Waking up in the early morning, fine rain was falling outside.
The rain wasn't heavy, but it added a chill to the air, and coupled with the dark, overcast sky, it was hard to feel motivated.
Suker had originally planned for a morning run, but seeing the weather and his own condition, he decided to give up.
Yesterday's big battle didn't take much a toll on his body, but the mental exhaustion was significant.
Even after sleeping, he still felt a sense of weariness in his heart.
Fortunately, they won the match.
Thinking about Bayern Munich, who lost at home, they probably couldn't even sleep well.
He went to the refrigerator to prepare some breakfast, making a bit more than usual because Sukic's appetite had recently increased, and he was eating more.
Children need nutrition to grow, and Suker himself had been through hard times, always in a state of hunger, so he paid special attention to diet; being able to eat his fill was the happiest thing.
While breakfast was still being prepared, Suker called Sukic to wake him up.
The little guy rubbed his eyes sleepily and slowly shuffled into the bathroom to wash up.
By the time he came out, breakfast was almost ready.
The father and son barely chatted, especially as the little guy grew older and developed his own social circle, he became less willing to communicate with Suker.
Suker believed there was a generation gap between people of different ages.
He never thought of influencing Sukic or putting any pressure on him; letting him grow naturally was good enough.
Because Zorancic had work, he was currently on a business trip.
The bodyguard took Sukic to school.
Although the little guy had already entered Real Madrid's youth academy, necessary studies still had to continue.
After all, Suker didn't want his son to be illiterate.
He didn't demand a high level of education from him, but he couldn't fall too far behind either.
After everything was done, Suker drove to the training base, preparing for a day of training.
Now, both the League and Champions League were entering their final stages.
Especially in the League, Real Madrid still maintained their lead, and Barcelona and Atletico Madrid had not narrowed the gap in the standings.
Currently, La Liga presented a three-way standoff.
Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona formed a championship-contending tier.
However, at present, Real Madrid had a greater advantage.
Media and experts also predicted that Real Madrid would still win the La Liga title this season.
Real Madrid would continue to maintain its dominance over La Liga.
This outcome left all other teams except Real Madrid feeling depressed.
It wasn't unheard of for one team to dominate a League in a region.
The Bundesliga was the most typical example, with Bayern Munich always being the Bundesliga boss.
After the decline of Serie A, the Juventus also made a strong comeback!
Ligue 1 completed the transfer of power between old and new overlords, and is now dominated by Paris Saint-Germain.
As for the Premier League and La Liga, they had always been in a relatively fierce competition mode.
But unlike the Premier League's free-for-all, La Liga was a two-man show between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
However, this season, with the rise of Atletico Madrid, La Liga also felt a bit like its balance was being disrupted.
But people wanted to see this; they wanted to see more intense, more suspenseful matches.
Unfortunately, Real Madrid's dominance over La Liga continued!
"Good morning!"
Suker walked into the locker room, pulled down his hood, and brushed off the rainwater.
He had also adapted to local customs; he used to carry an umbrella when it rained, but now he wouldn't use one at all, at most just putting on a hood to prevent baldness.
Baldness is very common in Europe; some say it's related to water quality, but there are also genetic issues, and rain erosion is one aspect.
Taking precautions is always the right thing to do.
Suker at least wore a hood, but other players just came in soaking wet, their hair drenched, and a simple towel dry was enough for them.
"Now all of Europe is talking about you again!"
Ramos sat next to Suker; his locker was right next to Suker's.
One was the captain, the other the absolute core.
Their lockers in the dressing room were the most central, also reflecting their status within the team.
"It's just the buzz from one match, it doesn't decide anything!"
Suker didn't care; in fact, he had long grown accustomed to the media's praise.
At first, he might have felt a bit smug, but after many times, he felt nothing.
This wasn't him showing off, but it was truly the case.
When something is repeated many times, one eventually gets used to it.
"Barcelona seems to be contacting Liverpool's striker, that Uruguayan!"
Ramos suddenly said.
He paid close attention to news about Barcelona, and their transfer movements this time were very decisive.
The entire process was swift and decisive; although the season hadn't ended yet, contacts between the two sides had already begun.
"I don't think this will change anything!"
Ramos shrugged.
This was also the general view of the outside world; people felt that Barcelona's problem lay in the midfield, they couldn't find a replacement for Xavi, leading to a clear overall decline after the end of the Dream Team era.
This idea wasn't wrong!
After all, it was a force of habit; what had changed for Barcelona now? Undoubtedly, Xavi in the midfield was aging, his form declining, causing the team's overall offensive rhythm to slow down.
The solution, therefore, should be to address the midfield problem.
