I woke up the next morning with a head still buzzing from the whirlwind of negotiations with Real Madrid. The media had already started speculating about a potential €115 million transfer from Málaga—a figure that sent shockwaves through the football world.
Yet, even as the headlines roared outside my window, I had another meeting scheduled here in Brazil that promised to be just as monumental. This time, it was with Sheikh Mansour, the influential owner of Manchester City, and his trusted club director, Al Mubarak.
Before I headed off, I spent a few more treasured moments with my parents. The early light filtered softly through our hotel room as we gathered around the small table for breakfast.
My mother, with her gentle eyes and warm smile, leaned forward and asked in a hushed tone, "Adriano, are getting enough rest? You just finished the world Cup, and now you are already busy with these transfer thing."
I squeezed her hand reassuringly. " I will take some rest soon. But first, I need to finish these meetings. They're big, and I want to make sure I have all the options on the table."
My father added, "And don't worry, son. Even if the world pays you millions, you'll always be our little boy who loved playing barefoot in the dirt. Just remember, a break is as important as a contract."
I nodded, " I'll remember that dad. I'll be off now, Mendes and I will go and pick up some souvenirs before returning here. It seems the Owner of Man City is coming here in person."
I got out and went in the car where Mendes was waiting. As we drove through the bustling streets of Brazil, the city pulsed with the energy of a transfer saga that had already taken on a life of its own. I glanced out the window, half-listening to Mendes's constant chatter, trying to steady my racing thoughts.
"You know, Adriano," Mendes said with a mischievous grin, "if Real Madrid thinks you're their next big star, wait until they hear what Manchester City is about to offer. They say Sheikh Mansour is willing to spend money like it's nothing. I half expect him to offer you an oil rig as a signing bonus."
I laughed softly. "Mendes, you always have a way with numbers. Just remember, I'm not here to collect the most extravagant paycheck—I want a stage where I can play my game without being forced in."
Mendes replied with playful sarcasm, "Oh, sure, Mr. Creative Dynamo. But imagine the headlines: 'Adriano: The star Who Signed for an Oil Rig!'" His laughter mixed with mine, and for a moment, the pressure eased under the warmth of our shared humor.
After picking up some souvenirs and nick nacks, my phone buzzed with an incoming call from Sheikh Mansour, the owner of Manchester City. His message was clear: he and his club director, Al Mubarak, would be arriving at my hotel personally.
I was surprised by the personal touch; rarely does an owner of such stature come directly to a player's hotel. I quickly gathered my things and made my way down to the private lounge.
The room was elegantly appointed yet understated, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city. I settled into a comfortable chair as Mendes prepared some notes. The door opened quietly, and in walked Sheikh Mansour accompanied by Al Mubarak.
Sheikh Mansour was a dignified man in a tailored suit, his presence commanding yet approachable. With a polite nod, he greeted my parents, who had joined me for a brief family moment before I left.
"It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Julio, Mrs. rosa," he said in accented, measured tones. "I have been a fan of your son's since his early days. His passion on the field is truly inspiring."
My parents exchanged glances, their faces lighting up with pride and a touch of humor at the unexpected compliment from a man of such stature. My parents smiled warmly. Mom's eyes glistened with pride, and Dad nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Sheikh Mansour. Your kind words mean a lot to us," my mother replied.
After exchanging pleasantries and a few light jokes, my parents politely excused themselves to go sight seeing. They didn't wish to be involved in the business matters.
After the cordial introductions, Sheikh Mansour turned his attention back to me. "Hello Adriano, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I must say, your performance in the World Cup was nothing short of magical."
I managed a humble smile. "Thank you, Sheikh. It's an honor to meet you as well, and I appreciate your kind words."
Before the conversation could dive into the details of business, Sheikh Mansour reached into his briefcase and pulled out two items wrapped carefully in cloth.
Unfolding them, he revealed a pair of jerseys—one bearing the Málaga crest and the other in the traditional colors of Portugal. "I know this might seem odd," he said with a twinkle in his eye, "but these jerseys represent two things close to my heart: the beautiful game and the spirit of a champion. Would you sign them for me?"
