View attachment 266972Monday-Tuesday, 28-29 December 2015
View attachment 266971
It is one long-*** flight to Uruguay. Thankfully, Bologna paid for a first class seat. ****, I'd have stumped for it if'n they hadn't. With the help of two glasses of wine, a sleeping pill and some noise-canceling headphones, I slept pretty decently. I awoke to a text from Director of Football Savoia that Nacional were all set to accept my offer of EU 1.5M for Alejandro.
I've had a soak in the hotel gym's hot tub, shower and now I'm awaiting Alejandro, his parents and his agent in the hotel's restaurant.
I recognize Alejandro as they all walk in.
"So nice to meet you," I say as I shake everyone's hand. We chit chat about my flight, the weather and then the waiter takes our order for lunch.
"I'll cut directly to the point," I said. "I won't waste any of your time. I have watched a lot of video of you, my scouts have been watching you since last summer and, obviously, you've talked with David Palaez a bit. I think you are a rare talent and I'd love to have you join Bologna. I think I can turn you into a top striker."
"Thank you," Alejandro said. Then he looked down at his hands.
"We appreciate that you flew all the way here," Sebastian Pintos said jumping in. "My wife, Alejandro and I appreciate that you've flown all the way here."
"Yes, I feel like I'm a bit ignored," Alejandro said glancing up at me. "The training isn't all that challenging. Not like when I train with the Uruguay U20s. I'm really challenged then."
"I can tell you this much," I began. "We are using the latest fitness metrics and testing systems. We'll monitor your progress really closely. We have a physio team to keep you massaged, adjusted and as healthy as possible. We'll teach you about eating right. We have great chefs at Casteldelbole, our training facility. We have a great fitness team to help you improve your strength and endurance. Also, we apply the latest kinesiology to make sure you are running and moving in the most efficient manner for your body. We have a large coaching staff who will work with you on all aspects of the game."
"Furthermore," I said. "I moved to Europe when I was just a bit older than you and I'm very conscious of what it's like to acclimate to a new country and professional football. We have several options for your living situation should you choose to join us. You could live with an older player or with one of our host families with boys your age. But, I'm getting that look from Adrian that I'm getting a bit ahead of myself."
"Yes," his agent said. "Nacional are prepared to let him go provided we like your offer."
"I know he's on youth wages now," I said. "What general numbers would you like? I am here to make you an offer that, as we Italian-Americans like to say, that you can't refuse."
"You're American?" Isabella asked. "I've had the hardest time placing you're accent."
"Not surprising," I said. "I learned Spanish in school and from Mexicans and various South Americans I played with growing up. But I've played and managed in Spain. So it's a weird mishmash of a bunch of accents."
"Yes," Adrian the agent said. "We'd like a two year contract for at least 3,000 euros per week."
"Well then you'll be pleased with this," I said reaching into my inside jacket pocket. "Have a look. 5,250 is our base young pro salary. Length will run to June 2018. Pay raise each year of 20%. But I've seen that you, Alejandro, are a driven and aggressive player. I've included a generous goal bonus of 6K per goal and if you score 15 in a season, you would get a bonus of 75K."
I slid the envelope across the table.
"I envision you progressing quickly to become our main attacking threat," I said. "My current first selection striker is a loan-signing. I want you to get used to Italy and play some with the senior side with an eye to competing to be the first selection striker next season."
They all read it over. All eight eyebrows raised. My offer was having the effect I intended. Sebastian looked at Alejandro. The kid looked unable to swallow at the moment. He was, as we used to say back in the States when I was growing up, a bit
'verklempt.' An unspoken message passed between father and son. Sebastian looked at his wife. She nodded.
"We obviously want to talk this over," Adrian said. "It's a very generous offer that we like. When do you fly out?"
"Late tonight," I replied. "Ahh, here's the food. I propose a toast. To Alejandro's long and goal-drenched career."
We toasted.
