When playing football, you should call it GOAT.

Chapter 161 The Champions League is the football bible of this era.

Le Gavroche restaurant, May 6.

After everyone finished lunch, just as the waiter cleared away the plates, Makelele suddenly put down his napkin and leaned forward slightly.

"Roy."

He lowered his voice, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. "Abramovich specifically asked me yesterday, 'If we sign Roy, what weekly wage do you think would be appropriate?'"

Roy was picking up his water glass when he heard this and raised an eyebrow.

Makelele looked him straight in the eye and said, slowly and deliberately, "I told him, 'It's worth whatever you give me.'"

The private room suddenly fell silent.

Desailly and Gallas both stopped what they were doing, their eyes darting back and forth between the two men.

"And we can win championships together. Lots and lots of championships."

Roy suddenly chuckled, breaking the brief silence.

He leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, his eyes filled with the cunning and confidence typical of young people.

“Claude,” he shook his head, “you can’t force me to make a statement at this time. I still need to win my first Champions League trophy.”

Just as Makelele was about to speak, Roy had already raised his glass, the ice cubes inside clinking.

"You know, this is important."

Gallas couldn't help but interject: "But next season."

"We'll talk about next season's things after I bring the Champions League trophy back to Monaco."

He stood up, grabbed his coat from the back of the chair, and said, "Now, I need to go back and figure out how to deal with Porto."

Desailly suddenly burst into laughter and patted Makelele on the shoulder: "It seems our lobbying efforts will have to wait a while longer."

Desailly had originally decided to terminate his contract and leave the team in July 2004.

At 36, under pressure from both age and public opinion, he was preparing to end his illustrious career. But when he saw Roy's talent and potential, the veteran's fighting spirit was rekindled.

He realized that if he could play alongside Roy, he might be able to win the coveted Champions League trophy for Chelsea. This thought made him reconsider his decision to retire, and he was even willing to play for another season.

He turned to Roy, "At least promise me you'll be the first to answer our call after the final?"

“If you come to Chelsea, I’m willing to play for another year. Let’s win the Champions League together.”

"Marcel, you've won the Champions League with both Marseille and Milan, isn't that enough?"

"Chelsea is different for me."

Roy buttoned up his suit jacket and winked. "That depends on whether you can beat Sir Ferguson to it."

Although Roy was joking, he was actually weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

Ferguson's offer was indeed tempting: the legendary number 7 jersey, and an attacking line with Ronaldinho and Van Nistelrooy—these were all tangible competitive advantages.

More practically, Manchester United's global influence can maximize its commercial value in the short term, with sponsorship contracts and exposure increasing exponentially.

In contrast, while Chelsea is financially strong, as a rising star in the Premier League, it not only faces controversial refereeing decisions on the pitch, but also needs to rebuild its image from scratch in terms of commercial development.

While Abramovich's rubles can certainly command exorbitant salaries, the Old Trafford stage is clearly more mature for someone aspiring to become a true global icon.

Roy gently stroked his wine glass, understanding that this choice was not only about football, but also about his career planning for the next ten years.

As for Real Madrid?

As you know, as an outstanding player nurtured by the Castilla youth academy, Madrid will always be the starting point of his football career.

In his heart, the Bernabéu always holds an irreplaceable place.

He is willing to give Real Madrid all the support they need, except for the opportunity to join them.
The Times Sports
Monaco's rising star Roy dined with Chelsea players, reigniting transfer rumors.

Monaco's prodigy striker, Roy, who just eliminated Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final, was spotted having lunch at the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Gavroche in London this afternoon with Chelsea players Makelele, Desailly, and Gallas. The 19-year-old Champions League top scorer has already attracted the attention of giants like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus this season, and Chelsea's contact is clearly aimed at gaining an early advantage.

According to sources, while Juventus' negotiations have stalled due to wage structure issues, both Manchester United and Real Madrid have submitted formal offers. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is prepared to break club records in the transfer market, planning to submit an offer exceeding £2720 million (€4000 million) to Monaco within 48 hours of the Champions League final. It's worth noting that French internationals like Claude Makelele have close personal relationships with Reus, and this meeting may have involved lobbying.

