Chapter 151
***
[Official] Son Jinho Joins Manchester United.
[Son Jinho’s joining video sparks praise even abroad.]
[With the news of Son Jinho’s transfer, has Manchester United’s stock skyrocketed?]
[The Red Devils rejoice at Son Jinho’s transfer.]
[Jürgen Klopp gives a thought-provoking interview. “With every meeting, there is a parting, and with parting, there is a reunion someday.”]
[Robert Lewandowski wishes good luck to Son Jinho on his transfer. “Playing alongside Jinho was a fantastic experience. I hope he continues to shine at Manchester United.”]
[Sebastian Kehl says, “Jinho? No worries. He will be loved in Manchester.”]
[Cristiano Ronaldo makes a noteworthy statement. “Jinho’s joining Manchester United is wonderful and exciting.”]
***
After watching the joining video released on Manchester United’s official YouTube channel, I recalled the grueling journey I had to go through to negotiate a contract with Manchester United.
A week ago.
Even after telling Ferguson to respect me, negotiations between our side and Manchester United continued to diverge, and we headed into the 7th round feeling it was our last chance.
“Look at my performance in last season’s Champions League final! I should at least get £300,000!”
We demanded a weekly wage of £300,000. It was already a £100,000 cut from the £400,000 Mino Raiola initially proposed, but it seemed even this amount didn’t sit well with Ferguson.
“Not a chance! If the coach earns less than the players, the players will start to walk all over him!”
Ferguson screamed in absolute opposition, citing team discipline as an issue.
After a lengthy tug-of-war, we finally proposed a weekly wage of £260,000 (about 48 million won), which Rooney received, declaring that we would walk away if it was any lower.
In a serious discussion, Ferguson and Glazer exchanged glances.
“With Rooney getting £260,000, which is more than the manager, just sign already.”
Even Glazer, who practically pays the players’ wages, tried to persuade Ferguson to just seal the deal, but Alex Ferguson did not budge an inch from his stance.
“No matter what happens, it won’t do.”
“Then should we give up on signing Jinho right now?”
Eventually, the exhausted Glazer asked despondently, and Alex Ferguson looked at him as if to say, “What nonsense are you talking about?”
“Simply raise my wage.”
He then looked directly into Joel Glazer’s eyes and proposed a clear solution.
Ferguson’s resolute words asking the owner to make a decision fell silent over the negotiation table, and Mino Raiola realized the tedious negotiation was finally nearing its end and quickly agreed with Ferguson’s assertion.
“Actually… Sir Ferguson is Manchester United, and Manchester United is Sir Ferguson, right? Sir Ferguson is not receiving the proper treatment at Manchester United! In my opinion, he should be getting at least £300,000.”
“What? What are you talking about? A manager has never received £300,000 before!”
Glazer’s surprised expression showed he was caught off guard by the sudden alliance of Ferguson and Mino Raiola.
“Are you saying I’m less valuable than the players?”
“Sir Ferguson, if you need a club to transfer to, I can help you secure a great deal.”
Ferguson and Mino Raiola seized the opportunity to exploit the apparent weakness.
“Alright! £300,000! Is that good enough?!”
The Glazer family, unable to withstand the pressure from Ferguson and Mino Raiola, ultimately wrapped up negotiations by raising Ferguson’s salary.
After a heated argument simmered down, Ferguson and Mino Raiola shook hands with bright smiles, having both gained a common benefit.
‘…Why do these two villains seem to be robbing the innocent owner?’
Anyway, the day after the personal agreement was finalized.
At the request of Ed Woodward, who was handling matters with full authority over marketing and public relations, I headed to Old Trafford to film the joining ceremony video.
“Get that cancerous Glazer out of Manchester United!!”
“Glazers OUT!!!”
This was why angry Manchester United fans took action, as the personal negotiations had stalled and no transfer news had surfaced.
In fact, I had been worried before meeting Ed Woodward.
I was concerned that Ed Woodward, having been ousted by Ferguson, would still covet the managerial position.
“It was a truly terrible negotiation. Hah, I’m still dreaming of shoes flying at me.”
“Well… it’s fortunate I didn’t throw my chair.”
Fortunately, Ed Woodward, who witnessed the suffocating personal negotiations between Mino Raiola and Ferguson, seemed to have lost any longing for the position of president.
“We’ll start filming!”
With the help of experts, the sequence was organized in no time, and I began filming while wearing a jersey with the number 7 engraved on it.
During the filming, I made several mistakes, but maybe my continuous piano practice helped more than I expected, and I successfully wrapped up the joining video satisfactorily.
Ah… And the reason I got to wear the number 7 was due to various interests aligning.
