320 Work Permit Part 1 (1/2)
Chapter 320: Work Permit Part 1
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Tang En had only just set foot into the UK when negotiations between Nottingham Forest Club and FC Porto regarding Pepe's transfer began. The other relevant issues in relation to the matter proceeded as well.
Other than the negotiation between the two clubs, there was another matter that could not be ignored: Pepe's work permit. Although Pepe has been playing football in Spain for numerous years, he held only Brazilian citizenship and was thus considered a non-EU player. As he was never fielded as a representative of the Brazilian National Team, he could not fulfill the 75% participation rate in senior international matches. If the transfer got blocked because of the work permit issue despite all three parties (the two clubs and the player himself) not having any problems with it, Tang En would be enraged. He had not had such problems when he was playing FM.
One thing that comforted him was the fact that Pepe's application for Portuguese citizenship had been submitted.
If the application failed to go through on Portugal's end, Tang En had one more ace up his sleeve: the Exceptional Talent Clause. The sole thing he was worried about was that no defender has been successful in applying for it since its establishment. The thought of having to make nice with the disgusting officials from the English Football Association also annoyed him deeply. The more time Tang En spend in the UK, and the more interactions he had with the FA, the more he felt that they, known as the ”origins of modern football” and ”world's first professional football management,” were, in numerous repulsive aspects, remarkably like the Chinese Football Association.
Pedantic, foolish, inflexible, opinionated, bureaucratic, old-fashioned, conceited…
All of which were the ”seven sins” of the English Football Association.
Unless it was truly necessary, Tang En did not want to have any dealings with that group of officials.
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As promised by Jorge Mendes, FC Porto did not impede the transfer of their fourth midfielder substitute. The price was also exactly four million Euros. Neither party needed to waste any time negotiating the transfer fee. They immediately proceeded to the step of discussing the player's terms.
In truth, Tang En had long ago finished discussing the terms with Mendes. Pepe had authorized Mendes with full representative rights in all negotiations on his behalf. What followed was simple. Accompanied by Mendes, Pepe flew to Nottingham, England, where he received a full-body examination at Forest Club. The results of his examination took the sports medicine experts aback. Fleming's words to Tang En were, ”The boy does not appear particularly strong, but his physique is, in truth, near perfection. His body has terrifying abilities.”
Mendes had immense confidence in his player. Even then, listening to such an evaluation delighted him again.
Since he passed the body examination, both parties could officially sign the contract, after which the official website would announce the successful transfer of the player.
After signing, Tang En shook Pepe's hand and said, ”Welcome to Nottingham Forest, Pepe.”
”Mr. Twain, I am very happy to play on your team.”
”Don't call me Mr. Twain. You can call me 'Chief' or 'Boss'.” Tang En patted Pepe's sturdy shoulders. ”In England, that's how the players address their manager. You'll have to get used to it.”
”Okay… Chief.” A somewhat silly smile emerged on Pepe's rounded face.
”You can continue your vacation now. The vacation period for the players has not ended yet. Additionally, if you have any requests for your future accommodations, you can let us know. The club will take them into consideration when we're searching for a house for you,” Allan said, standing beside Tang En.