The perfect midfield: It starts with never passing the ball to Ronaldo.

Chapter 78 Even if he stepped on me to get the Champions League, I wouldn't resent him!

"I'm very happy to have secured a big win away from home. Ronaldo's performance was as consistent as ever."

"Here I want to especially praise our new number 10, Mario, who perfectly embodies the meaning of this jersey!"

"His goal-scoring ability, his vision, and his creativity prove that he is the undisputed core of the team."

"I hope journalists can be more lenient with him and not misinterpret the remarks young people make when facing the media!"

"He's only 18, still a child. We hope everyone can give him a good environment to grow up in!"

Bento solemnly expressed his views to the outside world, stating that as the head coach of Portugal, he did not want to see Mario's performance affected by public opinion.

Portugal won't be going to the playoffs for the third time in a row this World Cup cycle!

Following closely behind, the Portuguese captain also showed his support for his younger teammate.

"Is someone always trying to create a conflict between me and Mario?"

"ridiculous!"

"I was the first person in all of Europe to discover his talent, and his growth only makes me happier!"

"Don't even mention that he's ahead of me in the Champions League top scorer rankings; even if he beats me to win the Champions League trophy, I won't resent him!"

"Just like Figo gave me the penalty in the World Cup, it's my responsibility as captain to help more young players develop in Portugal!"

Putting everything else aside, Mario can definitely learn from Roger's interview skills.

The flashes went off non-stop; Cristiano's words were absolutely brilliant, and the goodwill towards the Portuguese people skyrocketed!

"Perfect Team! Bento and Ronaldo strongly support Mario; the Five Shields Army delivers a flawless performance in the World Cup qualifiers!"

From Controversy to Absolute Core! Mario's First National Team Debut in Number 10 Leads to a 7-Goal Slaughter

Cristiano Ronaldo confirms: Mario's missed pass and assist was a testament to their brilliant understanding! Portugal's dynamic duo crushes Israel.

"Top Champions League strikers dominate their national teams: Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario shine in the Euro qualifiers!"

—【Wow, last night's game was so much fun to watch!!】

—【Who said I, Mario, am a marksman? Look at the quality of this opening burst of fire!~~】

—【A touching story of a talent scout and a promising individual; Luo Ge really made me cry buckets, such a role model!!】

—【Unlike you Americans, my brother Luo doesn't just jump to conclusions and blow up Mario in this forum when someone states an objective fact!】

— [Mario finally wore the number 10 jersey! His 3 goals and 5 assists in the World Cup qualifiers are better than the previous ones combined!]

—【Poor Amorin, he barely got to wear it a few times before being taken down by the young man~】

—【They're already praising him after just a stomp against a weak team like Israel? Messi also had a goal and two assists last night, and it was against Venezuela!】

—[A passerby asks: Who is stronger, Israel or Venezuela?]

—【Brothers, you've all fallen for the trap! Haven't you noticed you're all comparing Mario to Ronaldo and Messi now? This is just inflating his value!!】

—【Whatever, as a Mario fan, I'm very happy. The stronger Mario is, the stronger Portugal becomes!~】

—【After watching this match, Porto's €6000 million release clause was too low. At eighteen, with this performance, he's definitely a target for a top club in the summer transfer window!!】

Five days later, Portugal won another resounding victory against Azerbaijan.

The opening goal came from a header, but not from Cristiano, but from attacking defender Bruno Alves.

Mario remained consistent, adding a long-range shot to extend the team's lead.

With Rogo's penalty and Almeida's finishing touch, Portugal ultimately defeated their opponents 4-0, securing their sixth consecutive victory in the World Cup qualifiers.

Mario made the most of this international break, playing a total of 90 minutes in the two matches.

While securing the number 10 jersey, his physical exertion wasn't too great, allowing him to be in perfect condition for the upcoming Champions League quarter-finals.

Upon returning to Porto, Mario first dealt with a series of off-field business collaborations.

With his advancement to the Champions League quarterfinals and his high profile with the national team alongside Ronaldo, Mario's fame has gradually spread from Europe to the world.

Mario's impressive performance on the field, coupled with the Chinese proficiency certificate he posted, has led to him officially joining Weibo and surpassing 100 million followers in Greater China.

Many businesses have already contacted Mendes wanting to bet on him in advance, since next year is the World Cup year and theoretically there is a possibility of a meteoric rise.

Sports drinks, energy bars, and dairy products have all extended offers to this young Portuguese man.

The Porto president was both pleased and upset upon receiving the email copied by Mendes. The good thing was that the club's revenue had increased, but the bad thing was that these benefits wouldn't last long.

Eighteen years old!

He's currently ranked number one on the Champions League top scorers list!

How could such a talent waste his time in the Portuguese league?

I never expected the €6000 million release clause to be so low!

However, thinking about that unlucky guy Sporting Lisbon, he gradually found a balance in his mind. Earning a little less is fine, it's still much better than losing more than 5000 million euros to his opponent who did nothing at all.

On the other hand, Mendes, who secured a premium contract, was very satisfied with Mario, this super talent.

Young people who are willing to learn Chinese and can learn it well have a bright future ahead of them!

Imagine how much salary those wealthy clubs would offer him if he played for another fifteen years, retired, and then joined the Chinese Super League!

Instead of thinking about things that are too far away, Mendes decided to focus on the present.

Now, every Champions League match Mario plays is a battle for his hefty signing bonus and his own commission.

Manchester City, who were willing to pay €6000 million and €700 million in signing fees during the winter transfer window, will have to add even more in the summer.

"Joseph, that's right, the contract with Bright Dairy has been finalized!"

"Please feel free to ask if you need anything else, and I will do everything I can to serve you!"

"By the way, remember to take care of yourself during extra training sessions, and get some rest to conserve your energy!"

Looking forward to your performance in the Champions League quarter-finals!

After hanging up the phone, Mendes once again instructed his dedicated team stationed in Porto to provide excellent service to Mario, this potentially huge client.

On March 30, 2013, in the 24th round of the Portuguese Primeira Liga, the Giant Dragons traveled to the University of Coimbra.

Porto secured a clean 3-0 victory, taking a two-goal lead in the first half. Moutinho and Mario only played for a little over ten minutes to maintain their form.

Four hours later, Mario angrily turned off the TV.

Avi River, you're such a disappointment!

The newly promoted team, sitting in the middle of the league with nothing to play for, was thrashed 6-1 by Benfica!

The gap hasn't widened, and with 6 rounds left in the league, Porto currently leads by 16 points!

The new template will take a little longer to develop!

However, the initiative is entirely in their own hands. If they can defeat their opponent in the next league match, Mario will receive an epic buff!

As a new week begins, the atmosphere surrounding the Champions League has intensified since April Fool's Day.

The stirring theme song resounded in every corner, from the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul all the way to the banks of the Seine in Paris.

The Champions League quarter-finals are back in action: eight teams, eight cities, one dream.