462 The King of the Goal Area (2/2)
”How are you, Allan.”
When the other party had seated, Allan Adams smiled. ”We're very happy that Manchester United has agreed to our transfer offer so that we can finally sit down and have a face-to-face. Nottingham Forest has been interested in you for a very long time, Ruud.”
Van Nistelrooy nodded.
”But before we get down to the specifics, we still have to wait for one more person to come. He's more familiar with these things than me; I'm just the marketing manager.”
When he heard Allan say that, van Nistelrooy glanced at his agent, Roger Linse. He nodded to him to indicate that there was indeed another person.
In that case, who was this person?
Van Nistelrooy's misgivings had not dissipated before the door was opened by the waiter. Then the three men sitting inside saw a man rush in, covered in sweat.
”I'm so sorry. The damn traffic jam!” He grumbled as he wiped the sweat on his bowed head.
”Tony, we have guests.” Allan Adams awkwardly reminded him.
”Oh…” Twain looked up and saw van Nistelrooy and his agent sitting across from him, and was a little embarrassed. ”I'm really sorry, it was a slip of the tongue.”
With that, he went over and held out his hand towards van Nistelrooy, ”There's a traffic jam on the road. I should have arrived first. How do you do, Ruud, I'm-”
”Tony Twain. We all know each other, there's no need for introduction.” Van Nistelrooy smiled and shook Twain's hand. He was still a little surprised that the Nottingham Forest manager would come all the way here himself. Under such circumstances, he would actually only need to make a phone call.
Twain shook hands with Linse before he sat down.
”Where were we just now?”
”You came in at the right time, Tony. We got up to where you need to come in and explain.” Allan said to Twain.
Upon hearing that, Twain nodded and took a thick stack of papers from his briefcase. He handed them to van Nistelrooy and said, ”We've been watching you since early on, Ruud. Last season, before and during the World Cup… these are the relevant reports given to me by my scouts and assistant coaches.”
Van Nistelrooy briefly looked through them, and sure enough, it was all about him. Every aspect of him was in there, his condition and performance in games… it was all there. It looked like when the Forest team talked about their interest in him, it was definitely not just words.
”I'm not good at telling those lies, using exaggeration and giving empty talks. Let's get straight to the subject, Ruud. I believe you've also seen the results of the Forest team last season. But my goal and that of the team is not only like last season. To be the runners-up for the English Premier League and Champions League was definitely not a success for me, but a failure. I need to boost the team's results to the next level in the new season. So, we need to strengthen our team, and our three lines need to be reloaded. First of all, starting from the front line, we need a dominant center forward in the penalty area, especially within the goal area. Ruud, I think you are the best fit for this position in the entire football world. Real Madrid's new manager, Capello, has said the best center forward he has in mind is Trezeguet. But you are the best center forward in the world in my mind.”
Twain spoke sincerely and locked his eyes with Van Nistelrooy as he spoke, making him believe every word he said.
”We know there are others competing for you. But I think the English Premier League is the best place for you. You've been in it for five years, you're used to the pace of the game here and the way you play. Everything. Is there any reason to start again in a new league? Furthermore...” Twain looked van Nistelrooy in the eye and said, ”I think by staying in England, you'll have a chance to prove to Manchester United that it was a big mistake to give up on you.”
After he listened to Twain's remarks, Ruud van Nistelrooy turned his head to look at his agent, Roger Linse. The two men exchanged a look. Then, he turned his head to Twain and said with a smile, ”You've covered everything. What else can I add?”
Thereafter, Roger Linse said to Twain and Allan, ”We thank the Forest club for the careful analysis of Ruud. It reflects your sense of responsibility and sincerity. We also did some research of our own on the Forest team. Ruud was touched by the sincerity of Nottingham Forest among the clubs that came knocking at his door. Ruud had intended to return to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. But after listening to Manager Twain's expectations for the future, he has the renewed idea of staying in the world's top league again. He has entrusted me to discuss the specific terms of his contract with your club.”
The meaning of his remark could not have been clearer.
When they heard Linse, Twain and Allan looked at each other and saw joy in each other's eyes.
”Ah, you can discuss the matter of the contract with Allan.” Twain referred to Allan Adams sitting next to him. He had successfully completed his mission.
He stood up to shake hands with Linse, and then shook hands with van Nistelrooy, ”I'm glad you're able to choose Nottingham Forest, Ruud. You will certainly not regret your choice.”
”I remember Mr. Twain saying just now how you wouldn't say pretty words.”
”Ah… Of course, these are pretty words, but they are also absolutely true. Don't believe it? After you've officially joined, you can ask your new teammates. They will be happy to tell you stories about me.”
”There are a lot of stories about you in the media. Don't tell me there are other inside stories?”
Twain glanced at Allan and Linse, who were in a discussion over the details of the contract, and then winked at van Nistelrooy with feigned mystery. ”Of course, there are lots.”
※※※
A day later, Manchester United's website announced van Nistelrooy's official transfer to Nottingham Forest, with a transfer price tag of fifteen million pounds. The article stated that the Manchester United Football Club thanked van Nistelrooy for all his contributions to the team over the past five years and wished him all the best at the new club. Ferguson did not make any statement regarding van Nistelrooy's departure and transfer.
No one expressed any surprise at the announcement. Van Nistelrooy's departure was decided before the World Cup, and it was not surprising that Nottingham Forest had beat the other rivals to win the Dutch striker's trust. After all, it was much better to continue playing in the English Premier League he was familiar with than to go to a brand-new league.
On the same day, the Nottingham Forest Football Club held a press conference to welcome van Nistelrooy's joining. At the press conference, Tony Twain, van Nistelrooy, and Evan Doughty appeared in front of numerous reporters with a Forest team red jersey emblazoned with van Nistelrooy's name and number.
The three men were full of smiles on their faces, but each for different reasons.
Evan Doughty was delighted that the team had finally ushered in a truly world-class player in his peak years. Twain was happy because a player he had always appreciated had joined the team and the team had been strengthened. And as for van Nistelrooy? His smile contained many meanings. Perhaps because he had found a new strong owner, or he had received generous terms and remuneration, or perhaps because he still had a chance to prove his ability to Ferguson.
”We are delighted that Nottingham Forest has welcomed such an outstanding player, the world's top center forward and the former Manchester United striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy.” Twain purposely used the words 'former Manchester United.'”It's going to be a four-year contract. The team and Ruud have a lot of confidence in each other. I believe that Ruud's golden years are just beginning!”