Leaving the Apennine Peninsula: Heading North to Britain?
Ronaldo was also surprised to hear that Juventus had made an offer for Tang Long.
He hadn't expected Juventus to act so quickly. It was only mid-June, the transfer window hadn't even opened yet, and what's more, Juventus' management hadn't contacted him privately to gauge the client's intentions.
That seems a bit too hasty.
However, Ronaldo thought about it and realized that Juventus's impatience was understandable.
Although Bianconeri achieved a four-peat in Serie A, they lost the Coppa Italia to Inter Milan and fell short in the UEFA Champions League. They watched helplessly as their long-time domestic rivals Inter Milan, won the UEFA Europa League. For a time, Inter Milan was riding high, and even in the Italy media, Inter Milan received far more praise than Juventus.
At this critical juncture, it's understandable that Juventus would set its sights on Tang Long, a key player in Inter Milan's double-title win this season.
Juventus are likely to make a big splash next season.
To quell external threats, it is essential to secure internal stability. Undermining domestic adversaries is the most efficient way to maintain competitiveness.
Moreover, with Pirlo going to play in the Major League Soccer, Juventus urgently needs a strong new talent to fill the midfield void left by Pirlo's departure.
Tang Long has already experienced a year of Serie A and adapted to the pace of Serie A league, which is also one of Tang Long advantages.
On their way to the Ausilio, Ronaldo Ronaldo analyzed the situation in his mind.
Seeing that Ronaldo didn't speak, Ausilio assumed he didn't believe him, so he simply took him to his sports director's office and led him to the computer.
He opened his club's official email account and clicked on Juventus's offer letter.
"Some things are supposed to be confidential, and you can't see them, but what kind of relationship do we have? Would I lie to you? Come on, sit down and take a look for yourself. Isn't this Juventus's offer letter?"
Ausilio pressed Ronaldo down into the swivel chair, placing his hands on Ronaldo's broad shoulders.
[Subject: Transfer inquiry regarding your team's player, Tang]
Dear Inter Milan management,
Juventus Football Club hereby writes to express its interest in the transfer of your player, Tang.
We recognize Tang Long's value and are willing to initiate transfer negotiations based on respect and fairness.
Juventus has pledged to provide him with a platform to showcase his talent and advance his career, and hopes that this transfer will strengthen the friendly cooperation between the two clubs.
Our initial offer is 40 million euros, with a down payment of 20 million euros and the remaining amount to be paid in installments over three years.
Please consider our inquiry and reply as soon as possible for further discussion. We look forward to developing together with your club and creating a brilliant future.
Juventus General Manager: Marotta
Ronaldo read the email calmly, then looked up at Ausilio behind him.
"Only 40 million? Juventus wants Tang? You agree?"
Ausilio reached over Ronaldo's head and onto the mouse on the table, then clicked shutting down the email.
"I agreed, but my boss, Mr. Thohir, doesn't agree. This is just a preliminary offer. For such an important transfer, wouldn't we have to negotiate with them for a month or two? Mr. Thohir said that Tang is a valuable asset to the club and needs to go to a club with a sincere attitude in order to help his career development."
Ronaldo found it amusing. What sincerity? It all comes down to money.
That evening, Ronaldo went to Tang Long's house for dinner and invited Bonazzoli along as well.
It's the off-season now, which is also the busiest time for professional agents.
Ronaldo instructed his two clients, Tang Long and Bonazzoli, to keep their phones on 24 hours a day and not to get drunk, in case they couldn't be reached in an emergency.
"Boss, any new information today?" Bonazzoli asked.
He desperately wants to stay at Inter Milan and hopes to secure a starting position in the team.
"Your contract is 99.9% complete. I've already reached an agreement with Ausilio. Your salary will increase from €500,000 to €1 million on top of the original 5-year contract. If Inter Milan successfully qualifies for the UEFA Champions League next season, you'll also receive a bonus of €200,000."
Upon hearing the number, Bonazzoli jumped up excitedly and shouted!
Base salary plus bonuses, a whopping 1.2 million euros!
It more than doubled!
"Why is it 99.9%? What's the remaining 0.1%?" Bonazzoli asked anxiously.
