As Mendes said, the reason André and Oviedo escaped punishment this time didn't really have much to do with Hierro's outburst at the press conference. The real reason was the love triangle between Lopetegui, Real Madrid, and the Spanish National Team. If Spain had performed well in the 2018 World Cup, this triangle might have become a charming anecdote, but unfortunately, Spain's performance in the World Cup failed to satisfy the fans.
At that point, the Spanish Football Association needed someone to take responsibility. Hierro, who'd taken over in an emergency, certainly couldn't be the one, and it had nothing to do with Luis Enrique, who'd just taken over the team. So Real Madrid, who'd been flirting with Lopetegui before, was the most suitable scapegoat.
Of course, Hierro's words at the press conference did have an effect, which was to attract the attention of the media, especially those non-mainstream tabloids. Hierro was both a former Real Madrid player and a party to this incident, and he also held the position of the person who'd replaced Lopetegui as Spain's head coach in an emergency. So his public blasting of Real Madrid's Castilla was a gimmick enough to make these reporters smell blood.
"But what does that have to do with me? According to what you said, shouldn't they go and interview the Boss or Julen?"
After hearing Mendes explain the connections involved, André asked with some confusion.
"André, don't forget that you were once a member of Real Madrid, even if it wasn't for long. Besides, there's your relationship with Cristiano, and Cristiano's relationship with Real Madrid, plus some of the unpleasantness between Cristiano and Real Madrid when he left. All these factors combined mean they will definitely look for you. Oh, and one more very important factor: you're young enough. These reporters think they can get some explosive news out of your mouth."
"Alright."
André figured that Mendes's last sentence was the real reason these reporters were coming—it just meant he was young and prone to saying the wrong things.
"So what should I do now?"
"Just one sentence: 'No comment.' Leave the rest to me. I believe this matter will settle down soon. That guy at Real Madrid is no pushover. By the way, André, have you considered changing teams? Both Cristiano and I think that with your current ability, staying at Real Oviedo is a bit of a waste. You should go to a higher-level league. It would be very good for your growth. I've also received interest from many good clubs."
"I know, but wouldn't it be bad if I left now? After all, Mr. Fernando showed me great kindness by recognizing my talent. If it weren't for him, I would've had to go to Italy. So even if I want to leave, I want to repay Mr. Fernando first. Besides, my contract with Oviedo has a release clause of thirty million."
"Well, I'm just making a suggestion. Everything still depends on your own choice. Also, don't worry about the release clause. That kind of thing depends on the club. In some big clubs, like Real Madrid or Barcelona, a release clause is only useful for players with great talent. But for a club like Oviedo—like when Barcelona offered ten million to buy you last time—it's said that Oviedo's owner, Banches, was tempted. I reckon if Barcelona had persisted a bit more then, even if Hierro didn't want you to go, there would've been no stopping it. After all, Banches is the owner of the team."
André didn't know about the things Mendes was telling him. Whether in his past life or this one, he felt like a complete novice regarding such matters in the football world. To be honest, having Mendes as his agent would save him a lot of detours, which was why he respected Mendes so much.
Afterward, Mendes gave André some instructions on things to watch out for in his daily life and then left.
Just after Mendes left, André received an unexpected call. Looking at the number on the screen, André sighed.
"Hi, mãe!"
Yes, the call was from Cristiano's mother.
"André, why did it take you so long to answer the phone?"
"Mr. Jorge was just here, and I didn't notice a call coming in."
"André, my child, are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, God, my child, I saw the video of your match. Those people are really loathsome. You should have given them a good beating and kicked their arses."
"Oh, that matter. I'm fine, mãe!"
"By the way, child, I'm in Italy now. Cristiano said you're suspended. Why don't you come to Italy? I haven't seen you in a long time. I specifically brought a lot of the food you like. I originally wanted to go to Spain to see you, but you know Cristiano wouldn't let me."
"Huh? Go to Italy? Um, well, I'm only suspended for a few matches, and I still have to train. Mãe, maybe I shouldn't go?"
"Hey, André, don't you miss me at all? André, you've changed. You used to love staying with me. Do you not like me anymore? You've learned bad habits from Cristiano. And I've already asked Cristiano—you're suspended for five matches. You only have one match a week, which means you don't have to play for over a month."
Bloody hell, you even calculated that.
"Alright, alright, I'll go. I'll pack my bags and head over right away."
"Mm, I knew André was the best boy. You're much more obedient than Cristiano. That boy doesn't listen to me at all now. You mustn't be like him."
"Yeah, yeah, I definitely won't be like him. Mãe, I'll stop talking now. I need to pack my bags."
"Okay."
After hanging up, André shook his head helplessly. However, thinking about it, going to Italy to relax sounded good. It just so happened that reporters were blocking him outside lately, so he could get away for a bit. Thinking of this, André called Mendes and told him about the Italy trip. On the phone, Mendes also agreed with his idea.
"Boss, is it okay if I go to Italy for a while?"
Then André called Hierro.
"Italy? Why the sudden trip to Italy?"
"Aunt Dolores has arrived in Italy, and she wants me to go see her. She heard about what happened to me and was a bit worried. It just so happens that the reporters outside are all looking for me, so I think going to Italy might be better. Jorge also thinks it's a good idea."
"Hmm, alright. But don't neglect your training. A month goes by very quickly."
"Yes, I understand. Thank you, Boss."
And so, André Cristiano was off to Italy.
To train with Juventus.
And to meet Cristiano Ronaldo.
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