On July 5, Manchester City regrouped. Except for the national team players who participated in the World Cup, all other players returned to the squad. After gathering in Manchester, they underwent their first medical check-up following the start of training camp.
As Manchester City had accepted an invitation from their American sponsors to play warm-up matches in North America this summer, Gao Shen and the coaching staff decided to hold the summer training camp in Portland, USA.
This was also part of Manchester City's broader plan to expand into the American market.
With the experience gained from last season and the strength of this season's squad, Gao Shen and his coaching team were very confident they could make progress on multiple fronts and strive for better results.
Especially in the Champions League.
This was not only a competition Gao Shen valued highly, but also the one Manchester City's management was most focused on.
Because of this, the coaching staff placed great emphasis on summer training.
Carlo, Buenaventura, and Pintus spent a long time carefully crafting a summer training plan for the team, including physical conditioning and status adjustments for national team players returning from the World Cup.
…
As Manchester City departed for training in the United States, the World Cup was drawing to a close.
In the end, the Netherlands and Spain met in the final.
The two sides remained tied 0-0 in the first half, but it was clear that Robben's performance was better than in his previous life.
In the 62nd minute of the second half, the Dutchman broke the offside trap and scored the opening goal for the Netherlands.
But soon after, Sneijder, who had assisted Robben, made a passing error that gifted the ball to David Villa, who slotted home the equalizer for Spain.
In the 83rd minute, the Netherlands launched another quick counterattack. Robben dribbled at high speed into the box, got past Puyol, and delivered a low cross with his left foot. Van Persie charged forward and calmly finished the move with a precise strike into the net.
But in stoppage time, just when it mattered most, Iniesta scored to level the match again for Spain.
Even after extra time, neither side was able to score.
In the penalty shootout, Casillas was heroic, saving three penalties and helping Spain defeat the Netherlands to win the World Cup.
It's worth mentioning that several of Manchester City's new signings performed well at the World Cup.
Yaya Toure and Lichtsteiner were solid in the group stage, but the most eye-catching was Jerome Boateng.
The young defender was deployed by Löw on the right and delivered an impressive performance, especially in the semi-final against Spain. He was Germany's standout player, locking down the right flank and completely nullifying Spain's left-side attack.
Later, in the third-place playoff against his club teammate Suarez, Boateng continued to play steadily. Not only was he strong defensively, but he also frequently pushed forward and delivered several high-quality crosses.
In the 56th minute, it was Boateng's right-wing cross that curled perfectly to meet Jansen's head, deflecting into Uruguay's goal.
Germany went on to beat Uruguay 3-2.
Thanks to his excellent World Cup performances, Boateng proved his quality to the world.
Ten million euros. For Manchester City to secure such a talent at that price, their scouting vision was once again widely recognized. Everyone was now convinced that Boateng would have an important role at City in the new season.
…
While the world's attention was focused on newly crowned champions Spain, Gao Shen handed over the Portland training camp to Carlo, with assistance from Buenaventura and Pintus.
He quietly left Portland with Brian Kidd and Lucas, flying to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Of course, his trip was not to visit Amsterdam's red-light district, but to meet someone.
The Dutch national team had returned home quietly after their loss in South Africa.
Although being World Cup runners-up is a respectable achievement, for the Oranje, it was still a disappointment.
That's normal. No team that reaches the final is ever satisfied with finishing second.
Since all domestic leagues had already begun preparations for the new season, the national team disbanded upon returning home.
That night, Gao Shen met the target of his trip in a high-end hotel in Amsterdam.
Robin van Persie.
He was the exciting star Gao Shen had previously mentioned!
…
Both Manchester City and Arsenal kept Van Persie's transfer negotiations confidential, and they did a very good job keeping it under wraps.
Arsenal's main concern was the fans' reaction.
Logically speaking, in a typical transfer, if Arsenal were open to selling, they should have attracted more buyers to drive the price up. But Manchester City made a one-time offer that was hard to refuse.
Van Persie's market value was estimated at around 18 to 20 million euros by the media, far lower than Arsenal's top stars, captain Fabregas and in-form striker Adebayor.
