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Chapter 10 - Chapter 10 - Signing with a Super Agent: Raiola’s Ruthless Advice!

A cozy, high-end café.

The private VIP lounge ensured absolute discretion.

Romeo Teixeira sat quietly, sipping warm water—he never liked coffee. Tea was his thing, but today, even that didn't feel necessary. A calm mind needed nothing extra.

Across from him sat the world-famous agent, Mino Raiola.

"Master Romeo..."

"Mr. Mino, please—just Romeo is fine," he interrupted with a polite smile.

Raiola chuckled. "Fair enough!"

He was pleasantly surprised by Romeo's humility. No arrogance, no attitude—just a clear-headed young man.

"Romeo, I came here because of your brother Alan. Years ago, he did me a big favor. I owe him. But after seeing your recent performance in Barcelona, I don't think I'm here just to repay a favor anymore."

Raiola leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "I'm here because I believe you're going to be one of the best footballers in the world."

"You shouldn't be distracted by contracts, media, image rights, or endorsements. That's where I come in. You just focus on football."

The legendary agent began rattling off names: Ibrahimović, Pogba, Balotelli—all under his wing. "I might not be beloved by clubs, but I protect my players' interests like a bulldog."

"And don't underestimate the commercial game," Raiola continued. "Mendes turned Cristiano into a marketing god. I can do the same for you, Romeo."

He smirked. "You've got the looks—like a young Dybala and Maldini fused into one. Those azure blue eyes alone could sell jerseys by the millions!"

Romeo raised an eyebrow. "I'm not chasing money. I just want to play football."

Raiola paused mid-thought, caught off guard. Most players say that, but few mean it.

But Romeo? He wasn't like the others. With a wealthy family behind him and an iron-willed mindset, he truly meant it.

Raiola recovered quickly. "Exactly! That's why you need someone like me. The more focused you are on football, the more important it is that someone else handles the chaos behind the scenes."

"And let me be clear—no hidden cuts, no shady transfer profits. You decide everything. I'll only take 5% of your commercial revenue. That's it."

Daisy, Raiola's assistant, slid a contract across the table. "This is yours to review."

Romeo took a quick glance. Raiola had even inserted a clause guaranteeing that all decisions—transfers, endorsements, press—rested solely with Romeo.

"Mr. Mino—"

"Romeo, if there's any part of the deal you don't like, I'll fix it right now. Tear it up if you want and we'll rewrite it from scratch."

Romeo smiled. "Relax. I just need a pen."

Without hesitation, Raiola handed one over. Swish swish... Romeo's signature sealed the deal.

"Perfect!" Raiola beamed. "Your contract with the club expires this winter, so let me handle the renewal talks."

He leaned in, voice low and serious.

"With your passing and vision, you'll reach Barcelona's first team soon. But we have to play this smart. Right now, you don't have enough visibility or leverage. A premature contract won't get you the deal you deserve."

"Once the league restarts, tear up the pitch. Let your performance do the talking. Only then do we negotiate—when they can't ignore your value."

Romeo nodded. "So it's not just about the salary?"

"Exactly!" Raiola raised his coffee. "It's about protecting your rights. Let me give you an example: remember Cesc Fàbregas? He left Arsenal and paid his own buyout clause. But at Barcelona, he was treated like an outsider and eventually faded out."

"Why? Because when something is handed over for free, people don't treasure it."

"But when a club invests in you—with a high salary, huge signing bonus—they're forced to care. They'll think twice before benching or selling you."

Romeo's expression sharpened. He understood. Football wasn't just passion—it was a business, and he had to play both games wisely.

"I agree. You have my trust, Mr. Mino."

"Then I'll get to work immediately," Raiola grinned. "We'll also fix your public image in the U.S. I know about the garbage they said in the youth league. Alan warned me. Leave that to me."

Romeo smiled. It felt good to have someone on his side—not just a manager, but a shield.

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