From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 319: Chapter 98: Deschamps’ 180-Degree Turn! English League Cup Quarterfinals! Acquiring [Football Record] (Part 4)

His attitude amused many of Arsenal’s core players.

Wenger also laughed and remarked to Philip, ”He’s filled with ambition and energy, isn’t he?”

”I’m used to it.” Philip shrugged, showing some admiration in his eyes; this is someone destined for success.

...

After this day, the team still only had three days of rest, and they would be facing Chelsea in the next round of the Premier League.

Fortunately, the main players had six days of rest, which made them strong and well-prepared.

Ma’el was ready; for him, this was another tour of the big six teams!

In his first month in the Premier League, he played against Liverpool and Manchester United, and earlier this month, he faced Tottenham.

Counting them, only Chelsea and Manchester City remained unplayed.

In fact, during this period, the term ”big six” wasn’t commonly used in the Premier League; it was Ma’el’s own impression.

Currently, the term ”big four” was more prevalent, excluding Tottenham and Manchester City.

Putting Tottenham aside, Manchester City’s strength had actually been increasing over the years... often breaking into the top four of the standings.

”This year.....”

Ma’el remembered, it was the year Aguero scored the dramatic 9320 winner against Queens Park.

It was the year Manchester United lost the championship due to goal difference and consequently fell into decline, leading to Sir Alex being ’chased away’ by Manchester United’s management, marking the end of a legendary era.

”But Queens Park wasn’t in the Premier League.....” he smiled again, recalling the good deeds done last season, murmuring, ”Looks like another classic scene in football may be missed.”

He didn’t feel regret; the missed ones are those he’ll fill in.

He hoped this year in English football would belong to Arsenal, and to him.

On October 27th, after the afternoon training session, Ma’el received a call from Mendes; the valuation of the Football Record had come out, and he had already had people negotiate online.

The final agreed acquisition price was 12,000 pounds per share, which was a good value for money price.

Although the newspaper owner, Peter, had stated at the time that he would not accept any valuation offer below 1.8 million pounds.... he surely understood that valuation is valuation; it has to be recalculated when it comes to acquisition.

Ma’el’s involvement brought more than just money; it brought his star effect, his various resources, etc.

That evening, Ma’el once again arrived at this newspaper office in the London suburbs, entering the office for the final signing with Peter.

”You never told me.”

Peter enthusiastically grasped Ma’el’s hand and sighed, ”You also own INS shares and are one of the company’s major shareholders.”

”If you had told me at the time, I certainly wouldn’t have been so tough to plant my flag.”

”Haha.....” Ma’el sat across from him, and the red-haired journalist, Amelia, soon walked in with a teacup and poured him a cup of tea.

After exchanging a few words with Peter, he moved on to the main topic, ”Now that you know what I can bring, do you have any development plans for afterward?”

”Yes, indeed.”

Peter took out a form, having prepared it well in advance, ”We hope to obtain press passes for some important Premier League and Champions League matches and have the opportunity to interview at some key occasions.”

”I must admit, sometimes we can’t get firsthand resources and news, which always causes delays.”

”I’ll do my best to achieve that.” Ma’el nodded, feeling confident in handling these matters with ease; Arsenal now held him in high regard, and probably the France team did too.

He hoped to secure not just a portion but all, as these were the fundamental channel resources needed for the newspaper’s growth.

Having resources doesn’t guarantee great development, lacking them... would definitely be in vain.

Seeing Ma’el’s straightforward agreement, Peter’s face lit up even more, ”This request... I’m not sure if it’s a bit excessive, but we also hope INS can provide some traffic support, helping our media account to quickly make a name.”

”I must say, I’m also an INS user; I think it will soon go viral, and this is our chance.”

”Haha.....” Ma’el laughed, shaking his head, ”How could that be excessive? Both companies are mine; I’ve already thought about mutual resource exchange.

”INS will definitely agree; they owe me quite a lot already, don’t worry about it.”

”Great!” Peter clapped his hands and brought up the final point, ”Additionally, I’d love for you to open a column, write about club anecdotes from time to time, or upload some training videos, etc.

”It wouldn’t take much time, and it might have an extraordinary effect. Those who like you will come to watch, and over time, it’ll become a habit, leading them to follow us too.”

”No problem.” Ma’el agreed, this was very easy for him.

During training, he could find a university student nearby who can shoot videos; paying around 300 pounds a week should resolve the matter without affecting him.

Peter soon talked about some more details; he was animated, seeming to have a very clear plan for the future, filled with enthusiasm.

”If I can provide you with all the above assistance, even more, how do you think the newspaper will develop?”

Before signing the contract, Ma’el seriously asked him this question, ”Also, next year’s European Cup, I’m likely to get Football Record in, letting you enjoy the wave of attention.

”Moreover, whatever happens within the France team... as long as it doesn’t harm harmony or hurt anyone, I’ll let you know.”

Peter’s breath quickened a bit; the attention the European Cup garners is set to surpass the Olympics held at the same time.

If a media company could capitalize on its popularity, it’s unimaginable!

His eyes darted back and forth, his voice trembling as he said, ”Within one year, I’m confident that our current turnover can turn into our profit, or even more.”

”Good.”

Ma’el wasn’t too surprised as he anticipated more; he and Peter weren’t ones to speak conceitedly.

Even if there was a more distant goal in mind, only a portion was spoken of.

Later, in the office, they completed the signing, Ma’el officially acquired 78% of Football Record’s shares at the cost of 936,000 pounds, becoming the real controller of this media outlet!

Other aspects were not focal points; they included some routine clauses..... dividends were scheduled quarterly, at 80% of profits each time, with the remaining 20% designated as development funds.

”Pleasant cooperation.”

Ma’el and Peter gave each other a firm handshake, both looking forward to this being a successful partnership. They even posed stiffly for a few official photos.

Afterward, every employee came in to shake hands and hug Ma’el, and pose for a few photos.

When it was Amelia’s turn, she smiled again, showing off her two rows of steel braces, ”Interviewee turned boss? You now feel even more distant to me; just one question, will you still accept my exclusive interview?”

”Yes.”

Ma’el was still in good spirits and readily agreed, ”But it has to be later because the schedule is currently too tight.”

”That’s good.” Amelia smiled at him, ”Let’s set a goal, then? You can’t break the promise; you have to come.”

”How many?”

”15 goals in the Premier League.”

”Alright.”

Ma’el slightly smiled and shook her hand, ”Then I really hope I can sit here quickly for your interview.

”Work well, don’t mess up like that time with Sky Sports, haha.”

...

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