I laughed softly, touched by the gesture. "Of course," I replied, taking a pen from the table. As I signed the jerseys, I asked casually, "How are you doing today, Sheikh?"
His eyes crinkled in a smile. "Very well, now that I've met you, Adriano. I've been a devoted follower ever since that goal against Real Madrid—did you know I haven't missed a single match of yours during the World Cup?"
Al Mubarak, standing slightly to the side, chuckled and added, "I recall a moment during the Argentina match when my boss nearly caused a scene after a controversial call. It's a story we still laugh about in the boardroom."
I nodded respectfully. "I'm grateful that busy men like you take the time to support me. It means more than you know."
As the conversation shifted towards the business at hand, Sheikh Mansour became more serious. "Adriano, let me be clear. Manchester City believes in your potential to lead a new era of football.
We're prepared to build a team around you—a team where you are the absolute core and the driving force. I want you to have the freedom to shape your role, to play the way you know best."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "I'm willing to outbid any offer. If it comes down to it, I'd pay up to €200 million for you if necessary. And this isn't just about money. It's about creating a legacy with Manchester City.
I will even allow you to have a say in the transfer matters. Your ideas, your suggestions on which players to bring in, will be taken seriously by the coach and by me. We're talking about a team that will rival the great clubs of Europe—a team that will not settle for mediocrity. A team that can rule football for years."
Al Mubarak leaned forward with a conspiratorial smile. "In fact, if you were to agree, Sheikh Mansour is prepared to even sell off the existing squad and get a new one if it means you get the stage you deserve. We need you to be the spearhead, the catalyst for change."
At that moment, Mendes rejoined our conversation with a smirk. "Well, that might be a stretch, but it's an honor to be considered by a club that values its star so highly."
He then added, "But I must ask—are you really willing to outbid Real Madrid? I mean, they already offer a pretty generous package. It's not every day you see an offer that could make even Ronaldo sweat over his salary negotiations!"
Sheikh Mansour reached into his pocket and, with an air of nonchalance that belied the seriousness of his intent, produced an empty cheque. "Any number that you feel is suitable for Adriano, please write it down," he said calmly.
I looked at Sheikh Mansour, astonished by his generosity and vision. "That is… a very bold proposition. But I have some concerns. I have a certain style of play—creative, free, fluid. Even if you adjust the strategy, it won't be easy to adapt for others. There might even be some unfavorable results at first.
Plus, aren't you concerned about offering so much influence? It is quite unheard of."
Sheikh Mansour's eyes sparkled with sincerity. "Adriano, I know that you are not driven by money alone. I know that your game is about passion and artistry. Our plan is to build a team around your strengths.
You will be allowed to choose your role, to discuss with the coach and director the best way to integrate your style with the team's strategy. We recently signed Pellegrini from Málaga, and we want to replicate that success.
As for concern, I do not lack money. All I want is success and growth. And I trust your judgment. I know the recommendations you have provided to Malaga and their performance.
Not to mention the new signings this season which I hear was recommended by you as well. I believe you are worth the investment. ."
Mendes, who had been silent for a while, leaned forward and said with a wry smile, "So, if I understand correctly, Sheikh Mansour is ready to spend every penny to get Adriano on board. Manchester City is prepared to outbid Real Madrid and pay him the highest salary in the world if necessary?"
Al Mubarak chuckled heartily. "If you were to ask, I'd say Sheikh Mansour would probably give Adriano an entire oil mine as a signing bonus if he wishes."
Sheikh Mansour laughed along, nodding in agreement. "In fact, I'd offer you two Adriano, if that's what it takes. I want to see you in a Manchester City jersey this season, leading the team to glory. I have invested a lot in this club, but the results haven't been satisfactory.
I want Manchester City to be a top European giant. And If we're to be a global powerhouse, we need a player of your caliber—someone who can be compared to the likes of Messi or Ronaldo, and even surpass them."
Mendes then interjected with a hint of playful cynicism, "So let me get this straight. Sheikh Mansour is willing to pay an astronomical fee and offer the highest salary in the world, provided Adriano join Manchester City.