Monaco's sporting director confirmed: "We respect Roy's right to leave as long as his release clause is triggered." It is understood that the player will make a final decision within 48 hours of the Champions League final, and the outcome of this battle could very well reshape the summer transfer market.

This newspaper's analysis suggests that while Chelsea has a financial advantage, Manchester United's global influence and Real Madrid's prestigious heritage are equally competitive.

Roy's final choice will become the latest case study to test the relative importance of competitive and commercial factors in the modern football transfer market.

Daily Mail Football Column

Roy meets secretly with three Chelsea players; is Abramovich's big spending spree securing future core players?

According to insiders, Abramovich sees 19-year-old Roy as the ultimate solution to Chelsea's "lack of a core player." Despite bringing in several star players this summer, the management admits: "The team lacks a true tactical pivot. Ranieri was forced to use expensive signings like Veron, but has consistently failed to establish a core structure." Roy's top-class performance in the Champions League this season, especially his explosive ball-handling ability, perfectly fits the Blues' needs.

Unlike their past practice of blindly piling up star players, Chelsea plans to make a record offer for Roy, promising him absolute centrality – including tactical freedom, a key tactical position, and dressing room influence. Sources indicate that members of the French contingent, including Makelele, made it clear during the meeting: "You will be the core of our rebuild."

The source added, "Abramovich has realized that the weakening of the head coach's power in the past (such as during Ranieri's era) led to a loss of control in the dressing room. If Roy is signed, the new coach will have full authority to build the team around him."

This move is also seen as a correction of the "tinker's dilemma" of the Ranieri era.

Note: While Monaco's €4000 million release clause is easily triggered, Chelsea intends to deter competitors like Manchester United and Real Madrid with a higher offer (signing fee) at other levels, while simultaneously demonstrating their commitment to the player's core position. Stamford Bridge internally defines this transfer as a strategic move to "lay the foundation for the next decade."

Exclusive scoop from The Sun

Champions League Golden Boy Rendezvous with French Beauty! Roy and His Actress Girlfriend Party Until the Early Hours at a Hotel

Monaco's young star Roy just thrashed Arsenal at Highbury Stadium, and now he's staging an "extra time" match at London's most luxurious Claridge's Hotel!
Our paparazzi spent the night staking out the location and finally captured images of the 19-year-old prodigy striker and 26-year-old French actress Letizia leaving intimately in the early morning.

An insider revealed: "Roy currently prefers mature and elegant French beauties. Leticia is 6 years older than him, which is the age when she knows best how to 'develop young players'."

This Paris Rose, who just turned 26, has starred in art films such as "The Dream of the Goddess" and is known for her languid and sexy screen image.

The room service bill shows that the total consumption for two people from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. was:
Two bottles of Dom Pérignon champagne, 1200 (600/bottle)
A dozen Irish rock oysters cost 180 (the waiter confirmed that "double lemons were requested").
A single bed sheet changing service costs 150 (including a 50 tip).

Just as this May-December romance was in full swing, British adult film star Katie Price, who is the same age as Letizia, released her new autobiography, "Becoming Jordan," and boldly commented on Monaco's rising star Roy in the latest television program: "His arrogant yet elegant demeanor on the field is like a well-groomed beast—this kind of man is most attractive in bed, absolutely the perfect bed partner. Think about it, a beast who knows how to pop champagne. French men know how to pair champagne with silk sheets, which is ten times better than that of a British hothead."

This Page 3 girl, known for her 32F bust, detailed her private relationships with football stars like Beckham and Lampard in her autobiography, "Becoming Jordan." Now, she has openly listed Roy as the number one item on her "wish list." An insider revealed, "She even tried to send Roy a signed copy of her autobiography, with the title page saying, 'Chapter 18 is available for you.'"

After adult film star Jordan (Katie Price) publicly expressed her interest in Monaco's rising star Roy, the 19-year-old prodigy gave a hilarious response.

When asked for his opinion on Jordan's autobiography, Roy looked confused: "Jordan? You mean the legendary Chicago Bulls star? He's released a new autobiography?"

The assistant whispered that it was a British Page 3 girl.

Roy suddenly realized: "Ah! It wasn't Michael Jordan!"

He then politely added, "I wish her new book great success."

