When Arghana returned to his room with the contract, he began reading it carefully.
Whenever there was something he didn't understand, he searched for information online using his phone.
He wanted to make sure he fully understood the contents of the contract because this was a huge opportunity—though there was still room for negotiation.
As his focus was interrupted, there was a knock at the door.
He thought it might be an agent coming to offer to represent him.
However, when he opened the door, he was surprised to find someone he recognized.
A European man in his thirties, dressed in a neat suit with a briefcase in hand, was standing at the door.
"Mr. De Vries? What brings you here? Please come in," said Arghana, a bit surprised.
The man smiled warmly, shook Arghana's hand, and stepped inside.
"Thank you, Arghana. I came straight from Amsterdam to discuss something important with you."
Arghana invited the man to sit in his small living room and quickly poured him a glass of water.
"I've been following your progress at Go Ahead Eagles over the past few weeks, and I'm really impressed."
Arghana smiled at the compliment.
"Thank you. I'm just trying to give my best."
The man, who turned out to be a representative from Status Pro Sport, a football agency based in the Netherlands that focuses on Asian players, looked at the contract document on the table and said, "I know the club has offered you a contract."
Arghana looked at him attentively.
"But before you sign it, I'd like to offer you another option."
Arghana furrowed his brow. "Another option? What do you mean?"
"We've analyzed your playing style and physical characteristics," De Vries continued. "Based on our assessment, we believe you are better suited to play in an Asian league than in Europe."
He continued, "Leagues like the K-League, J-League, or even the Chinese Super League could be a better step for your career development."
Arghana paused for a moment. "But I've started to feel comfortable here, and I want to try my luck in Europe."
De Vries smiled. "I understand, Arghana. But let's talk realistically."
He looked at him seriously. "The salary offered by Go Ahead Eagles might not be enough to change your life. With the return of several key players, your starting spot on the team is not guaranteed."
Arghana listened carefully.
"If this club gets promoted, they will surely bring in more experienced players. The biggest risk is that you could lose playing time and eventually be sidelined."
Arghana nodded slowly, processing the information.
De Vries continued, "On the other hand, if you join a team in Asia, you could get more playing time and have a better opportunity to develop."
He added, "In those leagues, such as the K-League, J-League, or Chinese Super League, the competition is high, but you'll have a greater chance to become a main player. Plus, the salary is much higher."
Arghana looked at the man, starting to consider his words. "I need to think about this more deeply. This isn't an easy decision."
De Vries nodded. "Of course. I just want to make sure you have all the information before making a big decision in your career."
"If you're interested, we can arrange meetings with clubs in Asia," De Vries continued.
Then, De Vries looked at Arghana seriously.
"I've also spoken to your parents before coming here. They support whatever decision you choose."
Arghana was surprised. "My father...?" He felt the weight of that.
The unconditional support from his parents made him reflect deeply. A father's love was like a mountain, solid and boundless.
De Vries spoke more softly, "Did you know that last year, your parents sold their house and their inheritance land just so you could go abroad?"
Arghana lowered his head, his eyes feeling warm. He tried to hold back tears but eventually wiped his eyes and smiled faintly.
"Thank you for reminding me, Mr. De Vries. I'll think about it carefully."
De Vries nodded slowly. "Arghana, let's look at it realistically. A salary of 3,000 euros per month from Go Ahead Eagles won't change your life. They can't guarantee playing time for you either."
"If they get promoted, they will recruit more experienced players, and your place on the team might be at risk."
Arghana swallowed hard, absorbing the harsh reality.
"On the other hand, if you choose Asia, we can guarantee you more playing time, a higher salary, and even benefits like housing."
De Vries spoke more firmly, "Clubs in China, Korea, and Japan are very interested in quality foreign players. In three years, you could be making much more and help your family."
Arghana felt the heavy burden of the decision, not just for himself, but for his parents as well.
De Vries looked at Arghana with full conviction.
"You must choose the best path, not just for your career, but also for the people who've sacrificed for you."
Arghana took a deep breath, feeling a heavy weight on his shoulders. His career's future was now at a crossroads, and he had to choose carefully.