Real Madrid's fifth title once again sent shockwaves through Europe.

Undoubtedly, Real Madrid was now the most watched football club in all of Europe, and indeed the world.

Just as the news of the "fifth title" was gradually fading and the new season was about to begin, Real Madrid dropped another bombshell.

"Real Madrid Signs 17-Year-Old Croatian Talent!"

"Mateo Kovačić! Croatian Midfield Prodigy Joins Real Madrid!"

"Croatian Midfield Genius Kovačić to Don the White Jersey!"

"Marca"reported:

"Mateo Kovačić, from Dinamo Zagreb, known as the 'European Star-Making Factory,' has earned Real Madrid's favor with his outstanding performances and exquisite skills. The 17-year-old has successfully signed with Real Madrid, officially joining the greatest club on the planet!"

"It is reported that Kovačić is hailed in Croatia as Suker's successor. He possesses exquisite..."

In Suker's villa.

Suker looked at the newspaper and grinned.

"Suker's successor?"

Suker looked at the beaming Zorančić and the utterly bewildered Kovačić sitting across from him, and said irritably, "Since when did he become my successor? Besides, he's a midfielder; shouldn't he be Modrić's successor? You can't just spin the narrative like that!"

Zorančić smiled. "Your name works better!"

Suker shook his head helplessly.

He looked at Kovačić, who was sitting obediently beside Zorančić, looking nervous and uneasy.

Kovačić sat stiffly, but his eyes darted around, full of curiosity.

Suker couldn't help but sigh.

I said no! I said no! But this guy went and did it anyway!

Zorančić was a stubborn mule. All the guys around him were stubborn mules.

When the idea first popped up, Suker had stopped it in time, but Zorančić couldn't resist the temptation. In the end, he'd brought the 17-year-old Kovačić to Real Madrid.

What now?

In the original timeline, Kovačić didn't join Real Madrid until 2015, using Serie A as a stepping stone, gaining experience and growing a lot along the way.

But now it was only 2011!

A full four years early!

How to make up for those four missing years?

What bullshit genius!

Even a 17-year-old Suker would have warmed the bench at Real Madrid, let alone Kovačić.

Suker looked at Kovačić and asked, "Do you understand the situation right now?"

Kovačić looked confused but immediately stated, "I will train hard and strive to catch up with the first team's intensity as soon as possible!"

Give me a break!

Suker shook his head and sighed. "Zorančić, how did you get Bešić to agree? Or did you just kidnap him without permission?"

Bešić was now the national team coach, but he still had immense influence at Dinamo Zagreb.

Especially the players Bešić personally named—none could transfer without his nod.

Defying Bešić basically meant you couldn't混 in Croatian football anymore.

Would Bešić agree to let a 17-year-old Kovačić leave Dinamo Zagreb?

Impossible, even if you thought with your ass.

Too young!

Couldn't possibly adapt to the cruel competition of a top club!

This would ruin Kovačić.

It might even ruin his World Cup chances!

Thinking this, Suker gritted his teeth. "You better explain this to me clearly, or else we're not done today!"

Zorančić quickly waved his hands. "Don't get worked up. Bešić agreed!"

"Agreed?" Suker was stunned. "Did he lose his mind?"

Kovačić turned to look at Suker, his eyes wide with shock.

He dares to scold Bešić?

He himself would barely breathe around Bešić!

But this was his idol—truly amazing!

"Wait a moment!" Zorančić gave Suker a look, then turned to Kovačić. "Why don't you go outside and play for a bit? We need to talk."

"Okay~"

Kovačić was perceptive and immediately got up and left.

Once Kovačić was gone, Suker looked at Zorančić. "What's this about? Why send him away?"

Zorančić then began to explain. "Actually, before joining Real Madrid, I made arrangements with Milan."

"Loan?" Suker's eyes lit up.

Zorančić nodded. "Exactly. This transfer is first to boost his reputation and resume, then loan him to Serie A for development. I called in a lot of favors for his transfer. Both AC Milan and Inter Milan are interested in him."

Suker nodded.

Both AC Milan and Inter Milan were currently dominated by veterans needing fresh blood.

"Which Milan do you think is better?" Zorančić asked.

Suker; "Six of one, half a dozen of the other. But haven't you considered sending him to Juventus?"

"Juventus?" Zorančić pondered.

Suker; "In the past, AC Milan would have been a good choice, but now Pirlo has transferred to Juventus. If he can join Juventus and learn from Pirlo, he should develop faster. I know some people at Juventus; I can put in a word. As for Pirlo, I can also ask him to take him under his wing!"

Hearing Suker's explanation, Zorančić nodded. "A good choice indeed!"

