I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 97: Chapter 14: The Treatment He Deserves (Part 2)

This has also led to Raiola becoming a dreaded negotiation target for clubs, while being a beloved agent among players for a significant reason.

Recently, Raiola’s goal is to establish his market in La Liga, and having Ibrahimovic as a strong opening move, he doesn’t mind having another ”Ibrahimovic” in his roster.

Raiola briefly discussed some of his ”specialties,” but what usually mesmerizes players didn’t go over as smoothly with Chen Zhong, who couldn’t help but frown.

”Sorry.” Chen Zhong put down his knife and fork, looked at Raiola, and said decisively, ”I’m really not interested in what you’re saying. I just want to focus on football, and play in a stable environment. If that’s all there is, I don’t think we can work together.”

”No, no, no.” Raiola smiled at Chen Zhong’s words, ”Actually, that’s not my greatest ability.”

”My greatest ability is to solve problems for you.”

”Moreover, regarding your situation, I have a new plan.”

As Raiola said this, he glanced at Chen Zhong a few times, his eyes showing a hint of satisfaction.

In the football world, it’s not uncommon for players to ditch their agents, and for someone like Chen Zhong, who is independent, talented, focused, and low-maintenance, he’s like a certain lottery win for Raiola, with the only concern being the size of the win.

Besides, there’s no need to get tangled up in contract commissions or transfer shares, isn’t there also commercial cooperation and advertising to consider?

Raiola made a call, and soon a blonde woman in a fitted suit entered. Raiola briefly introduced her, and she was now known as one of the ”most significant unseen figures in football,” destined to be praised as the ”first female agent” and winner of the ”2022 European Best Football Agent,” Rafael Pimenta.

When she spoke, she had a clear sense of structure, both visually and audibly, she was someone who inspired trust.

Later, when Raiola died due to illness, Pimenta, who preferred to work behind the scenes, was underestimated. Many attempted to poach players from her control, but this amiable woman showed her capabilities and turned their efforts to dust. Although Nathan Barnett, Mendes, and Roger Staubach, the great agents, also offered assistance, she herself was the most crucial link. She always managed to connect with players like family and attend to their needs.

Under Raiola’s approving gaze, Chen Zhong chatted with Pimenta for a while, giving him a refreshing feeling, and unlike Raiola, she completely took Chen Zhong’s perspective on issues.

”Chen,” Pimenta said with a bright smile, ”You know that I’m a lawyer by training.”

”Many say I’m difficult to deal with, but I just hope they treat my players fairly.”

”If you sign with our company and let me handle your affairs, there’s something I want you to know clearly.”

”I will immediately start negotiating your new contract with the club.”

”What?” Chen Zhong widened his eyes in surprise at Pimenta: ”But I thought if I performed well enough, the club wouldn’t shortchange me.”

Pimenta couldn’t help but smile at Chen Zhong’s words. A 16-year-old kid still has some naivety.

”I’ve looked into your country.”

”I remember there was a player named Yang from your country, who lived in a cramped attic when he first joined Frankfurt?”

”I heard that even the TV was placed on the floor. Honestly, that treatment was horrendous, but guess what happened later?” Pimenta said with a smile, ”After a few games, he renegotiated his contract with the club and got a new place to live because he proved his ability.”

”As you said, Real Madrid is a great club, a giant with deep heritage.”

”You entered the first team at 16. I heard your contract is around 100,000 Euros a year, which is fine if you’re just an insignificant substitute.”

”But now, you deserve a contract that matches this club and your contributions.”

”This isn’t greed, it’s getting the treatment you deserve!”

Pimenta clearly understood the mindset of young players, with every word hitting the mark for Chen Zhong. He was just getting a contract befitting his level.

Sure, the club might increase his contract, but how long would that take?

Just like Messi, from earning 20-30 thousand in his first year in the first team, it took three years to rise to about 90,000, and only this year increased to 300,000?

The salary of a contract, on a certain level, also represents a player’s status in the locker room.

”Chen,” Pimenta noticed Chen Zhong deep in thought and spoke, ”I know what you’re thinking. Do you know Raul’s current salary? 6 million Euros, Casillas?

”There’s nothing to feel embarrassed or ashamed about.”

”Salary is a sign of the club’s appreciation of you and acknowledgment of your ability. Do you think your ability is only worth less than 100,000 euros?”

”Of course not!” Chen Zhong shook his head, ”I’m going to be the best player in the world.”

”Ah~”

”Alright!”

”You’ve convinced me!” Chen Zhong’s mind was in a whirl; he thought about the people around him, like Marcelo and Drenthe, whose annual salaries exceeded a million Euros, and he only had slightly over 90,000 Euros. When he set that salary, perhaps no one expected he’d perform this excellently and even secure a starting position!

”However.”

”I want this salary to be within a reasonable range.”

”Of course,” Pimenta exchanged a glance with Raiola, then said, ”once we officially sign the contract, you’ll soon receive the treatment you deserve.”

After chatting for a while, Chen Zhong left, while Raiola ordered some more food, saw Pimenta calmly eating, and then moved aside to make a call.

”Jorge,” Raiola said with some surprise, ”I truly didn’t expect you’d let me have such a precious asset.”

Jorge Mendes, whose players are mostly from Portugal and Brazil, is one of the super agents, and recently has been getting closer to Florentino.

”I already have the best treasure,” Mendes referred to the treasure that was Cristiano Ronaldo, currently playing for Manchester United, one of the brightest stars in today’s football, even considered a super star, seen as a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or.

However, despite saying so, Mendes was indeed a bit tempted by Chen Zhong, but Florentino felt that it might be beneficial for Chen Zhong to have Raiola that guy go and deal with Calderon for the time being.

Mendes remembered what Florentino said at that time: ”The best treasure requires the most ferocious hunting dog for protection.”

And Raiola was that hunting dog.

Now this hunting dog was about to take a bite at Mendes.

”Haha!” Raiola laughed, already getting protective even before the contract was signed, ”I won’t mention Zlatan; if your treasure ends up at Real Madrid, maybe my treasure will be in charge of it!”

After exchanging a few more words, Mendes hung up the phone, and Raiola’s mind was racing, clearly planning something.