But apparently, the current Head Coach of Barcelona, Enrique, intended to take a different approach, planning to form a frontline trident similar to Real Madrid's.
A highly impactful trident combining organization, offense, progression, and breakthrough.
But now, fans and media didn't trust Enrique.
After all, this guy was almost fired after the last match they lost to Real Madrid.
Based on the trust of the higher-ups and internal conflict resolution, he was given more opportunities.
But it can only be said that this was his last chance.
If he couldn't change the predicament this time, then he would truly be fired.
Barcelona was now determined to catch up in the League, taking advantage of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid being burdened by the Champions League to earn more points.
But the problem was, while they were winning, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were also winning.
Atletico Madrid was still holding on, which was understandable.
But Real Madrid, their rich bench truly made one feel a bit desperate; their substitute lineup was also a Champions League-level squad.
This could greatly alleviate the team's League pressure.
Just as they were preparing for training, Florentino unexpectedly appeared on the outskirts of the training ground.
His appearance surprised everyone.
After all, Florentino rarely made appearances throughout the year; even when he came to the training base, he would only appear in the conference room of the office building.
He only came to the training ground once before the season started.
Now that the season was about to conclude, he also appeared.
The players thought Florentino was there to cheer them on, but they were clearly mistaken.
Florentino chatted with Ancelotti for a while, and then he called Suker away individually.
The players were accustomed to this.
Suker had a lot of contact with Florentino, which was different from them.
Florentino led Suker all the way to the conference room in the office building.
Only two people were in the large conference room.
The secretary, with good judgment, pulled the privacy blinds on the windows, ensuring the privacy of the entire conference room.
Suker looked at Florentino and asked, "Is there something you need?"
Florentino chuckled, "You could say there's something."
Suker raised an eyebrow slightly.
Florentino looked at Suker and suddenly asked, "The World Cup, do you have confidence?"
Suker was momentarily stunned.
The World Cup, does he have confidence?
Shouldn't he be asked if he has faith?
Confidence, that kind of thing, is really hard to say.
He had faith, but confidence really had to be created as the match progressed.
Anything could happen during a match, so Suker couldn't say he had absolute confidence.
Florentino also knew he had spoken a bit too hastily, so he added, "The club plans to add a new promotional project, based on the topic of you and the World Cup."
"From your current achievements, honors, and data, the only shortcoming is the World Cup!"
"It can be said that as long as you win the World Cup, you will be fully qualified to compare yourself with the top figures in football, whether it's Maradona or Pelé."
"This is your current shortcoming, and in this World Cup, Croatia's squad is very good, and their chances of winning are also very high, so... do you want to give it a try?"
Florentino is a Spaniard, so it is only right that he supports the Spain National Team.
But at the same time, he is also a businessman, a businessman who prioritizes profit.
To be honest, in terms of profit, Croatia winning the championship would bring in much greater returns than Spain retaining the title, and significantly so.
This means that a current 'King of Football' level player will appear in Real Madrid's lineup.
Suker's only missing honor is the World Cup!
But once he wins the World Cup, and especially if he helps Croatia claim its first ever World Cup trophy, his status in football will skyrocket.
Suker's commercial positioning would also become incomparable.
With such a possibility, Florentino naturally needs to plan ahead.
He needs to maximize his profits!
Speaking of this, Florentino winked at his secretary, who immediately took out a tablet and said:
"According to the statistics from the technical department, Croatia failed to maximize its influence when it won the European Cup in 2008 and 2012!"
"The main reason for this was an over-reliance on traditional media and a neglect of self-media and online promotion, which prevented the overall impact from being further expanded."
"The returns and gains from this also failed to become ideal!"
Suker glanced at the secretary and nodded slightly.
Although it's not the World Cup, the European Cup's influence is still considerable.
But compared to these, Croatia's profit ratio was surprisingly low despite winning two consecutive European Cups.
This is directly related to Croatia's failure to do well in subsequent promotions.
Even Suker himself was affected, and his value was not maximized.
In fact, Florentino was truly heartbroken!
He wasn't heartbroken for Suker, but rather for the greater influence Suker could have gained, which would have brought more attention to Real Madrid as well.
Therefore, this time, he would not stand idly by no matter what.
Whether it's Spain or Croatia, he will carry out some promotional operations.
Even if Croatia does not outsource the promotion to them, they must secure Suker's promotional approval to prepare for the World Cup.
"I can tell you responsibly that if you win this World Cup, for the next 2-3 years, as long as your individual performance and the club's overall results are not too bad, then the Ballon d'Or will be yours!"
