My Football Legends Chat Group-Chapter 41: The Ronaldo Chop

Carlos frowned. The fact that the Manchester United scout had only brought up Mateo could only mean that they had passed on Rio for whatever reason. He had probably asked for Carlos’s help because they were worried Mateo would decline if they didn’t select his best friend.

He didn’t have to think for long before giving an answer.

"My son and his friend are both old enough to make decisions for themselves, I won’t interfere." Carlos stated, his tone cold.

Inwardly, he was devastated that Rio was being left out, not because he wanted him to leave Leeds immediately. But because he knew how much Rio had worked to improve himself in the span of a few months after being rejected by so many academies in Spain.

Now that he knew the reason for the scout’s hesitation—Rio’s frame—it was even more heartbreaking to hear.

However, Rio had gone this far on his own merit, so Carlos decided not to pity him. He would continue to support him in the background, no matter what decision he made.

His gaze moved to the field where both his boys were celebrating the victory with giant smiles on their faces, ignoring the mud and the rain. He wondered if they would ever get to play together on the same team again in the future if a giant like United came calling.

The scout seemed to have expected the response as a wry smile formed on his face. He had no doubt that if he offered both of the boys a trial, Carlos wouldn’t have hesitated to put a word in for him.

However, the reality was that they only wanted the "Rolls Royce."

He produced a card from his coat pocket and respectfully handed it to Carlos. "We will send the letter to his agent, but here is my card in case you need anything."

Rio and Mateo, who were celebrating on the field, happened to look up into the stands where Carlos was. They saw an unfamiliar man in a sleek suit handing over a business card before walking away.

Rio’s eyes lit up while Mateo seemed to be confused.

"Who was that suit talking to your Dad?" He asked.

"I think it might have been one of the Premier League scouts!" Rio exclaimed, feeling a sense of excitement flood through his body.

"But why would they be talking to your Dad?"

"Maybe it’s about us? Dad knows a lot of people in the industry so I wouldn’t be surprised."

Mateo was a little skeptical, however, he chose to humor his best friend for now. They had still yet to finish the post-match cooldown considering the physio was calling them over.

After the cooldown, Summerville came up to them and high-fived Rio. Piroe gave Mateo a nod of respect, while Bamford managed to crack a joke about the English weather. However, the Harrogate players kept up their bad attitude and walked straight down the tunnel without shaking hands.

Since the game had ended, Rio had managed to regain his stamina. He was like a true professional, blitzing through the post-match interviews with ease despite his broken English.

While his answers weren’t as fluent as his Spanish in the previous interviews, they were still very much charming. Along with Mateo’s shy smiles, they managed to win over the local journalists to end the day.

The score was currently 2-1 in favor of Leeds United.

This didn’t change the fact that they were exhausted. Rio hit the showers afterwards, but was promptly almost slipping on the wet tiles which resulted in a near-death experience.

Thus the mood jumped to hilarity with Summerville crying with laughter in the corner of the locker room.

Despite the fun atmosphere, none of the Leeds players looked complacent. Manager Farke especially seemed as if he had walked onto the battlefield. He looked like a solitary general as he stood near the door, his stern frame casting a long shadow on the room.

Rio stared at him near the tactics board and could only let out a smile. He knew that this man didn’t need any words of encouragement, he was primed and ready to push them for the Championship title.

All he needed to do was lead properly for one more season and they would be crowned the champions of the second division.

Farke didn’t disappoint, sending a stern gaze straight into Rio’s eyes. The weight of the manager’s expectations seemed to echo in the locker room, sending the young winger into focus mode.

’W-What the hell is this guy on? Hasn’t he smiled once already?’

Rio felt incredulous, seeing that the Manager was still able to be so serious despite winning the first game of pre-season. He tried to hide behind Mateo in order to avoid eye contact, however, a booming voice zoomed in and caused him to freeze.

"Rio!"

A cheer rang out from the squad in response to the manager calling him out.

"Speech! Speech!"

"You can do it, Speedster!"

Spurned on by the words of his teammates, Rio’s eyes glimmered. The next 3 sentences were deadly confident, making the veteran players look as if they were impressed.

"We played well today. But this is just the start. We are going to the Premier League!"

The entire squad cheered as they watched their new signing stand on the bench with his head held high in victory. There were already tears of laughter welling up in Summerville’s eyes at the dramatic pose.

The captain Liam Cooper wasn’t in any better condition, approaching the rookie with his shoulders shaking, seemingly already defeated by the cringe.