But between us, isn't Manchester City a bit, shall we say, unpredictable? They have signed some good players before, but sometimes with overpriced deals that didn't pan out."
Al Mubarak smiled solemnly and replied, " That is precisely why we are planning to change our previous approach. Rather than getting multiple players who have no synergy, we want to develop a proper team with a stable core. Adriano is the key to that."
I took a moment to absorb the enormity of the offer and the sincerity behind it. "I must admit," I said slowly, "this is overwhelming. The numbers, the promise of shaping the team—it's all very generous.
But I have questions regarding the current squad. I have some players in mind that I believe could complement my style. Would Manchester City be really willing to purchase all these players? Many of the current squad members aren't contributing as much as they could, in my opinion."
Al Mubarak grinned, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Which players are you thinking of, Adriano? And how much do you think they cost?"
Before I could answer, Sheikh Mansour cut in with finality, "We'll Just buy them all at their release clause price. We want to build a team that supports you perfectly. Our goal is to create a system where you can perform at your best, without compromise."
I couldn't help but smile at the boldness of it all. "If City is willing to loan some of the younger players from Málaga to develop further, maybe I can also talk with Málaga to smooth the negotiations. I'm not too demanding on personal salary as long as I have the freedom to play my way."
They both nodded. "I believe that should be easy to arrange, and it'll be beneficial for both clubs." Al Mubarak remarked after some thought.
I took a deep breath and thought deeply. This is basically the best offer any player could ever expect . Not to mention their sincerety moved me. Although the allure of playing in a giant club like Real Madrid is big, sometimes it's not the right choice. just look at Kaka.
Plus, it would be fun to be the underdogs and shut the world up with performance. It should be challenging and interesting to adapt as well . But let's wait and see how they react to my demands. I trust their words, but actions does speak louder.
I scribbled some names on a piece of paper—a list of players I thought had excellent potential and yet to shine—and then handed it over to Sheikh Mansour. "These are some of the players I believe could elevate the squad. Consider them, please," I said, my tone earnest.
He studied the list, nodded, and replied, "Consider it done. We will move quickly on this. And once they are in Manchester, they'll be waiting for your arrival. We want to see you shine brilliantly and bring Manchester City glory, Adriano."
At this point, Mendes interjected in a more serious tone, "Let's talk specifics Adriano. Manchester City is prepared to outbid any offer, but we need to know if you're comfortable with the financial and contractual terms.
We're talking about a deal that could make you probably the highest-paid player in the world. Are you ready for that level of commitment?"
I smiled, feeling a mix of humility and resolve. "As I said before, I'm not driven solely by money, Mendes. It's about the stage on which I can perform. That said, I do appreciate the incredible financial package being offered. My personal salary isn't my main concern—I care about the freedom to express myself on the pitch."
Sheikh Mansour leaned forward, his voice gentle but determined. "Adriano, there is no pressure here. Take the time you need to consider our offer. Know that if it's money you want, we will spend every penny to secure your talents.
But more importantly, we believe in building a legacy together. Once your parents return and you've had time to celebrate with your loved ones, I hope you'll consider joining us. We want to give you the platform to become a global icon."
I stood up and shook his hand with respect. "Thank you, Sheikh Mansour. I'm truly honored by your generosity and vision. I will discuss this with my family and Mendes further, and I promise to give you an answer soon."
After a few more formal exchanges, Sheikh Mansour and Al Mubarak excused themselves. As they departed with promises of further communication and future meetings in Manchester, I was left alone with my thoughts. Mendes and I lingered for a few moments in the quiet lounge.
Mendes broke the silence with a low whistle. "My throat feels dry just listening to those numbers, Adriano. They really want you, don't they?"
I chuckled and patted him on the back. "I know they do. I'm not looking to make money for its own sake—I prefer achievements over riches. But it does feel surreal, all these offers flying around like confetti."
As they departed, Mendes leaned in, his tone both teasing and relieved. "I must say, this is probably the biggest offer I've ever seen. Even Ronaldo has to negotiate harder for his salary with Real Madrid!"
