When playing football, you should call it GOAT.

Chapter 177 I will never join Barcelona

After training, Domenech mysteriously stopped Roy, who was packing up his equipment.

"Wait, don't go yet."

He looked around and took out a neatly folded piece of paper from his suit pocket.

"This was calculated by a famous astrologer, which I specifically sought out."

"You were born on October 6th, a Libra."

Domenech excitedly pointed to the analysis on the paper, "Leticia, May 11th, Taurus. You know what? The book says it's a golden combination!"

Roy raised an eyebrow: "When did you start researching this?"

"It's to thank you for agreeing to Estella's interview."

Domenech leaned closer and lowered his voice: "Look here—Libra, October 6th, ruled by Venus, with an innate elegance. Taurus, May 11th, also ruled by Venus, with an innate sex appeal. This double Venus combination is called a 'mirror sign' in astrology."

"Look at this analysis: Libra's social skills can break down Taurus's defenses, while Taurus's pragmatism can stabilize Libra's indecisiveness. Especially since their birthdays fall during Venus's strong period, October 6th is close to the first decade of Libra, and May 11th coincides with the peak of Taurus."

"The most wonderful thing is your moon signs. Although you don't have specific birth times, based on the average chart, the Libra man's moon is likely to be in Gemini or Leo, which perfectly stimulates the Taurus woman's sensual enjoyment; while the Taurus woman's moon is either in Virgo or Cancer, perfectly matching the Libra man's emotional needs."

"Regarding intimate relationships, the astrologer specifically notes: partners with Venus in mutual reception have a natural understanding of body language. Libra's flirting skills combined with Taurus's keen senses result in a conservative five-star rating."

Roy couldn't help but laugh out loud, shoving the paper back at Domenech: "Are you sure this isn't something you made up on the spot?"

"Hey! I'm serious."

Domenech quickly flipped to the back, "It also says here that your birth numbers 6 and 11 add up to 17, and 1 + 7 equals 8, which represents in numerology."

Numerology believes that numbers contain special energy, and that destiny and relationships can be interpreted through calculation.

The number 8 symbolizes power and wealth (such as an infinitely looping pattern), and in love, it represents "stability and commitment".

He wanted to imply that the relationship between the two was "practical and lasting," but deliberately ignored the independent meaning of 11 as a master number (11 represents a higher level of spiritual resonance).

"Numerology?"

Roy chuckled and folded the crumpled paper in half. "8 represents stability? Then shouldn't my number 11 jersey be renamed the 'Psychic Jersey'?"

Before Domenech could react, Roy had already folded the note and put it in his pocket with a smile.

"That's Libra's sense of humor."

In the French television studio, the presenter couldn't stop smiling, as the screen behind him played a highlight reel of the group stage goals, accompanied by rousing music and commentary: "11 goals! 3 wins! This French team is unstoppable!"

The headlines on the front pages of sports newspapers were increasingly flamboyant.

French football has secured its place in the semifinals.

Spain? Just another stepping stone.

The reporter stood outside the Algarve Stadium, with throngs of French fans in the background waving their flags and shouting at the camera: "See you in the final!"

The reporter shook his head with a smile: "The French fans here have already entered celebration mode. Champagne sales in the bars have tripled. Nobody thinks there will be any surprises tonight."

The front page of Madrid's sports newspapers was titled "Challenging the Giants," but the articles were filled with cautious and even pessimistic analysis: "Our defense is riddled with holes," "Our midfield lacks creativity," and "A victory against France is just holding on until penalties."

The TV experts forced smiles and repeatedly emphasized that "the ball is round" and "miracles can happen," but their tone betrayed no confidence whatsoever.

The reporter stood outside a bar where Spanish fans were gathered, with low murmurs of discussion in the background.

The reporter lowered his voice and said, "Most of the fans here are silent, and some have even bought return tickets in advance. They are not here expecting a victory, but to witness a dignified farewell."

The day before the game.

At a five-star hotel in Faro, Portugal, Barcelona president Laporta suddenly summoned a reporter from Mundo Deportivo for an exclusive interview.

The timing was quite delicate – it was just before the quarter-finals of the European Championship, when France was about to face Spain.

Laporta spoke candidly to the cameras, detailing FC Barcelona's ambitious plans for this summer. He stated the club's determination to build an "unprecedented dream team," and specifically mentioned Monaco striker Roy as their most important transfer target.

“We are ready to activate the €4000 million release clause in Roy’s contract,” Laporta said firmly, “and have prepared a very attractive salary package for him.”

According to him, this offer will allow Roy to enjoy "an unprecedented top salary in Barcelona's history," far exceeding the income level of any player in the team at present.