Florentino looked at Suker and said, "There's even further potential for this promotion, but it will only be pursued after your retirement!"
"I believe that, from this perspective, you can completely trust us. Our interests are aligned; you need historical status in football, and we want to have a King of Football!"
"So, the foundation of our cooperation is very ideal!"
Listening to his words, Suker was indeed somewhat moved.
To be honest, he didn't think highly of Croatia's internal promotion model.
Not only was the promotion model old and rigid, but its reach was also limited.
Despite winning two European Cups, the influence and resources they gained were not very reasonable.
Theoretically, after winning these two European Cups, Suker and his teammates should have at least achieved a higher status and recognition in Europe.
But the final result was largely the same as before, which highlights the importance of promotion.
"I cannot say that you can completely take over Croatia's overall promotional outsourcing, but for my personal promotion, I do have the authority to grant permission!"
Suker thought for a while and said so.
He didn't dare to boast and hand over the entire Croatian promotion package to Perez.
After all, this would upset too many people; there are many in Croatia who are eagerly eyeing it.
But for his own promotion, Suker still had the right to allocate it.
Upon hearing this, Florentino was very satisfied.
To be honest, he didn't want Croatia's promotional outsourcing; he just needed to secure Suker's promotional authority.
"Next is the distribution issue!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Suker waved his hand and said, "I don't mind how much is distributed. What I want is results. What I want is different from what you want."
Florentino smiled; he liked this about Suker, that he clearly knew what he wanted.
"You want honor, I want profit!"
Suker extended his hand, nodded, and said, "Pleasure working with you!"
Florentino laughed heartily and shook his hand, and the matter was settled.
After the conversation, Suker left.
The secretary held a contract in his hand. This contract had already been drafted before their arrival, as if Florentino was certain that Suker would accept it.
"Were you sure this cooperation would succeed?" the secretary asked.
Florentino nodded, lit a cigar, and said, "Suker is very smart and knows how to manage himself. He knows what he wants, and what I want."
"Just like that last sentence, Suker wants honor, a kind of honor that determines his historical status in football, and this requires extensive promotion."
"And I want profit, so Suker willingly gave up the larger share in this aspect. He doesn't need these; as long as he has fame, he can continuously gain wealth."
"And based on these profits, I will do my best to promote him, raise his influence and status, and even give him more things to further expand his fame."
The secretary thought for a moment, "Like an officially recognized King of Bernabéu?"
Florentino couldn't help but shake his head and laugh, "That's too early. If he wins the World Cup, then I might consider it. I don't mind having a King of Football reign at Bernabéu, and it's even better if this King was brought in by my own hands!"
However, Florentino also had his own thoughts.
This is highly unlikely to succeed!
Suker's personality dictates that he is not one to be outdone.
If Suker wins the World Cup, then Florentino would truly be willing to let Suker retire at Bernabéu, even if his form declines, he would be willing to support him with a high salary.
The reason is simple: Suker's inherent value surpasses these things.
Occasionally showing up, maintaining a presence, and attracting waves of fans would be quite perfect.
However, this is highly unlikely to work. When Suker's form declines, and he is unwilling to be outdone, he will only choose to leave.
And Florentino is not a compromising person either.
In fact, both of them understand this.
It's not really a conflict, just their respective positions.
Florentino believes that even when Suker leaves, they won't part on bad terms.
Florentino understands Suker.
Suker also understands Florentino.
Departures are not necessarily cruel, and there's no need to argue until one's face turns red.
They are both pursuing their own better futures based on their own interests; there's no need to say more.
When opinions align, there isn't as much so-called contention.
Therefore, the current deepening cooperation between Suker and Florentino is also to ensure that one day, based on these foundations, they can sit down calmly at the negotiation table and have a good talk.
Rather than escalating matters and making them public through the media.
This is not only unsightly but also very upsetting for fans.
They are both trying to avoid such things from happening.
Of course, the best scenario is for both sides to compromise, but such a compromise would not be the best outcome for Real Madrid's future development.
Therefore, some things are bound to happen in the future, but how to gradually resolve them.
This requires deepening their cooperative foundation, so that when a situation erupts, with these foundations, they can still continue to sit at the negotiation table and discuss, rather than tearing each other apart in front of the media and the public, insulting each other, and behaving quite disgracefully.
Suker also returned to the training ground and entered adjustment mode.
His thoughts were consistent with Florentino's.
They were also parties who understood each other.
There was no need to fight to the death and behave so disgracefully.
If opinions differed, then they would go their separate ways, wish each other well, and future meetings would not be so awkward.
Moreover, years of cooperation have accumulated a lot of goodwill, which also serves as a basis for mitigating conflicts.