“Champions League Final Approaching, Real Madrid Bids €100 Million for Gao Nuo”
“According to insiders, Gao Nuo has been in contact with Real Madrid, and the new contract's annual salary will be double his Manchester United earnings.”
“Sources claim Gao Nuo will leave this summer due to turmoil in the Manchester United locker room.”
“Inter Milan: If €100 million can secure Gao Nuo, the team will spare no effort to contact Manchester United.”
“Bayern Munich: We have never considered Gao Nuo; the team has better striker options.”
“Barcelona: Real Madrid’s interest is well-known; we hope Gao Nuo is not affected by the rumors.”
“Zidane: I haven’t heard any rumors about Gao Nuo and Real Madrid; I hope it’s not true.”
“Guardiola: I don’t believe Gao Nuo will make a decision before the Champions League Final; winning the championship is what he should be focused on.”
Gao Nuo looked at the various headlines, with no intention of clicking on any of them.
His current focus was entirely on preparing for the Champions League Final.
However, he had to admit that Real Madrid’s three-year pursuit had deeply moved Gao Nuo.
After breakfast, Gao Nuo headed to the club for training.
In the locker room, everyone was changing into their gear.
Casemiro sat next to Gao Nuo, and the two chatted while organizing their shoes and socks.
“Kid, though it’s a bit presumptuous, I’m genuinely curious: has Real Madrid made you an offer?”
“Yes, that’s true, but I haven’t considered it yet.”
“Of course, what could be more important than the Champions League Final right now?”
“Exactly, but is this considered a tactic?”
“Haha, kid, if it can affect you, then of course it’s a tactic.”
“It hasn’t, though; I know most of it isn’t true.”
“So, don’t overthink it. Even if you really want to join Real Madrid, you have to prove yourself first. The fans in Madrid can be very demanding.”
“I know. Let’s go, time for training.”
Erik ten Hag looked at the players on the training ground, feeling a bit uneasy.
“The forward line is in good form, especially Gao Nuo. It seems this kid hasn’t been affected, which is good news.”
“The midfield is fine; with a healthy trio and enough depth on the bench.”
“It’s the defense. How should I choose?”
“Damn Arnold, always using the owner’s name to meddle with my transfer decisions.”
“It seems I can only find a solution tactically. I’ll call them for a meeting after training.”
It seems that no matter where, holding meetings is a favorite pastime for leaders.
There were three days left until the final.
Team matters were not for Gao Nuo to worry about; he only needed to seize the time and make good use of the system's simulation function.
He committed the opponent's characteristics and potential tactics to memory.
No one could resist the allure of the Big-Eared Cup.
Simulating matches and coaches again, Gao Nuo became busy, ignoring all distractions.
With the summer transfer window about to open, the media, already focused on various transfer rumors, naturally wouldn't let go of Gao Nuo's popularity.
Two days before the final, Cristiano Ronaldo, a double legend for Real Madrid and Manchester United, who had just announced his retirement, gave an interview.
Reporter: “Can you talk about your thoughts on the rumors between Gao Nuo and Real Madrid?”
Cristiano Ronaldo: “I don’t think these are rumors. I know Real Madrid, and it’s rare to see them pursue the same player for three consecutive years.”
“However, I don’t want to discuss transfers at this time. Every professional player should not be influenced by public opinion.”
“If you ask me this question again after the Champions League Final, I will be happy to share my thoughts.”
Reporter: “Okay. We know that Gao Nuo trained alongside you. Please share your thoughts on him.”
Cristiano Ronaldo: “To be honest, I’m very impressed with Gao Nuo.”
“In the summer of 2022, when I had just returned to the team, a tall Asian-faced man asked me for an autograph. I didn’t know him, even though he was wearing Manchester United’s No. 77 jersey.”
“At the time, I thought he was an Asian basketball player or a celebrity, a Manchester United fan. Only after signing and taking a photo did I realize he was the new Chinese player signed that summer.”
“We trained together for three months. From the first day, whenever I arrived at the training ground, Gao Nuo would always follow closely. In the evenings, he would do extra training on his own, including in the gym, always training not far from me.”
“I know he was learning from me, perhaps technique, perhaps attitude, or perhaps my mindset.”
“Just like when I first joined Manchester United, we actively absorbed knowledge from the team’s veterans.”
“We didn’t talk much, haha. You know, he was just a kid back then, maybe I intimidated him.”
“I’m also not someone who likes to give advice to others, but I know that we were there every day, training together, doing what we loved. It’s these details that left a deep impression on me.”
“I believe Gao Nuo will have a very long professional career. He might be the most successful Chinese player, but I never expected him to become so outstanding in just three years.”
Reporter: “Which team do you favor in the upcoming Champions League Final?”
Cristiano Ronaldo: “Hahaha, that’s a great question. From the squad perspective, Real Madrid is more mature and stable, but Manchester United isn’t without a chance. Gao Nuo performed brilliantly in the matches against Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, and I have high expectations for him.”
Perhaps out of genuine admiration for Gao Nuo, or perhaps for the years of support from Chinese fans.
In any case, after Cristiano Ronaldo's interview was released, Gao Nuo's popularity soared.
More people were asked about the rumors between Gao Nuo and Real Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti: “My liking for Gao Nuo is not new; I’ve been pursuing him for three years.”
Bruno Fernandes: “I haven’t discussed this with Gao Nuo; our entire focus is on the Champions League Final right now.”
Neymar: “It’s a pity I can’t be with my teammates, but I have no comment on Gao Nuo’s transfer rumors.”
Li Qiang: “As Gao Nuo’s agent, I ask everyone to temporarily shift their focus back to the pitch. After the Champions League Final, everything will be revealed.”