Capítulo 541: Palace intrigue
After six rounds of La Liga matches, the league temporarily paused as players entered a two-week international break. However, discussions about the recently concluded exciting matches were far from over.
If one were to pick the most thrilling match of this round, it wasn't the dominant victory of Real Madrid or Barcelona's last-minute win. Instead, it was the epic battle between Malaga and Huesca, where world-class goals, controversial decisions, red cards, and a late winner all unfolded. Malaga ultimately triumphed 3-2 over Huesca.
Baptistao's bicycle kick just before the final whistle provided the perfect ending to the battle. This goal easily brought to mind Rivaldo's bicycle kick that saved Barcelona in the final round of La Liga in the millennium.
It was also Baptistao's birthday that day, and he felt that the goal was a gift from God. "Through it, I broke my goal drought for the new season, and I believe my performances will only get better in the upcoming matches."
After the match, Malaga's head coach Pellegrini stated that his players performed better than Huesca, and coming back to win was a normal occurrence. "I don't want to talk about how luxurious our squad is. All I know is that the players on the field gave their all to fulfill my demands."
"After conceding a controversial goal, the players didn't lose confidence in the game. They fought until the last moment, and I believe they deserved this victory."
Despite this, many media outlets still believed that money changed this team, which should have been fighting relegation. With players like Van Nistelrooy, Cazorla, Joaquin, and Baptistao, among others, in their squad, it was clear that they were once renowned stars in European football.
"Malaga has a beastly attack, unstoppable once they find their form. Combined with the summer's lavish spending on transfers, aiming for a Champions League spot is not out of the question," remarked the Spanish newspaper "El Pais."
The British newspaper "The Times" reported that Malaga was following in the footsteps of Manchester City. They had now become the third richest team in La Liga, but shaking the positions of Real Madrid and Barcelona would likely take a long time.
"Even though they have the backing of the city of Manchester, it took over three years for the Citizens to rise. This season, they currently top the standings ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea," the report said.
The person least happy with Manchester City leading the Premier League was Cristiano Ronaldo. He couldn't understand why the football world, which he once knew so well, was changing so rapidly.
Everyone's attention was on the 13 goals scored by Wang Feng, the 8 goals by Messi, and the continuous emergence of new stars and dark horses. The spotlight on him was dwindling.
But now he had to expend a lot of energy dealing with various conflicts within Manchester United, which greatly reduced his on-field efficiency. Four goals in seven league matches - this was Ronaldo's current report card, which he deemed completely unsatisfactory.
"I can't waste my peak years like this anymore!" The 26-year-old Portuguese star decisively called his agent, Mendes. "Jorge, I think it's time to make some changes."
When he laid out his entire plan, even Mendes was taken aback. "You can't do this; the risk is too great. One small misstep could ruin all your reputation."
"Do you think I care about that, Jorge? I just want to stand at the pinnacle of football, nothing else matters."
"Alright, I hope your gamble pays off."
Shortly after, Sky Sports UK broke the earth-shattering news: Mendes visited Manchester City's facilities! Initially, this wasn't considered explosive news because he represented more than just Ronaldo, and it was reasonable for him to promote other players to Manchester City.
However, Sky Sports emphasized that Mendes was negotiating with Manchester City on behalf of Ronaldo, inquiring whether they were interested in signing the Portuguese superstar. Both coach Mancini and club owner Mansour were open to the idea.
This caused a huge uproar among Manchester United fans, who entered a state of anger and panic. Their number one star transferring to their city rivals? What could be more shameful than this?
They continuously left messages online questioning the situation and gathered in groups outside Carrington Training Ground, hoping the club would provide an explanation soon.
Coach Ferguson and Manchester United CEO David Gill were both extremely annoyed. They didn't know the truth of the matter because Ronaldo had never mentioned it, so they immediately contacted the Portuguese.
After a short silence, a helpless sigh came from the other end of the phone. "Boss, Mr. Gill, it's true. I asked Jorge to do this on my behalf. I can't see a future at Manchester United."
"You can't go to Manchester City, Cristiano!" Before Ronaldo could finish, Ferguson angrily interrupted him. "I'd rather banish you forever than see you go this far. Do you remember, I brought you back to Old Trafford?"
"Of course, I remember. Please calm down, Boss. You're the person I respect most in this world. If it wasn't absolutely necessary, I wouldn't even think about taking this step."
"You know, there's no turning back between me and Wayne now. The team's dressing room has long been divided, with no cohesion left."
Ronaldo poured out his grievances about Rooney's insults and exclusion, even mentioning the incident in 2009 publicly. This approach completely severed any possibility of future collaboration.
At the same time, he also hinted that he didn't really want to leave Manchester United. Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen to hype up the least likely option, Manchester City. But at least three or four other teams were willing to pay a huge buyout fee for him.
"Boss, you know what kind of player I am. The whole world expects great things from me. I should receive more attention and greater glory, not step aside and give up the stage."
Ferguson sat back on the couch, looking even older. Rooney and Ronaldo - choose one? Both were at the peak of their careers, and the thought of giving up either one was extremely painful for the club.
"Cristiano, let's think about this again. We understand your demands, but the season has just begun. You don't want to cause chaos so soon, do you?" David Gill said.
"Alright, I'll come out soon to quell the unrest, and I hope you can make a decision soon."
After hanging up the phone, the CEO of Manchester United said with a grim face, "This is blatant
Ferguson rubbed his temples. "I was wrong, starting from 2006, I was wrong. The conflict between Cristiano and Wayne has only deepened over the years, and I shouldn't have treated it as a childish fight. Timely intervention and handling might have saved us."
"It's too late now. What do you think we should do, keep Ronaldo or Rooney?" David Gill said with bitterness, "I prefer Wayne, I don't like troublemakers!"
There was another silence. "David, put aside your prejudices and anger, think rationally, what do you think?" They didn't discuss it further because the answer was self-evident.
Later that evening, Ronaldo posted a photo on Instagram of himself appearing at Old Trafford for the first time, with the caption: "I will always love you, Manchester United!" This move effectively crushed the rumors of his transfer to Manchester City, and all the Red Devils fans breathed a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, in the winter transfer window, Manchester United announced that their former star forward Rooney would be loaned to Newcastle. This move also sparked controversy and discussion, the twists and turns of which were unknown to outsiders.
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