ALL NOVEL
Chapter 755: Official Debut
After everything was settled, Real Madrid and Manchester City did not continue to hide. At the same time, they announced on their official websites and official social media platforms a shocking and complex transaction involving multiple players in the football world.
Firstly, Wang Feng joined Manchester City, signing a three-year contract. Secondly, Cristiano Ronaldo was sent to Real Madrid, with Manchester City paying an additional ��60 million.
In addition to this, the Sky Blues also packaged U18 academy stars Jadon Sancho, Claudio Gomes, and Tosin Adarabioyo to Bernab��u.
In exchange for this, they received nearly �70 million. The value of this transaction involving a 33-year-old veteran is evident.
However, soon questions arose. Wasn't the Chinese superstar already a free agent after his contract expired? Why did Manchester City need to pay so much?
It turns out both teams completed contract renewals before the trade. Wang Feng's contract continued with the Sky Blues, while Cristiano Ronaldo's contract was handed over to Real Madrid.
In order to leave something for his former club, the Chinese superstar turned down a �450 million, three-year contract offer from PSG and instead signed a ��1.2 million per week contract with Manchester City.
Calculating this, his annual salary is about ��57 million, equivalent to around �68 million, making a total of �204 million over three years, which is half of what he could have earned.
Although this salary increase is only a slight improvement over his previous deal, it still tops the Premier League and is more than four times that of the second-ranked De Gea, showing the godly treatment Manchester City offers.
In terms of making money, Wang Feng no longer relies solely on team salaries. Whether it's commercial endorsements or his own investment group, he earns much more outside of football.
Moving to the Premier League allows him to maintain competitiveness, receive sufficient respect, and also leave resources for Real Madrid, a win-win-win situation.
For this transaction, the majority of Manchester City fans were ecstatic. They now have Wang, the best player on the planet!
What? He's already past his prime? Just look at his performance in the Champions League final, who dares to say such words?
Manchester City needs Wang Feng to rescue them. Only he has the potential to lead the team to win the crucial Champions League trophy!
As for Cristiano Ronaldo, a minority felt somewhat regretful for not witnessing him team up with the Chinese superstar, but almost no fans questioned the club's operation of exchanging youth for experience.
Three years have proven that the Portuguese star is not the ultimate answer for the team, and he has not had many die-hard fans in Manchester for quite some time.
This greatly angered Cristiano, as he made this decision himself and actively pushed for the transfer, but he hoped to see discontent and retention from the fans, not the current joy, with all eyes focused on Wang Feng.
"I advised you, Ronnie," his agent Mendes said helplessly. "Joining Manchester City and then forcefully joining the Galactic Warriors now are very reckless actions."
"Real Madrid has reached an unprecedented peak. If you don't adapt well there again, you'll definitely face criticism, especially if Wang Feng performs well at Manchester City, the situation will be even worse."
"But I have no better options now. The Galactic Warriors are my only chance at this moment. Of course, I'll also do my best in this year's European Championship."
Under the scrutiny of numerous media and fans, Wang Feng completed his debut ceremony at the Etihad Stadium. When he walked out of the player tunnel wearing the light blue No. 30 jersey, it instantly drew cheers from the crowd.
"Wang! Wang! Wang!" Over fifty-five thousand people shouted the same name in unison. Although not as grand as the Bernab��u, the passion of the fans was as fiery as flames.
As most of Manchester City's key players were participating in the European Championship and Copa America, they couldn't be present at the scene.
However, on social media, all players including Aguero, Sterling, Yaya Toure, and David Silva quickly sent welcoming messages to the Chinese superstar.
Mansour and the club's top management gave face to Wang Feng, all appearing on the center of the pitch and shaking hands and hugging the Chinese superstar one by one.
Facing the extremely enthusiastic fans, Wang Feng first bowed deeply to all four sides of the stands, winning applause and cheers from them before speaking.
"Thank you very much for coming here to witness my joining of Manchester City. Your support means a lot to me."
"Manchester City is a club with a long history. We have had both glory and splendor, as well as lows and struggles, but I believe now is the best time for us to rise!"
"Some people wonder why I came here, even think it's for the high salary. But standing here on this pitch, I declare to the world in the name of football, I came for championships. As long as I am playing, I will never stop pursuing victory!"
"Let's turn the sky of Manchester blue!"
With that, Wang Feng tossed the microphone aside and ran towards the stands, waving to the fans.
Everyone was inspired by his frankness and determination. "Wang Feng understands the team, Wang Feng understands us!" The atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium soared to a new level.
Watching the seemingly crazy audience, Manchester City's general manager Begiristain couldn't help but sigh, "Amazing! Wang Feng managed to win over all the fans with just three sentences."
"Affirmation of history, pursuit of goals, and a highly tensioned slogan. No wonder Florentino called him a perfect player, he's flawless in every aspect."
Mansour nodded, then added, "He does make us worry-free, but don't forget, the reason Wang Feng dares to say this is not just his words, but the countless achievements and honors behind him."
"The fans are willing to believe in him, that's why the effect is so good."
Begiristain agreed deeply, "But I'm still a little worried. After all, Wang Feng is already 33 years old. People say his peak period seems endless, but there's certainly a decline."
"I think Wang Feng should be the most aware of his physical condition. Otherwise, he wouldn't choose to leave Real Madrid. I wonder if he can still give his all in the next three years."
"So we need to move fast and be resolute in our signings. I will allocate ��400 million for the transfer market this year. If it's not enough, we'll continue to add. We must build a perfect lineup around Wang Feng and launch an assault on the Champions League as soon as possible!"
The general manager of Manchester City was amazed but also felt immense pressure. Having too little money to spend is troublesome, but having too much is also troublesome. Involving in transfer spending is like an art, with every aspect needing careful consideration; otherwise, it will only become a fool's errand, wasting money.
At this point, Mansour suddenly remembered something and asked, "Is the head coach issue settled? Is Guardiola willing to come?"
"He was a bit hesitant at first, but he immediately changed his attitude upon hearing the news of Wang Feng's imminent arrival, saying he was willing to take over the team."
"Well, that's good. It's just that his tactical system has always been different from that of Wang Feng. We need Guardiola to start working as soon as possible."
"I understand. I'll keep an eye on this."
The club's top management was discussing the matters of the new season, while Wang Feng had already completed his debut and appeared at the prepared press conference.
Numerous media outlets eagerly asked their questions, mostly about the reasons for choosing Manchester City and their views on the transfer, and so on.
The Chinese superstar answered each question decently, showing full respect to both his old and new clubs.
When asked about the outlook for the new season, he confidently said, "Since Genk 16 years ago, I have never ended a season empty-handed. Joining Manchester City will be no exception."