Chapter 1,083 The Captain’s Temptation

Although David Gill was very angry at Mendes's sky-high asking price, he still had lunch with Mendes in a gentlemanly manner before returning to England.

Back in Manchester, David Gill just touched home and immediately rushed to Ferguson's home.

Ferguson was having afternoon tea, and when he saw David Gill coming in with an angry and worried look on his face, he understood more than half of it.

"What? The negotiation didn't go well?" Ferguson asked.

David Gill said angrily: "Success? There is no way to talk about it. Sir Alex, do you know what Mendes said about the contract we provided? He said that Gao Xiaodong is not Ibrahimovic and will not be satisfied with an annual salary of only less than Messi is worth 320,000 euros."

Ferguson was nearly 70 years old and had experienced too many things. He was not surprised that Mendes disagreed with such an annual salary. He poured David Gill a cup of coffee and smiled: "Don't be angry, don't be anxious, talk about a contract like Gao Xiaodong's. You have to be patient, success won’t happen all at once.”

David Gill sighed and said: "Alex, I can't help but be angry. Mendes wants 20 million euros, and he also said that Gao Xiaodong has already suffered a loss for the sake of Manchester United."

Ferguson was walking back to his seat and sitting down. After listening to David Gill's words, he paused for a moment, then slowly sat down again and said, "This is normal, Xiaodong is worth this annual salary."

David Gill was stunned, so surprised that he forgot to sit down, and said: "Alex, are you ready to agree to Mendes' request?"

Ferguson smiled and said: "When did I say I would agree to Mendes' request?"

David Gill said doubtfully: "Didn't you say that Gao Xiaodong is worth this annual salary?"

Ferguson said: "I say Gao Xiaodong is worth this annual salary, but that doesn't mean Manchester United will give Gao Xiaodong this annual salary. We can continue to talk until Gao Xiaodong agrees to lower his demands."

David Gill said: "I'm afraid it won't be easy to negotiate. The gap between the requirements of the two sides is too big, and I'm afraid Mr. Glazer will not continue to increase the price on the original basis."

Ferguson picked up a snack, put it in his mouth, tasted it slowly, and said calmly: "Mr. Glazer doesn't want to? Then talk to him until he agrees to increase the price."

David Gill said in surprise: "Talk to Glazer? If we hadn't insisted, I'm afraid Glazer wouldn't even want to give Gao Xiaodong one million euros."

Ferguson said: "That is Ephraim, not Mr. Glazer. The two cannot be completely equated."

David Gill's eyes lit up,

Said: "This makes sense. I remember that Ephraim did not pay enough attention to and be friendly to Xiaodong. If we talk to Glazer directly, it may have unexpected results."

Ferguson smiled and said: "Yes, I think Gao Xiaodong has made great contributions to Manchester United during the year he played for Manchester United. He is fully qualified to ask for a higher salary. Of course, considering the club's economic status and Regarding the impact of excessive salary on the team's salary structure, we must also strengthen our contact with Gao Xiaodong so that he can face the current situation. David, you do the work on Glazer's side, and I will do the work on Xiaodong's side. .”

Hearing what Ferguson said, David Gill felt much more relaxed, but he still said uneasily: "Alex, even if Gao Xiaodong lowers his requirements, it will probably be around 18 million. Is this annual salary really appropriate? "

Ferguson said: "It turns out that Gao Xiaodong's extremely high transfer fee has caused controversy. After a glorious season, I think everyone's doubts should be eliminated. I didn't expect that you still don't know Gao Xiaodong's value."

David Gill said: "I admit Gao Xiaodong's important role in Manchester United, but it cannot be exaggerated. At least I don't think Gao Xiaodong's role in Manchester United is greater than yours."

David Gill gave Ferguson a small slap on the back.

In ordinary clubs, the position of the club manager is higher than that of the head coach, but Manchester United is an exception. At Manchester United, Ferguson comes first. Even owner Glazer does not dare to easily deny Ferguson's decision.

Ferguson shook his head and said: "Xiaodong can't replace my role, but at the same time I can't replace Xiaodong's role. Xiaodong's contribution to Manchester United is no less than mine. He has gradually shown excellent leadership skills on the court. I We are ready to make him captain of Manchester United next season."

"Let Gao Xiaodong be the captain?!"

David Gill exclaimed.

Manchester United is a team that attaches great importance to tradition. With Giggs, Ferdinand, Vidic, Fletcher, Rooney and other veterans, it is a decision to let Gao Xiaodong, a young man who has just been here for a year, be the captain. It's definitely not something ordinary people would dare to do.

Even Gao Xiaodong himself couldn't believe it.

Three days later, when Ferguson traveled thousands of miles to the capital of China to meet Gao Xiaodong and tell Gao Xiaodong his thoughts, Gao Xiaodong also showed a shocked expression.

"Boss, you're not joking, are you?"

Ferguson held a cup of the best Dahongpao brewed in a Yixing purple clay pot and slowly tasted it, "Xiaodong, this is something I have planned for a long time. In fact, after Neville retired last season, I was ready to let you take the lead, but no Few people object, and I'm also worried about putting too much pressure on you. But after the glory of last season, I think there won't be much controversy if you serve as the captain of Manchester United again. Even if there is, I will help you. live."

Gao Xiaodong said in surprise and joy: "I really can't believe it."

Ferguson smiled and said: "No confidence?"

Gao Xiaodong's chest puffed up and he said, "Yes," and then he chuckled and said, "It's just a bit unexpected."

It's really surprising. Gao Xiaodong originally thought that he would be the vice-captain this season and would have the opportunity next season. However, Gao Xiaodong is also as smart as a ghost. Ferguson decided to make Gao Xiaodong the captain so early and went all the way. He came to Gao Xiaodong's house. Gao Xiaodong felt that Ferguson must have other purposes, and this purpose was probably to renew the contract.

Ferguson smiled and said: "What's the surprise? Neville and Scholes have retired, Giggs is also semi-retired, Ferdinand, Vidic and others are all thirty. You, Rooney and De Gea are the only ones of Manchester United." future."

Gao Xiaodong scratched his head and said, "Thank you, boss, for your trust and cultivation."

Ferguson felt that the time was ripe and said: "I am here today. In addition to telling you about the selection of captain, I also have to talk about contract renewal. As the captain of Manchester United, a contract of only two years cannot reassure the fans. In the new season It will start soon, and the contract renewal must be finalized as soon as possible."

Gao Xiaodong had just thought of this and considered countermeasures. Since Ferguson gave him a little sweetness, of course he had to give Ferguson a little face, and said: "Don't worry, boss, I will contact Mr. Mendes immediately and get it done as soon as possible." It’s about contract renewal.”

Ferguson did not discuss salary, but this was a tacit understanding. Ferguson believed that Gao Xiaodong would not pretend to be confused after receiving benefits.