*** Imagine if I make Adriano go to PSG just to mess with ya'll . Then I make Messi and Neymar follow early on đ I'd be bashed to death.
*Insert cofifin dancer meme*
Or worse , he went to Tottenham đThat would be hilarious.
I'm just joking...
Or am I ?
I'm sometimes scared by my own imagination heh***
I woke up that morning with an unusual mixture of excitement and nostalgia swirling inside me. Even though the cheers from the World Cup final still rang in my ears, I knew that the day ahead held decisions that would alter the very course of my career.
Before I set off for the high-stakes meeting with Real Madrid, I had a few cherished moments with my parents that reminded me who I was and where I came from.
In our modest hotel suite, my mother, Rosa, and my father, Julio, gathered around the small breakfast table. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and lightly toasted bread filled the room, and as we sat down, my mother's eyes shone with both pride and gentle worry.
"Adriano, my son," my mother began softly, "when are we going back home to Portugal? I miss the sea, the simple pleasure of being with our own people." She brushed a stray lock of hair from my forehead and smiled warmly.
I reached out and squeezed her hand. "Mom, I promise we'll go back soon, maybe have a small trip before I leave, perhaps a week along the Algarve coast. I need to see home again before the season starts in full swing."
My father added with a twinkle in his eye, "And I expect a break from those endless people trying to meet you. We want to see our boy without the extra hassle."
The conversation lightened the heavy atmosphere that had built up from weeks of uncertainty. It was a reminder that despite the glittering lights of stadiums and the roar of adoring crowds, I was still that boy from Portugal with big dreams and even bigger ambitions.
After breakfast, I said my goodbyes with heartfelt embraces and stepped outside with my agent, Mendes, who was already waiting in a sleek black car.
As we drove toward the meeting, the cityscape morphed from familiar neighborhoods into a dazzling mosaic of neon lights and towering glass structures. The hum of the engine was punctuated by Mendes's constant stream of conversation, trying to lighten the mood.
"You know, Adriano," Mendes quipped with a playful grin, "if you charm them on the pitch as well as you do off it, I might have to arrange for you to be knighted by the King of Spain himself!"
I couldn't help but chuckle. "Jorge, just keep the jokes to a minimum. I don't want to end up with a transfer clause for my sense of humor," I replied.
He laughed, and we traded a few more lighthearted jabs about my "signature flair" and the possibility of including a dribbling bonus in the contract. Such banter never failed to ease my tension, even in the face of what lay ahead.
The destination was a luxurious restaurant known for hosting high-profile business meetings. I stepped inside and was immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of understated opulenceâplush seating, soft lighting, and the subtle strains of a live piano set a refined tone.
We were led to a private booth at the rear of the dining room, where two figures awaited us: Florentino PĂ©rez and, to my pleasant surprise, Zinedine Zidane.
Their presence added a gravity to the meeting that made every second feel like a step toward destiny.
Florentino rose to greet me first, his hand extended in a firm, confident handshake. "Adriano, welcome. Congratulations on your outstanding performance at the World Cup. Winning the Golden Ball at just 18 is nothing short of historic." His voice was warm, yet carried an unmistakable note of authority.
I returned his handshake, maintaining a calm smile. "Thank you, Mr. PĂ©rez. It's an honor to be here, and I appreciate your kind words."
Zidane, seated slightly behind, looked up with eyes that held both admiration and a spark of playful challenge. "You have an incredible future ahead, Adriano. Your talent is undeniable. I remember my early daysâthere's a raw energy in you that the world is just beginning to see."
As we all settled into the comfortable leather seats of the booth, the initial pleasantries gave way to more substantive conversation.
Florentino steered the discussion gently, beginning with casual topics. "Tell me, Adriano, how are you doing these days? How's life off the field and your family? And how did you find your time in Spain so far?"
I leaned back, considering my words. "Spain has been an interesting journey. It's challenging, but it's also a place of great learning.
I've grown not only as a player but also as a person. My family is well, and their support keeps me grounded, even when the pressure builds up." I could see a nod of understanding in Florentino's eyes.
Zidane added, "It takes great character to succeed at your age, especially when the spotlight shines so brightly. You have a way of letting the game speak for itself, which is exactly what future legends do."
After a few more minutes of this light, personal conversation, the tone shifted, and Florentino leaned forward, his eyes locking with mine. "Adriano, we at Real Madrid have been following your progress with immense interest. We believe that you have the potential to be the cornerstone of our future success.
In fact, we are prepared to offer you a contract that not only breaks previous transfer records but also ensures that you play a pivotal role in our squad."
I raised an eyebrow slightly, intrigued but cautious. "I appreciate the confidence, Mr. PĂ©rez. However, I have a few questions regarding my role.
I've heard rumors that James RodrĂguez is also being considered. How do you envision integrating me into a team that already boasts an abundance of talent and planning on bringing more?"
