I Am Scouted by Real Madrid-Chapter 318 - 15: C. Ronaldo and Chen (2)

"12 million Euros a year for a player of this age is indeed a bit much. I mean, I haven’t seen many players getting this kind of salary at this age. One or two million Euros annually is normal."

In fact, it expressed surprise at Chen Zhong being able to get that salary, and in his subsequent words, he praised Chen Zhong. But those media kept twisting the facts, which was really despicable.

After clarifying this fact, Pellegrini carefully began answering the reporters’ questions, thinking repeatedly before speaking each time. He had realized the difficulties of being Real Madrid’s head coach.

"I won’t change Chen’s role in the league because of the result of this match." Pellegrini paused, contemplating for a while before continuing: "This was decided together with Chen after discussions. Although Real Madrid’s captain is young, he is very responsible and willing to sacrifice some statistics for the team."

"Yes, the club has invested so much money, obviously wanting to make a mark in the new season."

"Firstly, we need to reclaim the league title, and then go as far as possible in other competitions."

Florentino watched the post-match press conference through electronic devices. Initially, he was quite satisfied with Pellegrini’s remarks today.

But upon hearing that Pellegrini’s so-called ambition was just for a league title,

Florentino laughed.

A league title?

Even if you said suppressing Barcelona, then I’d consider you sensible.

"Are we short of midfielders?" Florentino turned to take a look at Valdano, who was the team’s director and assistant to the chairman, recommending Pellegrini for the position.

"We’re short of outstanding defensive players like Chen." Valdano dodged the blame; this summer transfer window was dominated by Florentino’s grand plans.

The team learned from the previous two seasons’ shortcomings in having skilled organizers and breakers, bringing in players like Pirlo, Kaka, C. Ronaldo, and recognizing the defensive line flaws, added strong defenders like Albiol.

Only in midfield defense was somewhat overlooked due to Chen Zhong’s presence.

"This won’t do."

Having learned a lesson from Makelele’s departure, Florentino had realized the importance of defensive players to the team.

From a strategic viewpoint, having Negredo, Benzema, Higuain, Pirlo, Callejon, C. Ronaldo, Kaka at the front, and positioning Chen Zhong at the back as a barrier in front of the defense was a correct choice.

But Florentino intended to make Chen Zhong the emblem of Real Madrid.

As Real Madrid’s emblem, one must not only be of noble character and handsome appearance but also possess outstanding statistics and competitive edge for various awards.

A defensive player!

How can that be!

...

Putting aside Real Madrid’s management’s little thoughts for now, once the players returned to Madrid, Pellegrini gave the team a day’s holiday, and Chen Zhong organized a meal together. Afterwards, everyone split into groups to find their own fun.

After seeing everyone leave, Chen Zhong also went alone to the team’s training ground.

He didn’t ask his close friends to train with him, as everyone has their own "plans" and private space. Perhaps this respect and sense of boundaries is one of the reasons Chen Zhong is well-liked.

His friends like Negredo, Granero, Kaka didn’t say things like "oh, it’s rare to get a holiday, let’s not train."

Just like how Negredo, being a grown-up now, needs to release some tension, Granero has people he needs to see, and Kaka wants to go home to be with his wife.

They also respected Chen Zhong’s desire to train and become stronger, as without this effort and restraint, Chen Zhong wouldn’t have become the team’s captain at the age of 17.

Moreover, the evaluations given to Chen Zhong by coaches still plaster the wall of Sports City’s youth team.

"A person continuously improving himself through training."

"A confident player, good at utilizing his abilities, not afraid of matches, bold in confrontations, with better performance in games than in training."

"Defensive-wise wise and strong, with energy and determination in offense."

"An All-Powerful player."

These evaluations were accompanied by some of Chen Zhong’s highlights and notable plays.

To put it exaggeratedly, almost all young players in Sports City regard Chen Zhong as their idol.

After extra passing and long-range shooting practice on the field, Chen Zhong checked the time and headed to the gym to lift some weights.

However, upon arriving, he unexpectedly saw the lights on.

The sound of panting echoed through the silent night.

Chen Zhong moved forward and saw Cristiano Ronaldo inside, drenched in sweat.

Without disturbing him, Chen Zhong went to his familiar spot, added weights to his legs, and started training.

The two quietly trained their bodies as time ticked away.

Eventually, Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t hold back.

He placed the training equipment on the ground, walked up to Chen Zhong, and stood there.

What kind of stance was that.

Legs slightly apart, head up, chest out, chin slightly raised, a proud pose.

"Whew~" With a deep breath, Chen Zhong closed his eyes to check his stats. With his left foot reaching 4 Stars Weak Foot, he began consciously training his strength for possibly surprising effects in key matches.

After all, major clubs have surely collected his data, knowing his left foot is his Weak Foot.

From last season’s matches, he had noticed some teams targeting his left foot.

Chen Zhong stretched his muscles, the crackling sounds made C. Ronaldo’s eyebrows twitch tight.

"Pepe already told me."

"I have my own thoughts too."

"Assist me, will you!"

Chen Zhong looked up at the speaking Cristiano Ronaldo with a face of astonishment.

What did this Portuguese just say?

Asking me...

To assist him?

"I already know what to do."

"I’ll seize every opportunity; as long as you pass the ball to me, I can lead us to win." Cristiano Ronaldo’s breathing began to quicken, his voice slightly tense.

However, this was the result of his deep thinking.

His football career was not smooth; in his youth, he nearly lost his football dream to a severe illness. After moving from Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United, he underwent his first transformation.

That transformation turned him from a boy on a bicycle into a Ballon d’Or star and made him a person with an adventurous spirit, not afraid of failure.

Messi...

is a formidable opponent.

To defeat him, one must excel in a certain aspect.

In recent matches, he discovered his increased muscles made him stiff; he was no longer a "winger," just a fast-running, high-jumping Terminator.

And such a Terminator needs someone to feed him.

Indeed, from the beginning, Cristiano Ronaldo never regarded 17-year-old Chen Zhong as a rival; his goal was Messi.

In his eyes, Chen Zhong wasn’t a player on the same caliber.

Rooney...

wasn’t either!

But having them by his side could make him shine brighter.

"Do you think you’re better than me?" Chen Zhong stood up, slightly bowed his head to look at C. Ronaldo, realizing this man’s arrogance and that he hadn’t considered him a rival.

With such vigorous competitiveness, it’s clear the opponent never regarded him as a rival.

What to do then?

One word: "Fight."

C. Ronaldo did not respond to Chen Zhong, still staring straight at him, having heard about Chen Zhong and Pellegrini’s situation, realizing such a player would sacrifice for the club!

And I.

Cristiano Ronaldo.

will also train relentlessly, eventually leading Real Madrid back to the peak.

"Heh."

Chen Zhong chuckled softly, sizing up C. Ronaldo, and said, "Wanna compete?"

"Compete on what?!"

C. Ronaldo looked at Chen Zhong, eyes full of thriving fighting spirit.