318 Pepe Part 2 (1/2)

Chapter 318: Pepe Part 2

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

When Tang En woke up the next day, it was still only Shania and him in the gigantic house. Same as the previous morning, Shania only woke Tang En up after making breakfast. She then sat at the table and watched him eat breakfast on his own.

Just as he finished his meal, an unknown call came in. Since the time he had brought Shania for a vacation in Spain, he had learned his lesson. Regardless of what time it was, his phone would be switched on; the entire 24 hours. He was not the same guy as before, a poor football fan from China. He could afford the roaming fee now.

The number was unfamiliar to Tang En. After staring at it for a while, his mind racking for possibilities, he still could not figure out who the number belonged to.

He took the call. Thick, Latin-accented English drifted into his ears from the other side.

”Good morning, Mr. Tony. It should already be morning in Brazil, right?”

”Ah… You're right. It's morning now. Good morning, Sir. You are…?”

”My apologies. I forgot to introduce myself. I am Jorge Mendes, Pepe's agent,” the voice said unhurriedly.

Tang En was stunned to hear the name. As a football fan, it would not be surprising for that name to be unheard of. However, as the manager of a team, it would be a grievous mistake. Even with Nottingham Forest's lack of interaction with Spaniard footballers, Tang En still knew of the man on the phone.

Almost all the managers of Europe's powerhouses and their directors would have this person's phone number somewhere among the numerous name cards on their tables; he was the most well-known professional agent in Spain. Furthermore, he was a football agent who held tremendous influence over Europe. He maintained good relationships with people such as Chelsea's owner, Abramovich, and had feelers in every corner within Europe.

Jorge Mendes could be considered the godfather of professional agents in Spain. He acted as the proxy for famous managers and players, such as Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, and others.

The man was a hot-shot among agents; naturally, his ability to scheme was among the best. He would need to be dealt with carefully. Tang En nodded at what was said, only realizing after that his actions were not visible to Mendes. He added, ”I've heard of you, Mr. Mendes. I didn't expect Pepe to be one of the footballers you represented.”

A hearty laugh sounded from the other side. ”I'm afraid there aren't that many managers who have yet to hear my name. I've also heard of you, Mr. Twain. In the last two years, Nottingham Forest has been on the rise, skyrocketing upwards. I think you're likely to be the youngest manager in next season's Champions League. You met up with my player yesterday?”

”Oh, we met by chance. I am taking a vacation in Brazil. Coincidentally, Pepe is too. I've always thought he was in Spain…”

Mendes fell silent for a moment. ”Pepe, he… he has met with some trouble over here in Spain, so I suggested that he to return to Brazil to unwind a little.”

From his tone of voice and choice of words, it did not sound as if Pepe was a player under the current manager of FC Porto, Dutch Co Adriaanse. Rather, he sounded like one of the agent's subordinates. When his player got into trouble and needed help, his first thought was of him - the agent - and not the manager of the team he played for.

”Mr. Twain, what do you think of Pepe?”

”He's fantastic. Very good indeed. He has a style I can appreciate.”

”Pepe called me yesterday and told me about your discussion. He mentioned that you seemed to know him very well, even better than Adriaanse.”

Tang En knew that this was thanks to his pre-transmigration memory from 2007, but he could not possibly be honest. ”Well… it's like this. I actually began noticing Pepe a long time ago.”

Mendes laughed again. ”What a coincidence. There's another person who has been interested in Pepe for a long time. In fact, FC Porto's choice to bring Pepe from Maritimo to Estádio do Dragão was on the strong recommendation from this person. Unfortunately, before Pepe joined, he had already left. Do you know to whom I'm referring, Mr. Twain?”

”Of course, Mr. Mendes. That person must be Mourinho, former manager of FC Porto.”

”That's right! It's a pity. Currently, that man is unable to utilize Pepe well. Are you interested in hearing what Pepe said to me yesterday?”