Actually, Suker had another reason for wanting Kovačić to join Juventus.

That reason was Pogba!

The French midfielder, though lacking discipline and having some mental issues.

But technically, Impeccable!

Pogba developed under Pirlo's guidance. Adding another for Pirlo to mentor would work.

Most importantly, Juventus would dominate Serie A in the future!

Although Suker came from AC Milan, honestly, both Milan clubs would enter an absolute slump in the next decade.

Neither had many outstanding players.

Playing with a bunch of mediocre players would only make you worse, and there'd be little competitive pressure.

But at Juventus, it was different.

Not only would there be appropriate pressure, but with Pogba and Pirlo's guidance, he might even improve further.

Suker was going all out to develop Kovačić for his own sake.

By the 2018 World Cup, Suker and Modrić would be over 30. Most of the current Croatian national team players would have various issues.

Suker believed that around 2016, the Croatian national team would undergo a renewal.

Then, younger players like Kovačić, Brozović, Perišić, Vida, Lovren would come in handy.

"If it's a winter window loan, you need to contact Juventus now. But you've already talked to Milan..."

Suker pondered.

Zorančić waved his hand. "No problem, I can give them Brozović instead."

Suker grinned.

This guy had quite a few potential stars under his wing.

"Then I'll go to Italy now to discuss the loan," Zorančić said, a man of action. Once decided, he immediately got moving.

Suker was taken aback. He pointed outside. "What about the kid?"

Zorančić blinked, then looked at Suker awkwardly. "Well, I haven't found him a place to stay yet, and it's not safe for a minor to live alone. Can you look after him for me?"

Suker's eyes widened. "Are you out of your mind? Me, babysit? No way, take him with you!"

"But he really has nowhere to go!"

"Real Madrid has a dormitory; let him stay there!"

"He's just a kid!"

"Not my problem!"

"He can help you in the future!"

"..."

"These young players are hope! The more you invest now, the faster they grow. Just take care of him for a few days. Once I finish my business, I'll make proper arrangements for him."

Zorančić watched Suker's conflicted expression and smiled inwardly.

After all these years of interaction, he had figured out Suker's way of thinking and personality.

Never push hard!

Be soft!

He falls for it every time!

Suker scratched his head wildly:

"How long do you plan to be gone?"

Zorančić; "Two weeks!"

Suker waved his hand. "Take him with you then!"

"One week! Just one week! Maybe even less!"

Suker finally sighed. "Fine, one week. If I don't see you in a week, you'll find him on the streets of Madrid when you get back!"

"Understood!"

Zorančić chuckled, quickly walked out of the villa, and came back with Kovačić's suitcase, which he tossed inside.

Zorančić left soon after.

Kovačić looked at Suker, then at the suitcase.

Happiness came too suddenly!

He was going to live with his idol!

"Second floor, first room on the left. Go tidy up. Bedding and stuff can be bought at the supermarket next door..."

Suker looked at Kovačić's dumbfounded expression and shook his head helplessly.

Were all 17-year-olds this clueless?

He was so clever at that age!

Considering the kid didn't even speak Spanish, Suker had to play temporary babysitting.

In a large supermarket.

Suker pushed the cart ahead, while Kovačić followed, full of curiosity.

Wherever they went, the staff naturally greeted Suker.

"Good afternoon, Suker. That bicycle kick in the final was amazing!"

"I think so too! So, are you going to give me a box of beef for free?"

"No way! If you let me visit your house, I'll pay for your groceries!"

"If you were a girl, I might consider it!"

Suker high-fived the staff member as they passed.

They reached the fresh produce section. A portly middle-aged man saw Suker and made an exaggerated celebratory gesture.

"Wow! Look who it is!"

"Pelé! You should lose weight. Be careful, Maria might leave you!"

"Nonsense! Maria loves me the most. She doesn't care about my looks; she's a good woman who values inner qualities."

"So, all your inner qualities are in your wine glass, huh?" Suker shook his head and patted the man's shoulder. "Lose weight, don't drink too much. For your health!"

As they walked, Suker greeted everyone around him warmly, chatting naturally without any pressure.

Kovačić watched all this curiously.

This didn't match his image of superstars stepping out in luxury cars with beautiful women, acting all cool and aloof.

"Who's this beside you? Your kid?" a supermarket staff member joked.

Suker laughed and scolded, "How old do you think I am to have a kid this big?"

"Hahaha, I'm joking. I know who he is. Hello, our little genius. Welcome to Real Madrid!"

The staff member extended his hand.

Though Kovačić didn't understand, he still shook the offered hand.

"Help me prepare a single set of bedding," Suker switched naturally to Croatian. "Any preferences for material?"

Kovačić shook his head.