Not to be outdone, Jordan told this newspaper, "The little boy has never tasted a real English breakfast!"

This implies that Roy is too young to understand her charm.

The Guardian's Transfer Watch

"Ruble tanks roll into Serie A! Chelsea lock in two key reinforcements"

Arsenal vice-chairman Deane once mocked Chelsea's transfer strategy as "driving a tank into someone else's garden and firing silver bullets," and now that ruble tank has rumbled onto the Italian peninsula. According to exclusive news from this newspaper, Chelsea are simultaneously pursuing two major signings – Roma defender Samuel and Juventus striker Trezeguet.

They have offered £1500 million to Roma to buy Samuel (Roma countered with £1700 million).

The 26-year-old Argentine currently earns only £100 million a year at Roma, while Chelsea has offered him £270 million a year.

The agent revealed, "This offer is hard to refuse, especially considering Rome's debt problems."

A £1500 million offer has been made for Trezeguet, possibly with Mutu as a bargaining chip.

This "poor man's version of Henry" is considered an important member of the French team and will assist Monaco's superstar Roy in the future.

An insider said, "He's like Desailly back in the day, here specifically to help the young core players establish themselves."

Dressing Room Power Structure: With Desailly's impending retirement, Chelsea's French contingent urgently needs a new leader. Trezeguet's arrival would form a new triangle with Makelele and Gallas, paving the way for Roy's potential arrival. Meanwhile, Samuel's arrival would give the Argentine contingent (Veron and Crespo) more influence in the dressing room.

Exclusive scoop from The Mirror

Nike in Urgent Action! Champions League Prodigy Roy Meets Secretly with Brand Executives in London

Monaco striker Jorge Roy, who just scored 16 goals in the Champions League, was spotted today meeting with Nike executives at the Nobu restaurant in London's Mayfair district. Sources indicate that the sports giant is rapidly pushing for a formal contract to secure the 19-year-old prodigy.

Nike's move has been interpreted as a "Manchester United assist" – as the Red Devils' main sponsor, they hope Roy will join Old Trafford. Internal documents show: "If we can facilitate his transfer to Manchester United, his endorsement fee can be increased by another 20%." Manchester United is currently prepared to activate his €4000 million release clause, but they have been unable to reach an agreement on the percentage of his image rights.

BBC Sport News
Chelsea locks in Deschamps as new manager; Roy's transfer impacts the fates of mentor and protégé.

Chelsea's managerial search has recently come to light, with French manager Didier Deschamps emerging as their top target at Stamford Bridge, while Jose Mourinho is considered as a backup option. This decision is closely linked to transfer rumors surrounding Monaco's rising star, Reus Roy – if the Blues successfully sign the Champions League sensation, the likelihood of Deschamps joining them will significantly increase. Juventus are also keenly interested, hoping Deschamps will replace Marcello Lippi, who is about to take over as manager of the Italian national team.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed:

"It's like playing chess. Chelsea made two moves at the same time: they contacted Deschamps' team and also lobbied Roy through French players (such as Makelele). But Juventus had the 'emotional card' – Deschamps had won the Champions League here as captain."

Transfer experts analyze: If Deschamps chooses Juventus, Chelsea may activate Plans B and C:

1. Make a strong push to poach Roy and sign Mourinho.

2. Turn their attention to Ajax manager Koeman.

Inside the VIP boxes at Wembley Stadium, floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the empty stadium bathed in the setting sun.

Roy sat on the dark blue sofa, his fingers tracing the armrest.

The red lights on the BBC and Sky Sports cameras came on, and presenter Gary Lineker cleared his throat.

Lineker: "One last question, as a young player making your first appearance in the Champions League final, what do you think the Champions League means to a professional player?"

Roy straightened his suit collar, his expression serious:

"For professional players, the Champions League is the ultimate test in the world of football. Here, 90 minutes of play can test all your efforts over the past ten years. Every touch of the ball answers one question: Do you deserve to be on this stage?"

"What makes this tournament so special is that it encapsulates the best football philosophy, the most intense competition, and the purest passion in every match. When you hear the Champions League theme song, it feels like standing at the base camp of Mount Everest—you know that the most rigorous challenge is about to begin, but it is precisely this challenge that makes the tournament so sacred."