Ronaldo shrugged. "The remaining 0.1% variable is that Ausilio needs to get your chairman Thohir, to sign and confirm it."
"However, as far as I know, Thohir is very busy. He has been in the United States for the past few months watching his other NBA team, the Philadelphia 76ers. He trusts Ausilio and has entrusted him with all the club matters related to contract renewals and transfers."
Bonazzoli nodded, thinking to himself that the deal seemed secure.
"Is this 1 million euros after tax what I received?" Bonazzoli asked again.
"Nonsense, don't you know? The Italy Football Federation stipulates that clubs pay taxes on player salaries. This 1 million euros is a real sum that will be deposited into your account. As for the 200,000 euro bonus, you'll have to pay taxes on it once you receive it."
Ronaldo frowned and scratched his head.
"How is this tax calculated again? Um... never mind, the commission rate is 7%, you can keep the bonus yourself, just give me 70,000 euros!"
Bonazzoli felt a surge of energy, as if he could already see the €1.2 million balance lying quietly in his account.
"My late father was absolutely right. In Italy, playing football can truly change the fate of an individual and a family. It's really lucrative! No wonder so many people want to become professional players! Haha, I made the right choice!"
Bonazzoli, somewhat deranged and obsessed with money, actually asked Ronaldo again:
Are there any other bonuses?
Ronaldo was taken aback and asked him what other prize money he wanted.
Based on Ronaldo's experience, there is a high probability that he will be able to win the 200,000 prize.
Due to the outstanding performances of Inter Milan and Juventus in European competitions, Serie A will regain four UEFA Champions League spots next season, according to UEFA's latest league rankings.
"For example, the bonus for winning the Serie A top scorer award, and the bonuses for Inter Milan winning the Serie A title and the UEFA Champions League title—all of these need to be listed!" Bonazzoli became more and more excited as he spoke, even standing up.
Tang Long added with a smile, "We should also add the bonus for winning the European Golden Shoe."
Ronaldo feigned sudden realization, "That makes sense. Should I add another clause: the prize money for winning the Ballon d'Or? Otherwise, you'd be at a disadvantage, wouldn't you?"
Bonazzoli then realized that he had been too excited and was thinking a little too far ahead, and his face flushed.
"Don't overthink it, take it one step at a time," Ronaldo patted Bonazzoli on the shoulder. "Aim to become a starter next season. Icardi is leaving, which makes room for you. Whether you can seize the opportunity, kid, depends on your own luck."
He understood why Bonazzoli was so eager for money; his mother needed medical treatment, and a higher salary would provide the young player with a greater sense of security.
"As for you, Tang, please forgive my fait accompli," Ronaldo said with a sly smile. "Juventus sent an inquiry letter, Inter Milan agreed to release you, but I refused."
Before Tang Long could say anything, Bonazzoli exclaimed in surprise.
"Are you crazy? This is Juventus! They pay salaries way more than Inter Milan!"
This season, Juventus' wage expenditure is €124 million, the highest among all Serie A teams.
Pogba's annual salary in Bianconeri is €5.5 million.
In contrast, Inter Milan's highest-paid player this season is Argentina veteran Palacio, who left the team midway through the winter transfer window, earning only 3.2 million euros.
Tang Long's salary is 2 million. If he goes to Juventus, it won't be difficult for him to double that to around 4 million.
"Well done, Mr. Roni. I can't go to Juventus; it's a matter of principle."
"Haha, it's good that you're aware of this. I can't even remember the last time an Inter Milan player transferred directly to Juventus. You're still Inter Milan's core player. If you transfer to Juventus, there will never be a moment of peace. Italy isn't UK. The fanatical Inter Milan fans in the North Stand would probably burn your house down."
Ronaldo continued his analysis:
"If you want to take your career to the next level, you have to play abroad, and you have to be a starter."
"La Liga is meaningless if you can't go to Real Madrid or Barca."
"Ligue 1 is even less interesting; I can't even name all the teams in Ligue 1."
" In the Bundesliga, only Bayern has the financial resources to acquire you, and they also have the ability to compete for the UEFA Champions League, which meets your needs."
"As for the Premier League, there are more options, but it's an extremely competitive league..."
Without hesitation, Tang Long replied, "I want to go to the Premier League!"