There was a brief pause as Zidane interjected with a thoughtful tone, "We've studied the team's dynamics thoroughly. While James RodrĂguez has his strengths, his role would be more limited and less adaptable than what you can offer.
We see you as a creative dynamoâa player who can control the tempo and orchestrate play. Our plan is to shift Modric into a more defensive role, partnering with Kroos, which in turn would allow you to operate in a slightly deeper position.
Of course, this means you'll be playing a bit further back than you're used to."
I leaned forward, absorbing his words carefully. "I understand the tactical plan, but my game thrives on creativity and the freedom to make incisive moves.
Playing too deep could restrict my ability to score and create opportunities. I need to know that I won't be boxed into a role that stifles what I naturally do best."
Florentino smiled knowingly. "We fully appreciate your style, Adriano. We're not asking you to abandon your unique flair. Think of it as evolving your game.
With the attacking trio of Ronaldo, Bale, and Benzema leading the line, you'll have ample support up front. Your role would primarily be to build up the play and control the rhythm of the game. And maybe push forward when necessary"
At that moment, Mendes cleared his throat and leaned forward, his tone shifting to a more pragmatic register. "Let's talk specifics, shall we?
We're prepared to offer you a weekly salary of âŹ350,000 before tax, a signing bonus of âŹ10 million, and a 5% bonus on every goal and assist. You will get to keep 80% of your image rights as well.
We'll also provide a performance bonus at the end of the season. Additionally, you'll be guaranteed a minimum of 35 appearances per season."
I nodded slowly, weighing the impressive figures against my primary concern of maintaining my creative freedom.
"The financial aspects are certainly generous, and I respect the ambition behind this offer. However, as I mentioned, I'm not driven solely by money. I need clarity on my on-field role.
I'm a playmaker sure , and I need the space to express that creativity. But I have decided to play a more offensive role recently and it's working as you can see. I don't want to be relegated to a central midfield role where I'm just passing the ball along."
Florentino leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. "Adriano, we have no unrealistic expectations of you. We understand that your creativity is your greatest asset.
Our proposal is designed to give you the room to flourish. If you feel that a deeper role might limit your impact, we're open to finding a compromise that allows you to dictate the game while still fitting into our tactical framework."
Zidane chimed in once more, his voice both firm and reassuring. "We have a wealth of attacking talent here. You will be given the freedom to create chances and control the midfield, rather than being pigeonholed into a strictly defensive role. Our aim is to balance the team's needs with your individual strengths."
I paused, allowing the weight of their words to settle. Outside the restaurant's large windows, I could see the city alive with energy. In the back of my mind, the buzz of media speculation and fan chatter swirled.
Headlines and tweets flashed across my thoughts: "Adriano: The Future of Madrid?" and "Transfer Drama: Real Madrid's Bold Gamble?"
Fans on social media were already debating fiercely, some claiming that I was the missing piece in Real Madrid's puzzle, while others speculated that this move was part of a broader strategy to sideline James RodrĂguez. The pressure and media attention that comes from joining Madrid is no joke.
I couldn't help but feel a tinge of amusement at the absurdity of it all. Ultimately, though, this was my future, and their opinions, however loud, were secondary to my own aspirations.
Mendes interjected once again, his tone practical yet lighthearted, "Since this is our first meeting, why don't we give you all the offer details in writing, and then you can take some time to mull it over with your family?
I know these decisions aren't made lightly." His remark, punctuated by a playful smile, helped break the tension once more.
I nodded in agreement, glancing around at the polished table before me, littered with contract drafts and detailed projections. "I appreciate that, Mr. Perez.
I'll need to discuss this with my family , and consider for myself how this role might evolve over the next few seasons. It's a big decision, and I want to ensure that I'm not sacrificing my style for the sake of fitting into a system."
Florentino's eyes twinkled with earnest enthusiasm as he said, "Take all the time you need, Adriano. We believe in you, and we're excited about the prospect of you joining Real Madrid.
Our offer is not just about money; it's about building a future together. We're not asking you to change who you areâwe just want to harness your talent in a way that benefits both you and the club."
I leaned back in my chair, feeling the full spectrum of emotionsâfrom pride and excitement to cautious contemplation.
Every word they spoke, every clause in the contract, seemed to echo the promise of a new chapter in my career. But even as I mulled over the details, my thoughts wandered back to the supportive voices of my parents earlier that morning. Their gentle reminders of home and family had fortified me for moments like these.
As the meeting drew to a close, Mendes gathered the documents and offered a final handshake to Florentino and Zidane. "We'll be in touch very soon," he said, his tone blending professionalism with genuine appreciation.
Stepping out into the cool evening, I took a deep breath as I walked toward the waiting car. The night was alive with the buzz of transfer rumors and the excited chatter of fans.