"For me, reaching the final means having the opportunity to prove myself to the world. This is not an ordinary match; it is a moment to leave a mark on football history. On the Champions League stage, a goal can change the fate of a team, and a save can define a player's career. This sense of weight is unmatched by any other competition."

"But the more important significance of the Champions League lies in the fact that it teaches us what true professionalism is. Look at those great opponents—they may come from completely different football cultures and speak different languages, but on this pitch, we all communicate in the same football language. This cross-border competitive spirit is the most valuable asset of the Champions League."

“Standing in front of the final now, I feel not only pressure, but also a great honor. To have the opportunity to compete against the best in Europe at this age is something many players dream of. So on May 26th, I will go out there with all my respect for this competition, because the Champions League final is not just about winning a trophy. To be precise: the Champions League is the football bible of this era, and each of us is writing our own chapter.”

Under the lights of the Wembley box, Roy let out a soft breath after saying those words.

Gary Lineker leaned back on the sofa, a signature gentle smile on his face.

“So,” Gary leaned forward slightly, tapping his notebook lightly with his finger, “one last question: who will win the final?”

Roy first lowered his head and smiled, then raised his eyes to look directly at the camera; his eyes, which always carried a smile, were unusually bright at that moment.

“Gary,” he said softly, but enunciated each word clearly, “you know. Ever since I was six and playing football in the streets, every time someone asked me this question, the answer has never changed.”

He paused for a moment, then gave a smile that was somewhere between youthful spirit and mature confidence.

"I will win. That has always been my answer."

2004 5 Month 9 Day.

In the 35th round of Ligue 1, Monaco will host Marseille.

The Stade Louis II was packed with Monaco fans wearing red and white jerseys.

Before the match even started, a unified chant rang out from the stands: "We want to go to the Champions League final!"

The cheers rose higher and higher, echoing in every corner of the stadium.

Although Roy did not play in this match, the cameras on the sidelines still frequently panned to the Monaco key player on the bench.

Both sides battled fiercely throughout the match, but neither managed to score.

The fans in the stands kept an eye on the game while occasionally turning their heads to look for Roy.

Whenever the game was paused, the broadcast camera would immediately cut to a close-up of Roy intently observing the game.

In the 78th minute, Adebayor received a long pass from his teammate and calmly slotted the ball into the net from the edge of the penalty area, the ball rolling just inside the post.

The moment the goal was scored, the cheers from the entire stadium were mixed with shouts of "We need Roy!"

After the match, despite Adebayor being the hero of the game, most of the microphones in the media interview area were still pointed at Roy, who was watching from the sidelines.

Although the young star was absent from the game, he was still the most watched player on the field.

The Porto Antas Stadium erupted in cheers.

After the final whistle blew in Porto's 3-1 victory over Fertitta, the players painted the Champions League trophy pattern on their faces with blue paint.

Mourinho stood on the sidelines with his hands in his pockets, his black trench coat fluttering in the evening breeze, his eyes radiating undeniable confidence.

The stands echoed with shouts of "Mourinho! Mourinho!"

The young coach nodded slightly, but his gaze went beyond the jubilant players and into the distance.

His mind flashed through Deschamps' Monaco team—Giuly's breakthroughs, Morientes' headers, Rothen's crosses, and that name that he cared about most: Roy.

The young, talented striker will be the most dangerous opponent in the Champions League final.

Mourinho tightened the collar of his trench coat, every word of that conversation vividly replaying in his mind.

The way Roy answered him with the arrogance typical of young people, and the confident gleam in his eyes, remained fresh in his memory.

"I look forward to seeing your performance, young man. Hopefully, your footwork will match your confidence."

"I look forward to learning from your tactical wisdom, Coach."

"Just as great tactics need championships to prove themselves."

"A toast to possible future encounters."

"Respect to the encounters, and also to those records that were destined to be broken."

In the May evening breeze, he had already begun to plan how to deal with the "Invincible Army" from Monaco.

On May 10, Estoril, Portugal, was ablaze with stars as the Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony was held as scheduled.

When Schumacher and Sørenstam each lifted the Athlete of the Year trophy.

