I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 699 - 6: Van Nistelrooy and Specialized Improvement_3

Thomas Longero finally stated that, at the root of the problem, Mourinho doesn’t like Benzema. He wants to bring in a forward not to find a backup for Benzema, but to replace Benzema with a newcomer.Of course, even with Hamburg’s firm stance, Van Nistelrooy hasn’t conceded. The Netherlands forward still holds hope of persuading Hamburg to allow him to fulfill his dream of joining Real Madrid once again.

In such circumstances, Van Nistelrooy tries his best not to offend or anger the Hamburg Club. On Tuesday, he attended the team’s training session punctually, and the rumored "training strike rebellion" did not occur.

Van Nistelrooy and his agent Roger Lindsay have carefully prepared a strategy that does not involve a "rebellion." In any case, both Van Nistelrooy and his agent hope to resolve the relevant issues amicably.

Lindsay has been by Van Nistelrooy’s side these days and will not leave Hamburg at least until Thursday.

Keeping a low profile is one of their strategies. On Tuesday, when leaving the training ground, Van Nistelrooy still spoke cautiously: "I can’t say anything. It’s best not to say anything now. The situation remains the same."

However, before getting into his car, Van Nistelrooy expressed great interest in joining Real Madrid. He asked the Spanish journalists who were following him: "What are people in Madrid saying about this? Can you give me any information? And Chen, has he made any statements?"

When Van Nistelrooy mentioned Chen Zhong, his eyes flashed with a hint of nostalgia. He recalled their first meeting and on the training ground, that kid blocked one of his shots, just that posture...

Now, he’s quite the "big shot," too!

Van Nistelrooy’s plan is not to provoke the Hamburg higher-ups, while at the same time, his agent continues negotiations with Hamburg, exerting pressure on Hamburg’s executives.

During training, Van Nistelrooy frequently conversed with head coach Armin Fee and appeared very active, scoring three goals in a training match.

Van Nistelrooy’s teammate, former Real Madrid player Ze Roberto, stated: "We understand his desire to return to Real Madrid, but we also understand the club’s reluctance to let him go. In any case, the situation is very complicated."

Armin Fee declared at a press conference: "If it were up to me, I wouldn’t let him leave, but it’s not something I can decide alone. We need him and won’t give him a free transfer letter."

Both German and Spanish media believe that personnel changes in the Hamburg club’s higher management might significantly advance the possibility of Van Nistelrooy joining Real Madrid. The Hamburg club’s board has decided to invite Sammer to take the role of general manager, which means the current general manager Reinhardt will soon be dismissed. If Sammer thinks forced retention is pointless and keeping Van Nistelrooy makes no sense, the Netherlands forward can then join Real Madrid.

Reinhardt has only been Hamburg’s general manager for one year and has consistently failed to satisfy club chairman Hoffman. Now Hamburg is ranked only seventh in the Bundesliga, and before the halfway point of the league, they already have no chance of competing for the championship.

Reinhardt had previously firmly opposed Van Nistelrooy’s departure. Last Sunday, he also stated: "Van Nistelrooy leaving is impossible; he must complete his contract."

Marca indicated that as a player who retired early, Sammer might have a better understanding of Van Nistelrooy’s situation. Van Nistelrooy’s agent also expects that Sammer will be more lenient in negotiations.

Whether Van Nistelrooy can return to Real Madrid is also under discussion within Real Madrid itself. As the team captain, Chen Zhong will soon participate in an internal meeting where the higher-ups will decide based on Chen Zhong’s attitude if they should make an effort regarding Van Nistelrooy’s transfer.