322 An Exceptional Talent Part 1 (1/2)

Chapter 322: An Exceptional Talent Part 1

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

José Mourinho was considering the new signing plan for Chelsea's new season in London. Being the head of a powerhouse squad like Chelsea was a matter of envy to other managers, but it also carried tremendous pressure. Because the Russian boss spent a lot of money, he had to see results. Those Rubles could not be thrown away money.

He did not have to worry about whether Chelsea had the ability to buy a player. He just had to think about whether the player's arrival would increase Chelsea's strength by another level.

It was not an easy job.

At that moment, he received a call from his own ”agent,” Jorge Mendes. Although Mourinho would not admit that he had an agent, his relationship with Mendes was as such.

What Mendes told him came as a surprise to him.

”I need to testify in court? For Nottingham Forest?” He thought he was dreaming. ”Jorge...”

Mendes interrupted him. ”I know what you're going to say, José.”

”I'm glad you know, Jorge. I'm afraid it will be very awkward for me to meet the Forest team manager... ”

Mendes smiled, ”I know how you are, José. Just help me this once.”

Mourinho was silent for a moment. ”Is it because Pepe can't get a work permit?”

”Yes. I had a little trouble when I helped Pepe apply for Portuguese citizenship.”

”You want me to help you add another strong opponent against Chelsea?”

This remark interested Mendes greatly. ”Since when do you put Nottingham Forest on your list of opponents? I remember what you said last season. 'They were just plain lucky!'”

Mourinho pulled a face. ”I just don't like them. But that guy, Twain, does have some ability.”

”Since you think Pepe's joining will enhance the strength of the Forest team, why didn't you ask me for Pepe this summer? You insisted on Porto's purchase of Pepe at the time.”

”I have Terry and Carvalho. Pepe isn't up to their level yet. And...” Mourinho looked at the transfer list he had been working on just now. ”Mr. Abramovich prefers beautiful football. He does not like defensive players.”

”Since that's the case... we don't know if Pepe can reach Terry's level. Maybe he can succeed in the Premier League, maybe not. Who knows? Do me this favor, José.”

Mourinho felt that the Portuguese super-agent must have his reasons to be so eager to do this. However, he knew that it was Mendes' personal business. He and Mendes were friends. Those business matters were not his concern. After being silent for a long time, Mourinho asked, ”When is this hearing?”

※※※

Mendes passed all the information about Pepe to Twain. He even included the transfer offer that the Turkish Süper Lig top-flight team, Galatasaray S.K., proposed to Marítimo when he had played for Marítimo. This could also prove Pepe's ability.

However, Twain frowned when he read the information. The details of the materials were meticulous, but there was still a lack of strong conclusive proof that could convince the officials in the Football Association of Pepe's abilities. Pepe had not received any awards with an intercontinental reputation. He did not represent the Brazilian national youth team in the FIFA U-20 World Cup or the UEFA U-17 European Championship. He had not received any Portugal Rookie of the Year award, the World's best youth team, or any other honors. His title of the captain of the Marítimo youth team was not even worth mentioning in front of the English Football Association.

Like Twain, Manchester United's manager, Ferguson, faced the predicament of a work permit. He wanted to usher in from PSV Eindhoven the South Korea national footballer, Park Ji-sung. However, because of Park Ji-sung's injury for the last two years, he had not represented the South Korean national team in at least 75% of the competitive ”A” team matches. There he could not obtain a work permit. Now Manchester United was conducting a search for people to gather information in their preparations to use the ”exceptional talent clause” for their appeal. They were said to be in contact with the PSV Eindhoven coach and former South Korea national coach, Guus Hiddink. As long as Hiddink could testify, then by virtue of his position and influence in international football circles, Park Ji-sung's title as an ”exceptional talent” would be affirmed and his work permit would be a cinch.

Manchester United could get Hiddink for Park Ji-sung. But who could the Forest team find for Pepe?

Mendes said yesterday that he could find someone to testify for Pepe, but he did not state who it was. This made Twain doubtful. The vague answer did not assure him.

The cell phone on the table rang, and it was a call from Mendes. Twain grabbed the phone. ”Mr. Mendes?”

”Good news, Mr. Twain. I found someone willing to testify for Pepe. The former Porto boss, Mr. José Mourinho.”

After he heard the name, Twain held the cell phone for a long while without moving. But Mendes had anticipated his reaction. As one of the closest people to Mourinho, how could he not know the relationship between Mourinho and Twain?

The only regrettable thing now was he could not appear in front of Twain and see the look on the young manager's face. It must be very interesting.