It was a request from the club (Ed Woodward) considering marketing, combined with the persuasion from Gyeouri and Ferguson. Most importantly, since Jisong-hyung had not retired yet, I figured I was not taking his number.
‘By the way, I wonder if people know this took 6 weeks for the personal negotiations.’
It nearly took longer than France’s surrender during World War II.
***
The evening that the Manchester United joining video was released.
“Jinho, over here!”
“Jisong-hyung!”
“Congratulations on winning the Champions League.”
“Ah, thank you.”
I shared dinner with Jisong-hyung, conversing a lot. The main topics were football and life in Manchester.
“Have you found a place to live?”
“Yeah, I have.”
“Are you living together with your girlfriend?”
“No, I’m living with my father-in-law and mother-in-law too.”
“Isn’t it uncomfortable living with your in-laws?”
“Maybe because they’ve been supportive since I was young, it’s not uncomfortable at all. They feel like my own mom and dad.”
“They sound like nice people.”
“I’m grateful for them.”
While chatting, Jisong-hyung brought up his retirement with some difficulty.
“Oh, right. Jinho, I think I’ll retire after this season.”
“Really?”
“Well… you’re not as surprised as I thought.”
“What… Hyung, you know well that your condition isn’t great.”
I continued speaking.
“So, when are you going to announce it?”
“I’ve already told the manager and the club; an article will probably come out soon.”
I nodded and spoke sincerely.
“You’ve worked hard all this time, Hyung.”
Jisong-hyung, who looked troubled as he started to speak, broke into a small smile after hearing my words.
Well, I could easily understand it. I too felt complex emotions when I retired in my previous life.
Having lived my whole life as a football player, I could imagine the many concerns before making the decision to retire.
“Sigh… You’re still active, so don’t drink. You have to take care of your body.”
“I’ll just drink with you.”
Having declared his retirement, Jisong-hyung raised his glass that day to soothe his bittersweet feelings.
***
[Son Jinho’s First Interview After Joining Man Utd]
Q. Your piano skills are quite impressive?
Son Jinho: I’ve been steadily learning for the joining ceremony video.
Q. Do you have any goals at Manchester United?
Son Jinho: Goals? Of course, it’s to win the Champions League.
…
Q: Any last words?
Son Jinho: …Gyeouri, I love you?
[Manchester United heads off on a Southeast Asia tour.]
[Why did Son Jinho miss the preseason schedule?]
[Thai football fans express disappointment as Son Jinho misses preseason.]
[Manchester United states, “Jinho didn’t join due to not being in good shape.”]
[Son Jinho apologizes to Thai fans on social media.]
***
Although Manchester United’s Southeast Asia tour began, I stayed in Manchester to rest.
Perhaps it was due to the exhaustion from last season’s Champions League final and cup final, I felt the need for some time off.
Gyeouri played a huge role in persuading Ferguson. Gyeouri dashed over to Mrs. Kathy next door, charming her with her cute antics.
As a result, I successfully secured time off.
“Why don’t you stay home and help organize things instead of following along?”
“…”
I had to suppress a laugh as I watched Ferguson flounder in the overwhelming presence of Mrs. Kathy.
Anyway, during the time I was at home taking care of Haeun and adjusting to Manchester, the football world was bustling.
[“Failed to adapt to EPL?” Kagawa Shinji may return to Dortmund….]
[Son Heung-min, is a contract with Dortmund on the table? Dortmund fans express joy over Son Heung-min’s transfer rumors. “SON leaves, SON arrives?!”]
[Pep Guardiola takes the helm at Manchester City.]
[Mourinho returns to Chelsea: “I’m happy now.”]
[Real Madrid appoint Ancelotti as manager.]
[La Liga’s assist king, Mesut Özil, transfers to Arsenal!]
[Kaká returns to his old club AC Milan.]
[Real Madrid and Manchester United approach Gareth Bale.]
[Manchester United has a lackluster performance against the Thai All-Star team.]
[Bayern Munich re-signs Jupp Heynckes.]
[“Champions League runner-up.” Bayern Munich makes a furious signing? Approached Robert Lewandowski.]
[Dortmund states Lewandowski is not for sale.]
[Manchester United quiet after signing Son Jinho.]
[Marketing head Ed Woodward states, “Manchester United is on the verge of signing a big name.”]
In between the official announcements, countless rumors circulated. Among them, some were simply nonsensical.
[Wayne Rooney shows unhappiness. “I want to transfer.”]
[Alex Ferguson remains tight-lipped about Wayne Rooney’s transfer request.]
[Manchester United offers a Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney+@ trade to Real Madrid?]
No, what kind of rumor is this again?
Aren’t the reporters out of things to write about these days?