He paused, glancing at me with a mix of admiration and jest. "I know you can make a lot of money, Adriano, but I also know you prefer achievements over mere cash.
So, are you really planning to go to Manchester City? They've had some success with overpriced signings, but they haven't always been reliable for the long haul. what's it going to be?"
I chuckled and patted Mendes on the back. "I'm still weighing my options. Let the offers come in, and then I'll talk with Málaga to see what their plans are. I also need to see what Real Madrid and n Manchester City have planned for the process.
I plan to wait until I return to Portugal after the celebrations, and then decide before I go on vacation."
Mendes sighed dramatically, half in mock frustration, "I wish you could be as carefree as you are, Adriano. But I need to head to Spain soon to sort out Ronaldo's new contract.
I'll have to haggle with Florentino to increase his offer as he's still planning to spend money on you and James. Football is a tough business, my friend."
We shared a light laugh, the tension easing as the weight of the decision momentarily lifted.
Later that afternoon, as I settled back into my hotel room and grabbed my Nintendo DS to distract myself with a bit of gaming, Mendes analyzing the offers and comparing between them.
My parents returned to the hotel shortly afterward, their voices warm and teasing. My mother ruffled my hair as she watched me play a game of Pokémon, saying, "I believe in your judgment Adri—though sometimes, I wish you were a bit more careful in matters of the heart,"she teased, sending both my father and Mendes into a fit of snorts and laughter.
I groaned playfully at my mother's savage roast, knowing that her humor was as much a part of her love as her gentle concern.
I groaned playfully in response, "Oh, Mom, your sense of humor is as sharp as ever. But seriously, I have a lot to think about. But I'm leaning towards Manchester City."
That evening, as I reviewed the detailed contract proposals and the list of potential player acquisitions I had drafted, I was struck by the sheer scale of the opportunity before me. Just The starting offer was astronomical.
Weekly salary £500,000 Pound before tax
Signing Bonus £20 Million pound
Goal Bonus 10%
Assist bonus 5%
Appearance bonus £50,000 per match
Loyalty bonus 20 million over 4 years.
My first thought after seeing this was, Boy, That's a lot of zeroes! The contract was not only much higher than Real Madrid, also providing more influence and respect.
Every clause, every figure, represented a possible future—a future where I could redefine my game on a global stage. Outside, the media frenzy continued unabated.
Newspapers were already printing bold headlines like "Adriano: The Next highest value Superstar?" and online forums buzzed with debates about which club would secure my signature.
Tweets ranged from, "Manchester City's bold move—can they really build a dynasty around Adriano?" to, "Is this transfer drama just another case of inflated hype, or is Adriano about to revolutionize the game?"
Fans and pundits alike argued, some insisting that my move was driven by a secret deal, or a newfound ambition, while others believed it was purely the result of my creative brilliance.
Scrolling through my account, I saw messages pouring in from fans. One comment read, "Adriano, your talent is undeniable—can't wait to see you lead Manchester City to glory!"
Another speculated, "I think there's more behind your sudden rise. Maybe there's a personal story we don't know? Either way, you're destined for greatness."
The myriad opinions and theories both amused and humbled me, reminding me that my journey was not just about football—it was about inspiring dreams and sparking conversations.
The next day, Mendes and I sat in the quiet of my hotel suite once again. He was updating his notes for the next round of negotiations, and I found myself scribbling down more ideas on a notepad.
Mendes peered over my shoulder and asked with genuine curiosity, "Adriano, what's on your mind? You seem to be making lists again."
I leaned back, contemplating the gravity of the decision. "I want to be sure that wherever I go, I can still express my creativity. My personal salary isn't my main concern—I'm more interested in the opportunity to play the game the way I love."
Mendes replied, "Well, then let's make sure we negotiate that into the contract. You deserve nothing less." His tone was both supportive and pragmatic, and for a moment, I felt like everything was aligning—the support of my family, the expertise of Mendes, and the generous offers from two of the richest clubs in the world.
I then handed him the paper. " There are investment ideas and future projects I plan on doing. I have already been investing in the new crypto currency Bitcoin, and I have about a million dollars worth of it. But I want something more tangible as well.
