Capítulo 250: Chapter 250: You're the Best

Lichtsteiner stepped out of Naples airport, accompanied by his brother and agent, Marko Lichtsteiner.

The two brothers stood at the airport's exit, curiously scanning the unfamiliar city.

This is where they would both be working and living for the next few years.

"Stefan, Marko, over here!"

Across the street, a middle-aged Italian man with slicked-back hair and wearing a dark blue suit waved at them.

The two brothers turned to look and recognized their legal advisor, Federico Pastorello.

Though referred to as a legal advisor, Pastorello was, in fact, more of an agent.

Many people have misunderstandings about agents. In reality, true agents are involved in a wide array of services, and their responsibilities are complex. Agent certifications, much like coaching licenses, come in various levels, and agents work across many tiers. Pastorello, for instance, was known as the first agent in Italy to receive the highest-level certification.

Interestingly, Pastorello was more popular abroad than in Italy.

According to his own account, this was because, before the Calciopoli scandal, as a player agent in Italy, no one could rival Luciano Moggi's son. Pastorello had to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Pastorello had considerable influence in French football because, in the late 1990s, AS Roma's chairman, Sensi, purchased French club OGC Nice. Pastorello had developed his connections and reputation in French football through this venture.

Lichtsteiner's transfer from Lille to Naples had come together smoothly, but the contract negotiations required a trustworthy mediator. Pastorello was the perfect fit for that role.

"I've already contacted Napoli. We'll head straight to the hospital for your medical exam. Lorenzo Buenaventura, Napoli's fitness coach, will be there with the team doctor to guide you through the process."

As soon as they got into the car, Pastorello laid out the day's schedule for the Lichtsteiner brothers.

"After the medical, we'll head directly to the Stadio San Paolo for the contract signing and a brief introduction. From what I've gathered, the only person from the club who will be present is the captain, Francesco Montervino."

Hearing this, Lichtsteiner felt a little disappointed.

"The head coach won't be there?" asked his brother, Marko, somewhat concerned.

"Buenaventura will explain everything in more detail," Pastorello replied. "He's a close confidant of head coach Gao Shen. The word I got is that Gao Shen prefers to meet with you later at Castel Volturno."

Lichtsteiner was relieved and looked forward to meeting the young coach.

"I should remind you, Stefan," Pastorello added, "don't underestimate Montervino. He has the coach's complete trust."

"Why? Isn't he just a benchwarmer?" Marko asked, perplexed.

Pastorello chuckled, already used to Marko's inquisitive nature. Stefan, the younger brother, was more reserved, while Marko tended to ask more questions and dig into every detail.

"You must have read the media reports, right?" Pastorello laughed.

Last season, after Napoli secured the Serie B title, Montervino, as captain, lifted the trophy despite having barely played all season. The Italian media had mocked him and Gao Shen for it, portraying Montervino as little more than a placeholder.

"The media only know part of the story. Montervino was one of the first players brought in after Napoli's restructuring. When Gao Shen took charge, Montervino realized he'd lost his place on the team, but after having a frank conversation with the coach, he committed himself to becoming a positive influence in the locker room."

"In essence, Montervino is the team's captain, but he's not the on-pitch leader. Instead, he plays more of a support role, which Gao Shen values highly. The club even extended his contract this summer."

Considering Napoli's strong performance last season, reaching the Coppa Italia semifinals, Montervino's continued presence as captain was proof of Gao Shen's faith in him.

"In the locker room and even off the pitch, if you need help with anything, Montervino is the person to turn to," Pastorello added.

Lichtsteiner nodded, understanding the importance of such a figure.

There was one detail that particularly struck him: the professionalism.

From the moment Lichtsteiner arrived at the hospital, Buenaventura and the team doctor ensured that everything ran smoothly. Each step of the medical exam had been carefully planned, with no time wasted.

Moreover, Buenaventura held Lichtsteiner's medical history in his hands, every injury he'd suffered in recent years, how those injuries had been treated, and what areas needed closer examination. Buenaventura even participated in the exam itself, making sure everything was done meticulously.

Lichtsteiner was genuinely surprised. Medicals were often just a formality unless there was a situation like when Real Madrid rejected Gabriel Milito due to a failed medical. But Napoli clearly took this process seriously.

"Every result from today will go into our database. This information will form the foundation for your future training. We can't afford to overlook anything," Buenaventura explained.