But Manchester City offered 30 million euros, an offer Arsenal found hard to reject.
Looking across European football, there was likely no other club willing to match Manchester City's offer.
Arsenal's situation was indeed difficult, especially when it came to keeping their players.
They missed out on Champions League qualification, lost tens of millions in revenue, and struggled to retain top talent. After serious deliberation, Arsenal and Wenger decided to let Van Persie go.
Gao Shen had made this special trip to Amsterdam to complete the final and most critical step of the transfer.
Convincing Van Persie!
…
Van Persie was no stranger to Gao Shen, and through his agent, he had already learned about Arsenal's stance and situation.
Selling was now Arsenal's only option.
Van Persie also understood Wenger's and the club's position. Joining Manchester City seemed like a good move.
The bigger issue was that Manchester City already had Suarez.
The Uruguayan striker had been impressive both in the Premier League last season and at this World Cup.
While still with the Dutch national team, Van Persie had even asked Robben about Suarez. If he were being honest with himself, he wasn't confident that he could definitely beat Suarez and secure the main striker role at City.
Not to mention, Sturridge and Giroud had also performed well last season.
Under these conditions, joining Manchester City meant facing stiff competition.
Gao Shen was well aware of Van Persie's concerns, but he told him bluntly that all championship-caliber teams face fierce internal competition.
"If a title-challenging team promises you a guaranteed starting spot, then I can tell you very clearly, that team has no future or at least, not a very bright one!"
Van Persie had to admit that Gao Shen had a point.
Speaking about Manchester City's new season, Gao Shen confidently stated that the team wasn't just aiming for the Premier League title.
"Just look at how aggressively we've signed players this summer, and the level of those players. If our goal were only the Premier League, we wouldn't need to sign this many top players."
"I can say with confidence that with last season's squad, I'd still be confident about defending the Premier League title this season!"
Gao Shen's self-assurance even surprised Van Persie a little.
After the surprise faded, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.
They were both young. Van Persie wasn't much younger than Gao Shen, but Gao Shen was already a world-class manager.
And Van Persie?
He was confident in his ability, but he wasn't among Europe's top stars, he was maybe third or fourth in Arsenal's pecking order.
"Our goal at Manchester City next season is to compete in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Even in domestic competitions, we'll be pushing hard. So we need a strong, competitive squad to handle battles on multiple fronts."
"So, I think the question you should consider is whether you want to stay in your comfort zone at Arsenal, or come to Manchester City to take on a new challenge and create something new with us."
Gao Shen's words were very inspiring.
Van Persie had joined Arsenal in 2004. At that time, he was still a troubled teenager. He came to the Premier League full of hope, joining a Gunners team that had just completed an unbeaten title-winning campaign.
Back then, everyone thought he would follow in Henry's footsteps and lead Arsenal to glory.
Even now, many still hoped he would become the next Henry.
But he knew he wasn't.
Not only were their playing styles different, but their achievements also didn't compare. Over the years, Van Persie had only won a Community Shield and an FA Cup with Arsenal. Individually, he had two Player of the Month awards and one assist title. That was it.
Now about to turn 27, staying at Arsenal would likely bring no further progress.
Because Manchester City had risen.
The power structure of the Premier League had been completely overturned.
If he had ambition, if he wanted success and to win titles, then he had to join a team capable of winning.
As Gao Shen said—either stay in your comfort zone or face challenges head-on.
Thinking of this, Van Persie raised his head and looked deeply at Gao Shen.
"Mr. Gao, how competitive do you think Manchester City will be in the Champions League this season?" Van Persie asked seriously.
Gao Shen curled his lips slightly, secretly excited, and smiled.
"Stronger than Napoli two years ago!"
Two years ago, Gao Shen had led Napoli to the Serie A treble.
It was the first treble in Serie A history.
Now, he said Manchester City was stronger than that Napoli squad, and Van Persie's doubts vanished.
"Thank you, Mr. Gao!" Van Persie said as he stood and extended his right hand.
Though he was left-footed, Gao Shen was right-handed.
"I'm willing to join Manchester City!"
(To be continued.)
***
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