Let's buy as many stocks possible from Tesla, Apple, Instagram , Netflix and AMD. I want to invest atleast a few million in each as soon as possible. Maybe even Twitter. I will even take loans if needed, I can pay everything back after my new contract."
Then I added, " Once the investments go through, and work out in future, I want to build two separate charities in future, one for Portuguese youth program and a rising star academy , and one for humanitarian efforts all over the world. I want to do something good with my money as well."
Mendes raised an eyebrow, " The charities require quite a bit funding, but we can manage that. As for the companies, I believe loans won't be needed as we will finalize the deal within a month. But That's rather specific Adriano. Did you get some secret inside tips? Spill it, I'll invest my entire life savings."
I laughed and replied, " I just have a good feeling about them. You can also try your luck. And social media will be crucial for public opinion, so why not own shares in them, maybe even buy one in future ? "
Mendes chuckled, " Can't argue about that."
As I finally prepared to retire for the night, I couldn't help but replay the day's events in my mind. From the early morning conversation with my parents , to the high-stakes negotiations with Sheikh Mansour and Al Mubarak, every moment had been a mixture of excitement and introspection.
The contrast between the intimate family moments and the high-pressure boardroom negotiations was stark, yet both were integral parts of who I was becoming.
The media continued to buzz outside my window. I could hear snippets of conversations in the corridors of my hotel, and every time I glanced at my phone, I saw fresh headlines and social media posts about my potential moves .
There were debates about whether Real's overwhelming pressure , or City's reputation for signing overpriced players would ultimately hinder my growth.
Meanwhile, I got a call from Manchester United representatives as well. They were also keen on signing me, and can match the transfer fee and salary of Real Madrid and Manchester City. Barcelona gave up after my refusal, and focused their attention to James Rodriguez.
PSG owner also wanted to meet with me, and I wanted to just maintain politeness by meeting him. I had no plans going to retirement league immediately, but who knows the future after all.
Mourinho also reached out to Mendes, but I was not too keen on playing under Abrahamvic's operations. So I maintained a polite distance and refused by saying I had better offers lined up. He even increased the transfer fee to €110 million euros, but when he heard what Real and City offered, he gave up.
Mendes called me once more from the airport before leaving. "Adriano, I've spoken with a few contacts about your options, and I must say, all the offers are impressive. But you have to consider not only the money but the platform you'll be playing on. City's offer is aggressive—they're willing to spend everything to have you as their centerpiece. Real Madrid, on the other hand, promises stability and legacy. Or if you are interested in Manchester United, they are also a good club with long history. "
I listened intently, my mind racing with possibilities. "I understand, Mendes. It's not an easy decision. City's approach is almost... reckless in its generosity, while Madrid's is more calculated. I need time to think about what kind of challenge I want. Manchester United is probabluy not a good option after Ferguson left."
Mendes replied, "Take all the time you need. But remember, these offers won't last forever. The transfer market is a whirlwind, and once the celebrations are over in Portugal, the real negotiations will begin in earnest."
I thanked him and ended the call. With a sigh, I closed my laptop and leaned back in my chair. I thought about the jerseys that I had signed for Sheikh Mansour. I knew that whichever decision I made, it would define the next stage of my career—and my identity as a player.
So, my best 3 choices are Manchester City, Real Madrid and Manchester United for now. Although I had not much hope for United after Ferguson left. If he was still there, I might have considered it despite the greedy owners.
So basically it's a race between Real Madrid and Manchester City now. It's either England or Spain for my next destination. Whichever it was , it will be the start of a new legacy.
*** $ 1,000 worth of Bitcoin in 2014 is around 400,000 today approximately. So a million dollars will be around 400 million. Not to mention it's just primary investments.
Instagram and Netflix had around 20 billion in total value, Apple around 577 billion, Tesla 23 billion, Twitter around 13 billion.
Each are worth more than 100 billion now. Apple about 3.4 trillion.
I'm not gonna go full wall street over here, so don't bring out calculators to bash me 💀 Let's just say Our boy will break Ronaldo's record of being the first billionaire footballer ***