Lichtsteiner could only nod in agreement. He was at a loss for words.

Although there were many tests, they were completed in just over an hour, leaving Lichtsteiner amazed. He had expected it to take until at least noon.

"The medical report will be sent to the club, and once we've analyzed it, we'll review it with you. For now, you can head to the stadium to finalize the contract," Buenaventura said, visibly relieved after the exam.

Lichtsteiner passed with flying colors, leaving Buenaventura confident that he could push him to his limits in training.

Unaware of the fitness coach's thoughts, Lichtsteiner simply assumed Buenaventura was pleased with his condition. Before leaving, he stopped to ask, "What about Mr. Gao Shen…"

"The players call him 'boss,' and you can do the same. For now, head to the stadium first. Montervino will take you to Castel Volturno after that. The coach has been there a lot recently."

Buenaventura paused as if remembering something. "Oh, by the way, he asked me to pass along his greetings."

Lichtsteiner's face lit up with a smile and he nodded, clearly in better spirits.

Buenaventura couldn't help but think to himself how powerful a reputation could be.

---

In European football, outside of Real Madrid, most clubs don't throw grand presentations for new signings.

At most, they invite a few reporters to witness the contract signing. Some clubs don't even bother with that, preferring to take photos themselves and release them to the press later.

Napoli had only ever staged a lavish unveiling for one player: Diego Maradona.

Lichtsteiner was treated more like any other player he signed the contract, took some photos, and then, accompanied by Montervino, drove to Castel Volturno.

There, he finally met the man he had heard so much about: Gao Shen.

So young!

He didn't look like a manager at all, more like a player.

Lichtsteiner found himself momentarily stunned, unsure of how to greet him.

At Castel Volturno, Gao Shen commanded absolute respect, carrying himself with the authority of a leader.

"Stefan, I've been waiting for you for a year!" Gao Shen said with a smile as they shook hands.

As early as last summer, Gao Shen had set his sights on the Swiss right-back, and now his wish had finally come true.

Lichtsteiner was flattered.

Though Gao Shen was young, his reputation preceded him. Winning La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid, followed by leading Napoli to the Serie B title last season such achievements made Lichtsteiner feel a bit nervous.

No matter how young Gao Shen appeared, he was still the head coach, and one with a commanding presence.

"Grava is gone, so this season, I'm left with just two right-backs, you and Garics."

Gao Shen led Lichtsteiner on a tour of the training ground, speaking as they walked.

"I hope you'll show your best in training and in our warm-up games. Prove to me and everyone else that you should be our first-choice right-back. I believe you can do it."

"Don't worry, coach. I'll give it my all!" Lichtsteiner replied earnestly.

"No, no, Stefan. I don't want you to just try your best. I need you to guarantee it," Gao Shen interrupted, his tone growing more serious. It wasn't a request; it was an order.

"You know, we have only one goal this season the Serie A title. I'm not joking. I need you to play at the level of a Serie A champion right-back."

Lichtsteiner was taken aback.

He hadn't expected Gao Shen to place such a heavy burden on his shoulders right from the start.

"In Lille, competition was fierce, but I'm sure deep down, you felt like you weren't any worse than the others, right? Like you should have been a starter?"

Gao Shen's words struck a chord with Lichtsteiner, leaving him momentarily speechless.

Every young player harbored that fighting spirit, that hunger. Who wanted to sit on the bench?

"It's a good thing to have that drive. We're young here at Napoli, but every single one of us is determined to fight for the Scudetto. And this is your chance to prove yourself."

"Bring out your best. Show everyone why you're here, and make sure they all know: You're the best."

Lichtsteiner was thoroughly inspired.

Throughout their conversation, Lichtsteiner found himself increasingly impressed by Gao Shen. Every word seemed to resonate deeply with him, each sentence tapping into his competitive spirit. Gao Shen wasn't just talking about tactics or giving a standard motivational speech, he was speaking directly to the core of what made Lichtsteiner tick as a player.

Gao Shen was unlike any coach Lichtsteiner had ever met. His approach was unique, direct, and completely in tune with the mindset of his players.

And by the end of their conversation, Lichtsteiner felt more fired up than ever. He wasn't just joining another team he was joining a cause, a team with a clear and ambitious goal: to win the Serie A title.

This was his chance, and he wasn't going to waste it.