"KEEP YOUR HEAD UP! IT’S NOT OVER YET!"

A shout came from the Chat Room. A legendary figure who Rio could only assume was Maradona was typing out on the screen in his mind.

[Chat Room Active]

Hand_Of_King: You tell them, kid! Premier League or death! I love the passion!

Total_Football_14: A good speech. But remember, words are cheap. You must show them on the pitch every week.

Zizou_5: And maybe don’t stand on the bench with muddy boots. The kit man will kill you.

Rio looked down at his boots. Mud was everywhere.

"Shit," he whispered.

"GET OFF THE BENCH!"

The kit man roared out, showcasing his fighting spirit and unwillingness to clean extra mud. The kit man’s words were like a spark which ignited the fear within the team.

Rio couldn’t help but feel for the kit man. He had been in the same situation many times with his mom, yet there could only be one winner in the end.

THUD.

"Sorry!"

SPLASH.

"My boots!"

SCREAM.

"Rio, you idiot!"

Rio jumped off the bench, slipping on a stray water bottle and crashing into the laundry basket. The room erupted in chaos and laughter once more.

Carlos waited outside the stadium, shivering slightly in the evening chill. He checked his watch. The boys should be out any minute.

Bill, the old fan, walked past him, munching on a bag of chips.

"Still here, mate?" Bill asked.

"Waiting for the stars," Carlos grinned.

"They played well. Your lad... he’s got something," Bill admitted, offering a chip. "Just tell him to eat more pies. He needs some meat on those bones."

"I will tell him," Carlos laughed, declining the chip.

Just then, the doors opened. Rio and Mateo walked out, hair wet, bags slung over their shoulders. They looked tired but happy.

"Dad!" Rio shouted, running over.

"Hey, champion," Carlos hugged him tight. "And you too, Mateo. That goal was beautiful."

"Did you see the scout?" Rio asked immediately, eyes wide. "The guy in the suit?"

Carlos hesitated. He looked at Mateo, then at Rio. He saw the excitement in their eyes.

"Yes," Carlos said slowly. "I spoke to him."

"And?" Rio pressed. "Was he from United? Or City? Or Liverpool?"

"He was from Manchester United," Carlos admitted.

"Yes!" Rio punched the air. "I knew it! They saw the nutmeg! What did he say? Does he want me?"

Carlos took a deep breath. He hated lying, but he also hated breaking hearts.

"He said... he said he liked the team’s spirit," Carlos said carefully. "And he gave me his card for Mateo."

Rio froze. His hand dropped to his side.

"For... Mateo?"

Mateo looked shocked. "Me?"

"Yes," Carlos nodded, handing the card to Mateo. "He said you have the engine of a Rolls Royce."

There was a silence. The wind howled around the empty stadium.

Rio stared at the card in Mateo’s hand. He felt a pang in his chest. A sharp, ugly twist of jealousy.

Why Mateo? Rio had done the nutmeg. Rio had made the assist. Rio had the System.

But then he looked at Mateo. His best friend looked terrified, holding the card like it was a bomb.

"I... I don’t want it," Mateo stammered, trying to give it back. "Rio played better. He should have it."

Rio looked at Mateo’s face. The fear, the loyalty.

The jealousy vanished. Replaced by something warmer.

"Don’t be stupid," Rio grinned, shoving the card back into Mateo’s chest. "You scored the winner, idiot. Of course they want you."

"But..."

"But nothing," Rio wrapped an arm around Mateo’s neck. "Rolls Royce, huh? Does that mean I’m the Ferrari?"

Mateo laughed, the tension breaking. "You’re more like a Fiat. Fast but unreliable."

"Hey!"

Carlos watched them, smiling. His boys were growing up.

"Come on," Carlos said, guiding them to the taxi. "Let’s go home. I promised Leo I’d bring pizza."

As they walked, Rio glanced back at the stadium one last time.

He didn’t get the card. He didn’t get the scout’s praise.

But he had the assist. He had the win.

And he had a new mission notification blinking in his vision.

DING

#NEW MISSION: The Shadow of Old Trafford

DESCRIPTION: The scout chose your friend. The world thinks you are too small. Prove them wrong. Make them regret ignoring the Ferrari.

Task 1: Score 10 Goals in the Championship

REWARD:

Skill: The Ronaldo Chop (A-Grade)

Unlock: "The Manchester United Trial" Scenario

Rio smiled in the dark.