"What did you say? It's been finalized?"
In the luxury suite of the Hilton Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, Yang Yang received some astonishing news from his agent, Raiola: Barcelona was already extremely close to signing Cristiano Ronaldo.
"Messi agreed?" Though he had been mentally prepared, Yang Yang was still somewhat surprised.
He had not expected Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo to reach an agreement so quickly.
"No one knows exactly what Messi thinks. When he was interviewed by reporters in Argentina, he refused to comment on Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer, but he admitted that the Portuguese joining would greatly enhance Barcelona's strength."
"Besides, quite a few Barcelona stars, including Neymar, Puyol, and Pique, have welcomed Cristiano Ronaldo on various occasions. It looks like Barcelona's internal attitude toward the Portuguese is quite united. Messi can't change the situation; he can only accept it."
As Raiola spoke, Yang Yang casually searched on his iPad for Messi's remarks during the interview. He had said, "I have my own opinion regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer, but I won't reveal any information to the outside world. These matters aren't for me to decide, and I won't express any views on the transfer or the signing."
It was a neutral statement, but it could also be seen as Messi making a concession.
As a Barcelona star, Messi certainly did not want his team to bring in another superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo, diminishing his role and influence within the squad. The Portuguese superstar's arrival would undoubtedly shake Messi's tactical importance on the team, such as his right to take shots.
A year ago, when Barcelona signed Neymar, Messi had welcomed him. Now, he was refusing to express an opinion. That was rather subtle. It proved that Messi was unwilling, but had no choice and could only accept it.
"How does