao Shen hadn't forgotten the past!
"Coaching Real Madrid is an irresistible temptation for anyone. After winning the double this season, continuing to coach Real Madrid would be feasible for me. I believe with Real Madrid's platform and support, I could continue to be successful, perhaps even more so than this season."
Gao Shen spoke with undeniable confidence.
At this moment, after Real Madrid's double win, no one would question Gao Shen's words.
At least not tonight.
But then Gao Shen's tone shifted.
"But that's not what I want." With that, he handed over his resignation letter.
This time, it was genuine, written just recently.
In theory, it was unnecessary since his contract ended on June 30.
But he was impatient and didn't want to wait.
He knew Martin's next move and didn't want to be a pawn in Martin's campaign before leaving.
This was his revenge on Martin!
"Do you know what you're saying?" Martin asked through gritted teeth.
He had come off the field ambitious, hoping to renew Gao Shen's contract and envisioning the upcoming presidential election victory, only to have Gao Shen shatter his plans.
"I want to go to a team that is more supportive and trusting of me. I want to build a team according to my vision, but unfortunately, Real Madrid can't provide that."
Gao Shen's tone was calm but cold, each word firm.
It was clear this wasn't a whim; it was premeditated, including the resignation letter.
"You succeed because you're at Real Madrid. Without Real Madrid, what success could you achieve? Who would believe in you, a rookie?" Martin was enraged.
Gao Shen smiled, "See, you've finally told the truth. You never trusted or supported me from the start. If that's the case, why continue?"
Gao Shen held the initiative regarding his contract. Martin couldn't keep him if he chose to leave.
At that moment, Martin was furious but powerless, unable to speak.
He never expected Gao Shen to announce his departure this way, at this time.
And the reputation of Gao Shen, which Martin had worked so hard to build, crumbled overnight.
This was Gao Shen's retribution!
"I want to tell you, Mr. Martin, that there's one thing you've misunderstood."
"I can succeed at Real Madrid, of course, thanks to the platform, the outstanding players, and the support from those around me, but more importantly, because I am Gao Shen!"
"Everyone, especially you, takes Real Madrid's success for granted. I will use time to prove that I can be even more successful after leaving Real Madrid!"
"Because I am the key to Real Madrid's double crown. If I can bring a title to Real Madrid, then I can bring one to other teams as well."
After finishing, Gao Shen turned and left without hesitation.
Leaving Martin behind, fuming with anger.
"You will regret this, you will definitely regret it!"
---
So updates may not be as frequent as before, preparing for my exams which will last till 28th of this month, I'll still try to pop one or two chapters here and there.
Thanks.
Also throw your power stones here 😏
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