Laporta emphasized: "The salary package we have prepared for him will break the club's existing salary structure."

Mundo Deportivo immediately reported the news on its front page with a straightforward and shocking headline: "Barcelona launches 'Galácticos' plan: €4000 million to poach French striker."

The report detailed the generous terms Barcelona offered Roy, including a high annual salary, bonus clauses, and a long-term contract guarantee.

According to internal documents they obtained, Barcelona offered Roy a net annual salary of 900 million euros, not including various goal, assist and championship bonuses.

This figure is nearly 50% higher than the current highest-paid player in the Barcelona squad, which is unprecedented in the club's history.

“We are well aware of the market value of top players,” Laporta explained. “To build a dream team, we must bring in world-class stars for key positions and offer them the appropriate treatment.”

He specifically pointed out that the offer had been unanimously approved by the board of directors, demonstrating the firm resolve of the club's top management.

This salary standard will not only make Roy the highest-paid player in Barcelona's history, but also one of the highest-paid players in La Liga.

Laporta's statement undoubtedly declares to the whole of Europe Barcelona's determination to return to the top of the transfer market.

It is worth noting that Laporta's timing in announcing the plan in Portugal, during the European Championship, was remarkably precise.

This news immediately sparked a strong reaction in European football, with many media outlets rushing to reprint and report on it.

Laporta's statement was undoubtedly a bombshell in the transfer market.

He not only publicly stated Barcelona's determination to make signings, but also cleverly used the important stage of the European Championship to showcase the club's ambitions to the whole of Europe.

If Barcelona successfully signs Roy, it will be the darkest transfer event for Real Madrid this century.

This young man, who was sold by Real Madrid's youth academy for a mere 300,000 euros, is now one of the most sought-after strikers in European football – two consecutive Ligue 1 titles, a treble in a single season, and a terrifying record of 17 goals in a single season have made him the top target in this summer's transfer market.

Real Madrid had considered him their top transfer target this summer, and Florentino had even prepared a welcoming ceremony, just waiting for this "prodigal son to return home".

But if Barcelona ultimately succeeds in snatching the player away, it will be far more than just missing out on a top player for Real Madrid. It will be a resounding slap in the face – a player abandoned by their own youth academy will now be returning to the Bernabéu wearing the red and blue jersey of their arch-rivals.

The media will tirelessly replay the comments made by Real Madrid's youth academy director back then, "He will never become a top player," and fans will chant in the stands, "You sold the championship to Barcelona."

For Barcelona, ​​this transfer is significant beyond the sporting aspect.

The €900 million annual salary not only bought a super striker, but also the most humiliating defeat against their arch-rivals. Imagine: Roy celebrating after scoring against Real Madrid in next season's El Clásico.

That would be the nightmare Real Madrid least wants to face this century.

If this transfer goes through, Real Madrid's management will face an unprecedented crisis of confidence, while Barcelona will have the upper hand in the psychological battle.

As Marca might write: "Some mistakes take a century to pay for."

Florentino smashed a crystal wine glass against the wall in his hotel suite, sending shards of glass flying everywhere.
"Laporta, that insidious Catalan bastard! This is blatant provocation!" "Damn Mendes! He took our job and then played dead? Now he won't even answer the phone!"

"900 million after tax? Where did those Barcelona liars get the money? They're definitely falsifying their accounts again! Their financial report last year showed a loss of 8200 million!"

"That lawyer-turned-scoundrel Laporta has definitely embezzled all the members' dues!"

"Go check out the Catalan bank! They've definitely given them some shady backdoor loan again! That director named Rovira is Laporta's cousin!"

"They even owed Davies three months' wages, and Riquelme's transfer fee was two years overdue. Now they suddenly have money? Who are they kidding!"

"Just wait and see, those bureaucrats in La Liga have definitely been bribed again! Those opportunists!"

"I bet they've secretly mortgaged the naming rights to Camp Nou! Or they've sold the land where the youth academy is located!"

"Have the finance department investigate immediately! If they can pay 900 million in taxes, I'll eat the Bernabéu pitch!"

"These guys are better at falsifying accounts than they are at playing football! Why doesn't UEFA investigate their books?!"

"Just you wait and see. When they can't pay their salaries, I'll personally lead reporters to film the players demanding their wages!"

And now he is helpless.

The only response was Mendes' brief statement: "My client will make a final decision after the European Championship. He is currently focused on national team matches and will not comment on any transfer rumors."

At the pre-match press conference for the French national team, a reporter from Mundo Deportivo raised his hand and asked a question:
"Mr. Roy, Barcelona president Laporta publicly stated yesterday that he is willing to break the club's salary structure for you. What is your response to this?"