Suker said irritably, "Are you mute? Speak up!"

Kovačić jumped. "N-no preferences!"

Suker said irritably, "You need to learn to open your mouth. With this, how will you mix in the locker room!"

"O-okay! I'll try!" Kovačić looked dejected.

He got scolded!

Suker walked ahead, saying, "Remember to learn Spanish and Italian. Don't neglect English either."

Kovačić's mouth fell open. "Three languages?"

Suker turned his head. "Those who can't speak well are outcast. Unless you have exceptional talent that makes them accommodate you."

Hearing this, Kovačić fell silent.

Soon, they finished shopping.

When Suker and Kovačić returned home, Srna and Kaka arrived right on time for dinner.

"Mateo, you're here already?" Srna said in surprise.

He'd only seen the report today.

Suker said irritably, "The news broke, and the next moment he was in my house!"

That evening, Srna prepared a welcome dinner for Kovačić.

Of course, Suker provided the ingredients.

"Are you settling in okay here?" Srna's motherly side emerged again.

Compared to other captains, he was the motherly type. He rarely got angry but would nag you endlessly until you couldn't take it anymore.

Kovačić nodded.

"Hmm?"

Suker turned to look.

Kovačić jumped and quickly opened his mouth. "Feeling pretty good."

Srna smiled and nodded. "If you have any problems here, you can come to either of us. We'll help you."

"Okay!" Kovačić said happily.

"The league is about to start, but after the first round, we have to go back for the Euro qualifiers!"

Srna said. "We can go back together then!"

Kovačić nodded instinctively, then immediately opened his mouth. "Okay!"

Suker glanced at Kovačić and said to Srna, "We can take my plane back then."

"Take your plane?" Srna said in surprise. "You bought a private jet?"

Suker nodded. "I started looking into it last year. Got news at an auction that a Gulfstream G650 was on the market. I bid on it. After some decoration and modifications, it's now parked at Barajas Airport."

"Gulfstream G650? I think that's a large business jet, right?" Kaka asked.

He also had his own private jet, though cheaper and smaller than Suker's.

Suker nodded. "It can seat 19 people. Actually, I didn't really want to buy this one; it felt too big. But there haven't been many good models on the market lately."

Kaka nodded. "Big is good too. At least it's more spacious inside."

The two chatted about planes.

Srna grinned, unable to get a word in.

If it were a private jet, he could afford one too, but it would be stretching it.

He didn't have as many commercial endorsements as Suker and Kaka.

As for Kovačić, he didn't understand a thing.

The next day, Suker and the others went to the training base.

With Kovačić joining, Di María had to carpool with Bale.

Arriving at Real Madrid's training base, Kovačić began his senior career.

However, he received little attention.

Thanks to Suker, he wouldn't be bullied, but gaining recognition would depend entirely on his own ability.

Mourinho completely ignored Kovačić.

Kovačić wasn't Mourinho's transfer; he was roped in by Suker's agent and wasn't on Mourinho's radar.

Initially, Mourinho paid a little attention, just in case there was a surprise.

But he quickly lost interest.

The current Kovačić wasn't worthy of Mourinho's attention yet.

Kovačić was about to begin his half-year stint at Real Madrid.

But for Kovačić himself, it was still very helpful.

After all, this was training with the Real Madrid first team. Every chance to play in a practice match was a valuable accumulation of experience.

Therefore, Kovačić also trained hard.

On the very first day of training, Kovačić made a friend: the similarly aged Carvajal.

They didn't share a language but managed to communicate roughly with gestures.

Kovačić even learned a few Spanish words from Carvajal.

After training, Mourinho began his address.

"Tomorrow marks the official start of the new season! Our opening match is against Athletic Bilbao. It's the opener, so we can't afford to be careless. Bale—"

Mourinho turned to Bale, who immediately straightened up.

"This match is your league debut. I'll start you. I expect an outstanding performance."

Bale immediately nodded, indicating he would deliver.

He had scored one goal each in the Spanish Super Cup home and away legs.

In the UEFA Super Cup, though he had 0 goals and 0 assists, he applied immense pressure on the wing during attacking transitions, constantly helping Real Madrid link up and advance, playing a very useful role.

Based on Bale's excellent performance, Mourinho intended to keep him on the wing for further tactic and development.

Of course, Bale could only operate on the wing.

Mourinho didn't want to antagonize Suker, especially not at this stage, so he wouldn't provoke Suker by having Bale drift centrally and compress Suker's space.

Therefore, he specifically instructed Bale to stay wide.

This was less for Bale to hear and more for Suker's benefit.

Amid his power struggle with Casillas for locker room influence, it was best to let Suker know he had no intention of confronting him.