Roy, along with his manager Claire, the newly joined legal partner, and assistant Heathlen, dined at a quiet restaurant in Monaco.

Claire cut her steak and looked up to ask, "Why not go to the Laureus Awards? Deschamps has been rotating his key players lately, you have plenty of time to participate."

Roy took a sip of mineral water: "I'm worried that if I walk too many red carpets and then lose the game, the media will have plenty of ready-made dirt on me."

He paused, his joking tone fading. "Seriously, I just want to keep things calm. Now is not the time to bask in the spotlight."

Martina Schroeder quietly cut the sea bass on her plate.

The German lawyer maintained the same professionalism she displayed in court during her meal, chewing each bite slowly and deliberately, never making a sound with her knife and fork.

While others gossiped about the Laureus Awards, she would only nod occasionally, spending most of her time observing the yacht lights reflected in the glass.

"Pleasant to work with."

Schröder finally put down his napkin and spoke in French with a German accent.

The contract she just signed is right there in front of her. According to the agreement, she will continue to handle cases at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but will also dedicate ten days each month to legal matters for Roy's companies.

To this end, Roy's team specifically formed a five-person legal team stationed in Monaco, led by a senior lawyer fluent in four languages, to support her work 24 hours a day.

Claire offered her champagne, but she politely declined, saying, "I'm taking an early flight to Lausanne tomorrow."

Roy nodded, raising his water bottle: "Pleasure doing business with you!"

"Also, let us maintain a peaceful mind."

Schroeder glanced at him, a rare, faint smile appearing on his face, and gently clinked his water glass against his.

The clinking of the glasses was crisp and restrained, just like the collaboration itself—efficient, clean, and without unnecessary formalities.

The female lawyer's figure had just left the restaurant.
Claire watched Schroeder's figure disappear through the revolving door before turning around and taking a black folder from her briefcase.

"Boss, as per your request, we have been screening the most suitable candidates in various fields over this period of time."

"The sports science team contacted Dr. Markus Weber's team at Humboldt University of Berlin, while the data analysts were interested in Julie Morrow, the current manager of Monaco."

“On the business team side,” she said, lowering her voice, “we found Victor Leblanc, creative director of the up-and-coming digital marketing firm M&C in Paris, and Frédéric Muller, executive director of UBS Geneva, who specializes in athlete wealth management and is very good at tax restructuring.”

Finally, pointing to the security roster, she said, "The head of security is Jacques Leclerc, a former French Foreign Legion sergeant. He can assemble a six-person team. For public relations, Professor Isabelle Perrin from the Department of Media Studies at the University of Bordeaux is willing to join, but I will personally oversee major matters."

Claire closed the file and added, "These candidates have all signed confidentiality agreements and can be interviewed discreetly at any time."

"In addition, I have reached an agreement with Pintus. He is ready to resign from his position at Monaco at the end of the season. He said, 'I have trained countless players in my life, but Roy is worth betting my entire career on.'"

She paused, then added, "As for the technical coach, although the collaboration with Raiola didn't work out, he still helped make the connection. We found a suitable candidate in Italy—Zola. He recently retired, but his understanding of technique perfectly matches your requirements."

Roy raised an eyebrow: "Zola? That short magician from Chelsea?"

Claire nodded: "It's him. Raiola said that Zola is very interested in your match footage and is willing to give it a try."

The core significance of Roy's large professional team lies in comprehensively ensuring his competitive performance and commercial value as a top player.

This team is like a finely tuned machine. Technical coaches and sports experts ensure that his body is always in peak condition, avoiding injuries and improving on-field performance. The business team is responsible for managing sponsorship contracts and image management, allowing his off-field value to continue to increase. The life support team takes care of all his worries, from diet and nutrition to travel safety, so that he can focus 100% on the game. And the legal and public relations teams act as a firewall, ready to deal with any possible contract disputes or public opinion crises.

This is not only the standard configuration for top modern professional players, but also a long-term investment: while most players decline in form after the age of 30, Roy, through the operation of a professional team, has already transformed his personal brand into a sustainable business asset, ensuring that he can still maintain his influence and income level after his career ends.

Essentially, this is an inevitable choice in the highly commercialized football industry to manage the "Roy" super IP using a corporate management model.

(End of this chapter)