The press conference suddenly fell silent, and even the reporters who were adjusting their microphones stopped what they were doing.

Sitting next to Roy, Zidane turned slightly to the side, looking at him with a curious and playful gaze, wanting to hear his answer.

Laporta's chess game was already set up.

When the reporter from Mundo Deportivo posed this question, Roy's answer was already part of his plan.

Roy maintained his professional smile: "I appreciate Barcelona's appreciation, but right now I'm only focused on the national team's matches."

This is exactly the standard answer Laporta wanted.

The reporters were already frantically taking notes.

The headline "Roy does not deny possible transfer" will appear in the newspapers tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid's management must be holding an emergency meeting, worried that their prey will be snatched away by their arch-rivals.

"First of all, I want to thank FC Barcelona and President Laporta for their appreciation. But there are some matters of principle that I must clarify."

Roy's voice wasn't loud, but it was like a sharp dagger slicing through the air:

"I will never join Barcelona!"

The entire press conference room erupted in chaos.

The reporters straightened up as if they'd been electrocuted, their recorders and cameras all pointed at the podium.

The photographers in the back row even unconsciously squeezed forward a few steps, and the sound of shutters clicking filled the air.

Zidane's eyes widened. This legendary figure, who had seen it all on the pitch, showed a hint of unexpected surprise in his eyes.

A commotion immediately broke out in the room, and a reporter pressed, "Even if Barcelona offers the highest salary in the club's history?"

“I want to thank Barça again for their kindness, but some choices have nothing to do with money. My four years in Madrid were a crucial time for me to grow from a boy into a man. The morning training sessions in Castilla, the sweat on the pitch, the guidance in the locker room – these experiences shaped who I am today.”

“In the world of professional football, people are used to defining an experience by transfer records. But for me, my time at Real Madrid is much more than just a few lines on a contract. Yes, we had disagreements, but that’s normal between a club and a professional player.”

"Friction can happen in any professional relationship, that's normal. The important thing is that these are professional discussions. And what I want to make today is that my issues with Real Madrid will be resolved by ourselves. But one thing will never change—I will never wear a Barcelona jersey."

"This isn't about loyalty to any club; it's about respecting your own journey. Some paths, once taken, forever change the course of your life. And my path will never turn back to Camp Nou."

The pro-Real Madrid reporters were trembling as they gripped their recording pens. Their faces were flushed, and their eyes gleamed with excitement, clearly taking these words as a heartfelt confession of a prodigal son's return.

Some people have already been frantically writing down words like "declaration of loyalty" and "white coat complex" in their notebooks.

Reporters pressed on, asking, "Does this mean you still have a special affection for Real Madrid?"

Roy shook his head slightly: "This isn't a confession about any club. Just like someone would cherish their graduation certificate, even if their student days weren't perfect. I respect my experience at Real Madrid because it's part of my career."

"But right now, all I want to do is work with my teammates to win the next game for France."

He glanced at Zidane beside him and added, "Especially with the opportunity to fight alongside a legend like Zidane, I don't want to be distracted by anything off the field."

Roy knew exactly what was going on.

Joining Barcelona to get revenge on Real Madrid?

That's too cliché. He understands the math perfectly.

Rather than going to Camp Nou with the stigma of being a "traitor," it's better to just refuse outright.

He understands the rules of this industry all too well.

A firm "no" is more valuable than a multi-million euro annual salary.

The scarcest commodity in the transfer market is not a goal-scoring machine, but a person with this kind of "principled" character.

Reporters would spontaneously write press releases for him, and fans would voluntarily create stories for him.

He had already planned this move: rather than being labeled a "revenge," he would rather be a professional role model with "principles."

After all, in this era, a carefully crafted public image is the most valuable long-term investment.

Roy's statement is a brilliant example of "preventative image management" in public relations.

By proactively establishing a moral high ground, he gained "conflict immunity" in potential future conflicts with Real Madrid.

If the club takes a hostile stance, it will face public backlash and moral scrutiny.

Fans will remember "the man who rejected Barcelona," and the media will talk about his "declaration of loyalty."

This is equivalent to buying yourself public opinion insurance.

If Real Madrid were to bring up past grievances, it would only make them seem petty.

Even if he never wears a Real Madrid jersey again, it's the price the club paid for misjudging him back then.

Fans will only remember that Real Madrid gave up on him first, and that he even rejected an invitation from his arch-rivals.

This dignity is enough for him to live on for a lifetime.

Just like the lyrics say: "The hurt you inflicted on me, you didn't utter a single word of blame."

(End of this chapter)