In cafes and bars across the city, groups of supporters discussed my potential move in hushed, animated tones. Some speculated that I was about to become the world's most expensive signing, while others mused about how my creative flair would blend with Real Madrid's storied legacy.
A renowned sports blogger had already tweeted, "At just 18, Adriano is rewriting the rules of transfer dramaâReal Madrid's offer could change everything." The global media machine was already in full gear, each outlet eager to dissect every nuance of the negotiation.
Inside the car, I allowed myself a few moments of introspection. The city's neon lights blurred past as I contemplated the enormity of what lay ahead.
This was more than just a contract negotiationâit was the beginning of a journey that could redefine my identity as a player. I recalled my parents' encouraging words from that morning and the light-hearted banter with Mendes that had eased the earlier tension. I smiled to myself, realizing that while the future was uncertain, it was also brimming with potential.
When I arrived at the hotel, I found myself alone in my suite for a few precious moments of solitude. I opened the laptop and began to read the initial details of the offer once more, my mind dissecting every clause.
The figures were impressive, but the heart of the matter lay in the role they envisioned for meâa role that required balancing tactical discipline with the creative freedom that defined my style.
I knew that this decision would have lasting repercussions, not just for my career but for my personal growth as well.
Later that evening, as I settled into a quiet corner of my room, I picked up the phone and dialed home. My parents answered with their usual warmth, their voices carrying across the distance.
"Adriano, my son, how are you feeling about everything?" my mother asked, her tone gentle yet laced with concern.
I took a deep breath and replied, "I'm excited, Mama, but I'm also thinking hard about what they want me to do. They're offering an enormous contract, but they want me to adjust my game. I love my style of playâI create, I score, I take risks. I just don't want to lose that freedom."
My father's voice came through, steady and reassuring, "Remember, son, you've always been true to yourself. Whether you're playing as a creative force or taking on a slightly different role, you have the talent to make it work.
And don't forgetâwe'll be back in Portugal for that vacation soon. It'll be a chance to reconnect and recharge."
Their voices, filled with love and encouragement, grounded me. I ended the call with renewed determination, promising myself that no matter what the decision, I would remain true to the player I wasâand the person I wanted to be.
The next morning, I received a flurry of messages on my social media blog. Long-time fans, eager to hear updates about my transfer saga, left comments that ranged from enthusiastic support to speculative theories.
One comment read, "Adriano, your creative genius is unmatched. I can't wait to see how you transform Real Madrid's midfield!"
Another speculated, "There's something more behind your sudden rise. Are we looking at a secret romance fueling your fire, or is it just pure passion for the game?"
I smiled at the mix of adoration and curiosityâeach comment a reminder that I wasn't just a player, but an inspiration to countless dreamers around the world.
As the day unfolded, I found myself immersed in negotiations and introspection. Mendes called later that afternoon to check in.
"Adriano, you look like you're in deep thought. Have you made any progress on your decision?" he asked casually, his tone teasing yet genuine.
I chuckled, replying, "I'm still mulling it over, Mendes. The offer is incredible, but it's a big change. I need to be sure that I can still play my game without being boxed in."
Mendes's laughter rang through the line. "I know, I know. Just think of it this way: you could become the next legend of Real Madrid. Or you can just seat in the bench and make money, faking an injury!" His humor was infectious, and I found myself smiling despite the gravity of the decision.
Later That evening, I sat down with Mendes once more in the hotel lounge to review the final details of the contract. We pored over every clauseâweekly salary, signing bonus, performance incentives, and the guarantee of minimum appearances.
Mendes was thorough, ensuring that every detail was clear. "Look, Adriano," he said, "this offer is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Real Madrid is not just buying your services; they're investing in you as a future icon. But remember, if you need any adjustments, now is the time to negotiate."
I nodded, flipping through the pages. "I understand. My main concern is maintaining the freedom to be creative on the field. I don't want to be forced into a position that limits my ability to score or create chances."
Mendes looked thoughtful. "Then let's make sure we negotiate that explicitly. You deserve to have your unique style respected. I'll speak with Florentino and Zidane and see if we can tweak the tactical expectations so that you remain the creative spark you've always been."
Our conversation continued late into the night, each detail scrutinized and discussed with the intensity of someone who knew that every word could shape the future.
Outside, the city's hum was a constant reminder that life was moving forward, and soon, I'd have to make a decision that would echo throughout my career.
In the days that followed, the media frenzy surrounding my potential transfer only intensified. Newspapers printed bold headlines, online forums buzzed with speculation, and fans around the world debated my every move.
"Adriano to Real Madrid?" read one headline, while another speculated, "Will the next creative genius of Madrid reshape European football?" The constant attention was exhilarating and nerve-wracking in equal measure.
But I was still composed as ever, as the decision lies with me. I will decide after going through all the transfer offers and what the clubs can offer to me. Now only time will tell my future prospects.