After signing with AC Milan, I will be the king of football!

”Today, we have the honor of having Professor John Hawkins with us, a renowned economist who is very knowledgeable about China. He has provided consultancy to numerous companies and governments in various countries. Let’s have him answer some questions regarding Kevin’s annual salary for the fans,” said the host.

After shaking hands with John Hawkins, the host asked, ”Kevin’s annual salary of 35 million euros has sparked a lot of discussion; that sum could even buy a whole team. First, we’d like to ask Professor Hawkins, do you think Kevin is worth such a high wage?”

John Hawkins spread his right hand and said, ”My answer to this question is affirmative. The President of Real Madrid made a very bold and excellent decision, and I would use the word ’great’ to describe this renewal.”

”Really? But Kevin’s salary is higher than the sum of the other key players’, won’t this affect the unity of Real Madrid’s first team?”

asked the host.

”I don’t think so,”

said John Hawkins. ”As a fan, I’ve watched many of Kevin’s games too. Capello’s tactics at Real Madrid revolve around Kevin. Last season, Kevin was the one with the highest tactical status and salary. Yet, the Real Madrid dressing room was even more harmonious than the previous season. This shows that Real Madrid players accept Kevin’s performance and character, and are willing to sacrifice to some extent to make Kevin play more comfortably, thereby winning more important championships. Real Madrid becoming the first Spanish team to achieve a treble is the best proof.”

”But there’s a big difference between 15 million euros and 35 million euros. Kevin was already the highest-paid player at Real Madrid, and his new contract more than doubles his previous salary. Won’t other players feel jealous?”

said the host.

”Yes, there is a big difference between 15 million euros and 35 million euros, but what does that have to do with the other players?”

Hawkins said, ”Even if Kevin earned a hundred million British Pounds, it wouldn’t affect their income. Real Madrid’s other players should adjust their mentality rather than being jealous of Kevin. I believe most of them can do this. As long as they see Kevin’s performance on and off the pitch and his popularity among fans, most players can recognize and accept the reality. In fact, Real Madrid players are not paid low salaries. Kevin’s wage is high because Kevin is exceptional.”

”Then let’s hope the rest of the players at Real Madrid can adjust their mentality. Professor Hawkins, what do you think is the reason behind Kevin’s new contract being so high?” asked the host.

Hawkins adjusted his seating position and crossed his legs before replying, ”I have said that the intangible assets created by humans will surpass tangible assets, and Kevin is a typical example. His skills, commercial value, and his massive fan base... these are intangible assets. I have also said that creativity is not monopolized by artists. Everyone; scientists, businessmen, even economists, can be creative. Footballers are no exception. Each of Kevin’s games can be considered as new creativity. Kevin’s writings, playing snooker, charity work, creating his own catering chain... all these are Kevin’s creativity. Kevin gets on the newspapers because of these creative acts, his intangible assets are on the rise.”

”So, Real Madrid is paying for everything regarding Kevin, 35 million euros is not solely for his performance on the pitch?” asked the host.

”Exactly,”

said Hawkins, adjusting his glasses. ”The value of ordinary players basically lies in their on-pitch performances plus their commercial value. What contribution can a player make to Southampton, how many sponsors can he bring to the club – considering these aspects, it’s easy for the club to calculate how much weekly wage a player should receive. Whether this player performs well or poorly during his time at Southampton, whether he gets embroiled in scandals, these will affect his renewal contract. Moving to big clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United would further consider the player’s popularity... Alan Shearer and Ronaldo are top players with commercial value, but there are many players nearly like them. Ronaldinho plays football impressively and is very popular, Beckham has the best crosses and tremendous commercial value, etc. There are many superstars like them in every era, but Kevin is entirely different...”

”I see, you mean Kevin is like India!”

clapped the host.

”Right, that’s a good analogy. Ronaldo and Shearer are like the gold on the crown – precious but not rare, while Kevin is like the pearl on the crown!”

John Hawkins said with a smile, ”Every king can make a crown of gold, but there’s only one most dazzling pearl. And there’s only one Kevin. Whatever team has Kevin, they are a level above the rest. AC Milan used to be the number one powerhouse in the world, now it has become Real Madrid, Kevin’s whereabouts is tantamount to a transfer of power in the world of football.”

”Thank you, Professor Hawkins, for your explanation. Now I understand why Kevin can get such a high salary.”

After watching the program, Inzaghi turned off the television. Hearing the thumping noise from next door, he left the room with his fishing rod.

Fishing at night is a romance of men.

He must catch a big fish, to show that little rascal Kevin.

...

Breakfast time.

”Filippo, didn’t you sleep well?”

asked Huang Kaiwen.

Inzaghi’s dark circles were too prominent.

”I had insomnia.”

said Inzaghi weakly, slurping his soup from the bowl.