GOAT: All Football Talents Are Mine

Alfredo Di Stefano, a man who holds triple citizenship in Argentina, Spain, and Colombia, had recently returned from a vacation in Argentina and Colombia. However, his trip wasn't purely for leisure.

As the honorary president of Real Madrid, Stefano constantly kept an eye on the club's situation, even during his time off. The current state of affairs was, in his view, absurd.

The board of directors, led by Calderon, busied themselves extending the projects initiated by Perez, while coach Scolari was focused on shaping the team in his vision. Winning the Peace Cup might have been a positive outcome on the surface, but the gameplay left much to be desired.

To Stefano, the loss of Roberto Carlos and Michel Salgado had disrupted the defensive line, and Zinedine Zidane's retirement left a gaping hole in the midfield. The aura of "experience" that once brought stability had faded.

Although Xabi Alonso, one of the world's best deep-lying playmakers, had joined the team, he hadn't yet adjusted enough to handle the full responsibility of the build-up. Similarly, the second line and the attack line showed signs of disarray.

Despite Raul's leadership, the synergy between Ronaldo and Woo Ho-young hadn't fully blossomed. This imbalance provided fertile ground for media criticism.

As expected, the hostile press seized the opportunity, fabricating conspiracy theories and attacking Real Madrid.

Stefano, however, believed that the club could stabilize, and his first move upon returning to Madrid was to meet the team. Contrary to media speculation that he would meet Ronaldo first, his priority was Woo Ho-young.

---

August 3rd, Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, Valdebebas

In the quiet, empty stands of the 6,000-seat stadium, an elderly man with white hair sat beside a neatly dressed young man.

After brief greetings, Stefano spoke first.

"Time flies so fast."

Woo Ho-young remained silent, listening intently. Meeting the legendary figure one-on-one was more nerve-wracking than he had anticipated. Although they had exchanged pleasantries at holiday events, this was their first private interaction.

Stefano continued, "This is the first time we've met like this. Should I introduce myself?"

Woo Ho-young shook his head with a faint smile.

"No need. My grandfather often spoke about you. He used to say, 'Become a player like Stefano.'"

"Ah, your grandfather must have been a fan," Stefano chuckled.

"Not just a fan—he's still your biggest admirer," Woo Ho-young replied.

Stefano's laughter echoed softly before he leaned on his bronze cane and pointed to the vast field before them.

"Four years is a long time in Madrid. Many don't even last two or three years, but you've already achieved so much. However, now is when the real journey begins."

He gestured toward the field with a sweeping motion.

"Madridismo, the spirit of Juanito, the fight of the whites—all of it converges here at Real Madrid. But…" Stefano paused, his gaze growing intense. "It's unacceptable for such a great club to face criticism. Do you agree?"

"Of course," Woo Ho-young replied firmly. "I work harder because of my loyalty to the club."

"Loyalty?" Stefano raised an eyebrow. "In this world, loyalty is often replaced by capital. My concern isn't your loyalty."

Stefano's expression hardened as his voice deepened.

"You shouldn't be competing with Ronaldo. Competition must be between equals."

Woo Ho-young's brows furrowed slightly. "Are you saying this to me?"

"Who else?"

For a brief moment, Woo Ho-young wondered if this was a subtle request to concede the spotlight to Ronaldo. While the remark stung his pride, he managed to maintain his composure.

Stefano's next words, however, struck like lightning.

"You've chosen the wrong opponent. Compete with players of a higher caliber than Ronaldo."

Woo Ho-young's eyes widened, realizing the weight of Stefano's statement.

"No one in the world can match your ball-handling skills," Stefano continued. "Your potential surpasses Ronaldo's. You need to aim higher."

--

The conversation left Woo Ho-young inspired. As Stefano revealed glimpses of his legendary tactical insight, Woo Ho-young resolved to redefine his goals.

---

August in Madrid

As Real Madrid embarked on a world tour, starting in Toronto, Canada, coach Scolari experimented with various combinations.

The results were promising. Against Toronto FC, Real Madrid won 4-1, with stellar performances from Woo Ho-young and Raul. In their next match against DC United, Ronaldo's hat trick sealed another victory.

Gradually, the flaws exposed during the Peace Cup began to dissipate. Experts praised the growing chemistry between Woo Ho-young and Ronaldo, even as some media outlets tried to stir conflict.

Meanwhile, back in Madrid, President Calderon began restructuring the team and the result was that Real Madrid were transformed into a virtually new team.

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