The stands were packed with fans, who had a surprise prepared for Guti and Raul, the two Spanish players. It was a Spanish flag formed by the fans, which, when flipped, became the Real Madrid crest, and finally spelled out the names of Guti and Raul.

On the electronic screen, highlights of Raul and Guti began to play, while the fans in the stands watched and sang “Hala Madrid” in unison.

An epic feeling echoed throughout the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, and amidst the chants of Hala Madrid, the restless hearts of the Merengues gradually calmed, becoming united once again.

After the singing stopped, Florentino gave a speech, recounting the honors these two had brought to Real Madrid, and then gave up his spot.

The broadcast then called out Raul’s name, followed by Guti’s.

The two were dressed in black suits and white shirts, but both wore Real Madrid scarves around their necks, unable to hold back their tears under the gaze of countless fans.

With thunderous applause, the two stepped onto the stage that had been set up.

The white lights shone on them, and at that moment, many fans couldn’t help but shed tears.

“Stay!”

“Don’t leave!”

“You should retire here!”

Sporadic fans shouted their names, pleading for them to stay, but all of this quieted down as Raul’s microphone made a sound.

People turned their eyes to this Bernabeu darling, The Lord of the Rings himself.

The signs of age seemed to fade from Raul and Guti’s faces, as if returning to their youthful days.

Yes! In the blink of an eye, so much time had passed, and they were about to leave…

Raul stood under the spotlight, behind him were trophies symbolizing honor, and not far away stood Guti, waiting to come on stage. Guti occasionally wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, while Raul tilted his head slightly, taking deep breaths to calm his emotions.

“I… I…”

Two simple words followed by a wave of uncontrollable sadness; after calming his emotions again, Raul said, “For me, this is definitely a difficult day.”

“In my career at Real Madrid, I dedicated… I dedicated everything I have.”

“I am grateful to the club, and to those who have supported me. I will never forget you. I have thought about whether I should retire at this point, but I am sure I still want to play. This is not betrayal, but…”

Raul couldn’t help but choke up, calming down again before continuing, “It is living up to what I once said.”

“I always hoped to make the club better.”

“If, if there comes a day when the club stalls because of me, requiring my sacrifice, then if it makes the club better, I will leave…”

Raul gradually calmed his emotions and slowly got into the flow.

“The time has come.”

“I saw those banners in the stadium, people hoping for me to stay, and I also wish to.”

“But, the time has come.” Raul paused for a moment, lowered his head, wiping the tears from the corners of his eyes with his hand, seemingly wanting to say something, but not knowing what to say.

The new battleship no longer had a place for him.

He still “lingered” here, reluctant to end it so quickly, because if it were to end, then he would truly no longer be a Real Madrid player.

Guti watched Raul from the side; after hesitating for a moment, he stepped forward to pat Raul on the shoulder.

Raul looked at Guti, relinquished his place, stepped to the side, and the camera focused on Raul’s face, showing his cheeks stained with tears.

The Wolf King, Guti, stood in front of the microphone, seemingly having cried enough already. Standing in the front, he was much calmer now.

“I joined the Real Madrid youth team when I was 9 years old, and now I’m 32.”

“I’ve devoted half of my life to this team. I love it dearly, cherishing the beautiful and challenging times we’ve shared.”

“24 years of emotions are indescribable.”

“But the team needs me to make room for young players, and I also want to continue playing.”

“Hence, I am willing to end my contract two years early with Real Madrid.”

Guti lowered his head at this point, thinking about those young lads.

Granero, Parejo, Chen Zhong.

These juniors could already leave me, their senior, in the dust on the beach…

I really envy them for having Chen Zhong!

With Chen Zhong’s “backing,” they were able to play at Real Madrid at this age!

Even sent me, “the boss,” packing, truly a group of brats.

Guti wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, raised his head, and said, “No matter where I go in the future, my heart that beats for Real Madrid will not change.”

“If…”

“If someday I return to Bernabeu.”

“I can’t imagine what kind of strange feeling it would be in the away team’s locker room, but I must learn to face reality.”

Behind Raul and Guti stood 16 trophies, specially arranged by Real Madrid, representing all the honors they earned while serving the club.

Guti stood before the trophies, trying to feign casualness under the spotlight, as if he didn’t care, but the tears repeatedly moistened his eyes.

Finally, he grasped the microphone before him with one hand, shouting like a defiant youth, “Chen!”

Heavy breathing echoed in the microphone, and Guti finally whispered, “It’s all up to you now, kid.”

At that moment, Raul also stepped to the front, embraced Guti, and with the microphone in hand, said, “It’s all up to you, Chen!”

Chaotic sounds came from the stands, but eventually united into the singing of “Hala Madrid,” Raul and Guti’s final call, to some extent, quelled the fans’ division.

As Real Madrid’s former captain and vice-captain, they recognized Chen Zhong taking over the flag from their hands.

Although not directly stated, their words clearly expressed endorsement that Chen Zhong’s leadership would make the team better as they departed.

Florentino watched Raul and Guti from the sidelines.

His eyes were also filled with emotions.

He never imagined “cleansing” these two would be so simple and effortless.

Like they voluntarily cleaned their necks for him to slaughter.

Both of them understood, and automatically surrendered their right to stay, one with a lifelong contract, the other with two years left, yet both resolutely opted for a free release without compensation.

How did they put it?

Let this money become the nourishment that makes Real Madrid shine brighter!

Approximately, that’s what they meant!

Florentino stepped to the front and once again took the microphone.

All previous noises completely disappeared.

No one was calling Raul and Guti’s names; the Merengues quietly listened, wanting to hear what this “restorer” had to say.

“I met them both in 2000.”

“I have always had a dream that all players at this club embody the spirit and qualities of Raul and Guti.”

“Only then can Real Madrid’s value be fully reflected.”

“We will never forget Raul! Nor will we forget Guti.”

“They are part of Real Madrid’s history, great legends, who brought honor to Real Madrid, gained respect, and influenced a massive number of fans.”

There was some commotion on the stands, and Florentino, knowledgeable in the art of language, waited for the commotion to settle before continuing his speech.

“Recently, some things have happened in the club.”

“I have consulted him.”

“Consulted Chen’s opinion.”

“Whether he will step back, or move forward!”

“He told me!”

“His name is Chen Zhong!”

“‘Zhong,’ in their country, has two meanings: one is repetition, the other is weight.”

The spotlight focused on Florentino, and fans worldwide watching on TV tightly fixated on him.

Florentino’s face flushed red, and in a deep, powerful voice, he increased his volume, saying, “He told me his ‘Zhong’ means weight, and to be king, one must bear the weight of the crown.”

“I asked him!”

“People outside don’t support this.”

“But he told me!”

“Real Madrid would not back down because of hardships.”

“We would not fear powerful enemies and daunting challenges!”

“Today!”

“I want to introduce to you, and to all fans watching this live broadcast.”

“The new captain of the team, number 10 player, Real Madrid’s future banner!”

“Chen Zhong!”

“Hala Madrid!!!!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep