Godfather Of Champions

Evan decided to learn from AC Milan, to learn their culture of a “big family.” If possible, he hoped to bring back all those who had played for Forest before and have them continue contributing to Forest from outside the field, whether it was as a manager, a scout, or in the administrative field.

Of course, having a plan was wonderful. But, there were many other factors to be considered in carrying it out. They would start with managing the daily needs of the players.

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After the confirmation of Pepe’s transfer, the Forest Team submitted his information to the English Football Association for record-keeping and the application for a work permit.

However, they received two pieces of bad news four days later.

The English FA rejected Pepe’s work permit application as Nottingham Forest’s newly signed player. The reason was what Tang En had been worried about all along: Pepe’s citizenship issue.

According to Portugal’s legal regulations, so long as the individual applying had resided in Portugal for a full six years, they would be able to pass the series of reviews and obtain Portuguese citizenship. However, the process required time. Based on the procedures listed out by the Portuguese government, Pepe did not have any hope of obtaining citizenship before the closure of the summer transfer window.

Jorges Mendes related the situation to Tang En apologetically over the phone. The news had caught Mendes unawares. Originally, he had thought that he would be able to “expedite” Pepe’s application with his influence. Unexpectedly, the Portuguese government intended on reviewing and passing a new set of “Nationality Laws.” The reviews of Portuguese citizenship applications from foreign immigrants had been tightened to the point where there was no space for negotiation; they could only do it step-by-step as required by the procedure.

Mendes politely said that he would try to think of a way, but Tang En had already lost hope in the matter. After putting down the phone, he cursed. “F**king bureaucracy.”

Dunn, who had been watching tapes, turned around to give him a strange look. Without paying him any heed, Tang En dipped his head and made a call to Evan Doughty.

“Evan. I’ve got bad news. Do you want to hear it?”

Evan laughed wryly on the other side. “I already know, Tony. FC Porto just called to inform us. We have to either cancel the transfer or delay it to the same time next year. What are your thoughts?”

From all appearances, the second option sounded good; it was only a delay of a year. However, from a practical perspective, those two options were unacceptable. Disregarding the double impact caused to the teams by suddenly announcing the delayed transfer by a year, Forest was going to go into battle in the new season of the Champions League. In the new season, with Hierro’s retirement and the situation of Tang En being unable to entirely trust Matthew Upson, what was the use of delaying the entry of a player who he planned to be included in the team? They had to waste an entire season waiting for a single person?

“Both are unacceptable.” Tang En said decisively. “The transfer has to be done by this summer. I have to get Pepe. I’ve decided to use the Exceptional Talent Clause for Pepe to apply for his worker permit.”

Dunn, who had been listening in, was shocked. He knew what it meant for Tang En to activate the Exceptional Talent Clause, which could only be used once in an entire season. To activate that precious clause for a defender? Was Tang En crazy?

Over the phone, Evan evidently had the same thoughts as Dunn. Shocked, he said, “Are you crazy, Tony? He’s only a fullback!”

“Can’t fullbacks also be geniuses, Evan?” Tang En shot back. “We can search in the EU players for the other positions. But for Pepe, if we don’t take him now, I guarantee we’ll regret it. So long as we give him an opportunity, groom him, and trust him, he will become a world-class fullback! Then, we can proudly announce that this world-class defender came from Nottingham Forest Club!”

The other side of the phone fell into silence. Dunn waited quietly as well.

After a long while, Evan Doughty’s voice sounded. “Alright, Tony. You have full say over the matters of the team. If you think doing this is worth it, then go ahead.”

“Thank you, Evan.” Tang En realized that he had seemed overly forceful before his club’s chairman. After gaining the result he wanted, he made sure to get a good gauge of Evan’s feelings. “In two years’ time, I believe you’ll be very happy.”

Ending the call with the chairman, Tang En found Dunn staring at him.

“What’s the matter?”

“You’re that sure this Brazilian would become a world-class fullback?” Dunn asked.

“No, I’m not certain. Not at all.” Tang En answered with a shake of his head. “I’m only betting. His chances of success and failure are both 50%. It’s half-and-half.” This was the truth. Even Tang En, who had transmigrated, could not be certain that the players he was familiar with could be as successful in this world. His arrival had, in most instances, created too many variables.

“I don’t like to gamble,” Dunn said, returning to his never-ending stream of videos.

Tang En shrugged behind him. “I like the thrill of making a bet.” Then, he dipped his head again to dial Pepe’s agent, Jorges Mendes.

“Mr. Mendes. We’ve decided to use the Exceptional Talent Clause to apply for Pepe’s work permit. We need you to provide all the information you have on him.”

Like the other two, Mendes was taken aback. He had heard about the two suggestions provided by FC Porto. Wouldn’t a more normal person pick the second option? But if he could seal the deal now, he would be more than happy to. After all, Forest was the one who had to go through the trouble, not him. So, he nodded and said, “No problem. We have all the information; even during his period of play in Corinthians Alagoano.”

Tang En was glad of Mendes’ cooperation with him. “Thank you, Mr. Mendes. Additionally, if possible, it’ll be best if you are able to find someone with considerable influence in the scene to testify to Pepe’s capabilities. That way, his chances of getting through will be much better.”

“Someone with considerable influence?” Mendes said, pondering. “I have someone in mind. Whether it is his influence, ability, or qualifications… he’s exceptional.”