Real Madrid Can Afford to Lose-That's What I Said

When the match began, Real Madrid once again started Barahona.

Before the match, Lu Yang had specifically sought out Barahona and carefully discussed how this game would affect him personally.

Lu Yang said, "Real Madrid is considering loaning you out."

Barahona's face darkened. He did not respond; he knew this day would come sooner or later.

A tree dies when transplanted, but a man thrives when he moves. Maybe he would make something of himself elsewhere.

Seeing how Delaray had flourished at San Remo, Barahona even hoped that day would come sooner.

Lu Yang shook his head. "But no team will take a loser!"

Barahona stared at Lu Yang in disbelief, as if asking how he could say that about him.

Lu Yang did not hold back. "That's how people outside see you. I'm just repeating it. But I've asked friends at quite a few top clubs, and they all said they had no interest in you."

"Do you know what's hardest for academy players from big clubs like you when you go elsewhere?"

"It's hostility!"

"Not hostility toward you personally, but toward big clubs. It's a class divide. Ordinary people are naturally resentful of the rich—that's normal. Poor people who don't resent the rich must have been brainwashed."

"So academy players from big clubs like you will only receive special treatment at another team if you arrive with a halo around you. Otherwise, you'll be treated even worse than ordinary players."

"You used to have that halo, but you don't anymore."

Barahona's expression shifted repeatedly. He tried to speak several times, but did not know what to say.

Fortunately, Lu Yang did not need Barahona's opinion. He had come fully prepared. "I may understand you better than you think. I know you've always performed exceptionally well in training matches."