In a small villa on the outskirts of Lisbon, Portugal, a skinny young man wearing a Benfica training kit sat nervously, clutching his hands together. He had short hair, large eyes, a long face, and tightly pressed lips, staring at the man before him with unease.
Beside him, a woman held onto his arm, patting him gently to calm him.
His name was Ángel Di María, a 21-year-old Argentine youngster.Just before turning 22, he was about to seize the biggest opportunity of his life.
The man in front of him was Zorančić, a Croatian agent who had signed Di María a year ago. Now, he was finally fulfilling his promise.
Zorančić placed a folder on the coffee table and smiled, noticing how tense Di María looked."Ángel, relax a bit."
Di María nodded but still couldn't get a word out — this was Real Madrid we were talking about!
"Real Madrid has accepted the offer!"
Boom!!!!That one sentence made Di María's mind explode — he was going to Real Madrid!He was going to play at the Bernabéu!
"Darling, congratulations!" his girlfriend Jorgelina exclaimed, jumping up and hugging him.The two of them danced around the room, excited beyond belief.
Zorančić smiled at the sight.
Once they settled down, he pulled out another document:"This is your salary contract. See if you're okay with it. The offer might not be huge, but you'll have to earn the rest with your performances."
Di María was a "bonus gift" as part of Suker's transfer deal.Because of that, Florentino wouldn't invest too heavily. If Di María performed well, things might change.
Di María didn't even look at the salary.
"No problem. I just want a stage to prove myself."
Zorančić nodded:"You won't be able to play in the Champions League this season, but if you perform well in the league and Copa del Rey, there will be chances."
"And if you run into trouble at the club, look for Suker. He'll help you."
Both Suker and Di María were under Zorančić's management.Naturally, Di María would be placed in Suker's faction at the club.
Di María nodded excitedly:
"I can't wait. I've seen many of Suker's amazing goals — he's unbelievably strong. I believe I can help him and the team win more games. I hope we can become friends. He must be a righteous, professional person — a great role model."
He clearly had a positive impression of Suker — likely influenced by Zorančić's marketing.
Hearing this, Zorančić coughed awkwardly:"Uh…Suker… might be a little different from how the media describes him. So… meet him first and judge for yourself. At heart, he's a good person. Just, uh… eccentric, let's say."
Di María smiled:
"Don't worry. I know no one is perfect. Only by accepting a friend's flaws can you become true friends."
Zorančić smiled.
"Then I'm relieved. I'll handle the formalities with Benfica. You'll need to report to Real Madrid for your medical and registration before the winter break ends."
"No problem. I travel light — I'm ready anytime!"
As Zorančić stood to leave, he paused at the door and turned back:
"By the way, Suker once commented on you."
"Really? What did he say?"
Zorančić smiled:
"He said you're the Angel who brings victory. He's looking forward to working with you."
Di María blinked.He hadn't expected Suker to hold him in such high regard.But… his name Ángel literally meant Angel.
He would become Real Madrid's Angel — the one who brings victory.
December 29th, Di María and his girlfriend Jorgelina arrived in Madrid.
Because he wasn't a high-profile signing, there would be no grand unveiling.A Real Madrid staff member met them at the airport.
"Mr. Zorančić, this way."
They were escorted into a business van. On the way to the medical center, the staff introduced the city.
As they drove up a highway ramp, a huge stadium came into view.
"That's the Bernabéu!"
Di María's eyes lit up instantly.
"Yes," the staff said through the rearview mirror. "That's our home — one of the most iconic stadiums in football history."
"It's the dream destination for stars like Ronaldo, Figo, Carlos, Beckham… and now, players like Suker. Bernabéu has always been favored by legends."
Di María stared out the window, his eyes glowing with excitement.The sun gleamed off the stadium, radiant and majestic.
That's the dream.That's the future.That's where legends are born.
When the stadium was finally out of sight, he turned back around.
They soon left the city center and entered a peaceful suburban area.
"I love it here!" Jorgelina exclaimed."Me too," Di María nodded.
"Glad you like it," the staff smiled. "This area was developed by Real Madrid exclusively for our players — not for public sale. Only those recognized by the club can live here. Right now, Suker, Alonso, Raúl, and Casillas all live here."
"One day, I'll earn a place here too!" Di María said confidently.
At the medical center, he passed his exams and officially signed the contract.
He met the club's sporting director but not President Florentino — after all, unlike Suker, he wasn't a marquee signing yet.
He could already feel the pressure — in a club like this, everything must be earned.So he chose the No. 22 jersey — his first Real Madrid shirt.
No dreams of taking a starter's number — he would earn that on the pitch.
His new house was a cozy two-story villa about 1 km from the training center — perfect for his current salary.
Zorančić had already pre-furnished everything.
"Thank you so much," Di María said sincerely.
"It's my job," Zorančić said. "You just focus on football — that's what matters."
Then his phone rang.
"Where are you? The bullfighting arena? What are you doing there? What's that noise? …Fine. I've got someone to introduce. We're on our way."
He turned to Di María:
"Let's go meet Suker."
They arrived at the Madrid bullfighting arena, expecting Suker alone — but were surprised to find Ramos and a wheelchair-bound Pepe there too.
And Suker… was fiercely arguing with Pepe?!
"You going or not?!"
"NO!"
"Come on already!"
"Over my dead body!"
Suker furiously pulled on Pepe's wheelchair.Pepe clung to Ramos like his life depended on it.
Di María was dumbfounded.This was Suker??The Croatian hero? The superstar??
"He wants to watch the bullfight," Pepe wailed, "and he wants me to fake being disabled to skip the line!""What's the big deal?" Suker snapped. "Not like I'm asking you to die!""You're insane!"
Zorančić: "…"Di María: "…"
Pepe kept protesting.Suker threatened:
"You just swore loyalty to me and now you're revolting?""You're the worst leader ever!""Fine. Refuse again and I'll strip you naked and throw you into the crowd."
Pepe surrendered.
"FINE! Give me the hat, glasses, and mask."
Suker smiled and handed him a disguise kit.
"Good boy. All this whining for nothing."
Suker pitifully added:
"I've only got one day off, just one! Help me out, will ya?"
He then pushed Pepe toward the disabled entrance.
There, Suker played it up:
"This is my brother. He's been disabled since birth. Watching bullfighters on TV inspired him… but fate…"
"He was just diagnosed with cancer too — this might be his last chance…"
The staff was moved to tears.
"Go right in."
Pepe immediately dashed inside, propelling his wheelchair like a rocket.Suker said proudly:
"See? Look how happy he is!"
The bullfight was thrilling — and bloody.But everyone except Suker looked utterly miserable afterward.
"This finally felt like a vacation," Suker sighed contentedly.
"Let's go eat! My treat!"
He even patted Pepe's head.
"Smile, man!"
Pepe felt he'd gotten on the wrong ship — this captain had serious issues.But the food made up for it — Suker cooked hearty, nourishing soups to help Pepe recover.
Even Ramos had multiple bowls.Di María loved the soup too — it wasn't greasy at all, full of deep flavor and nutrients.
Suker eyed Di María.He still looked young and skinny — a bit too green.
Di María had solid numbers at Benfica, though not Suker-level insane.Even after joining a big club, his stats didn't spike, so people underestimated him.
But he had one trait — he delivered in big games.
He was talented and mentally strong.He'd be a real asset to Real Madrid.
After slurping up his soup, Di María shyly put down his bowl.Suker grinned:
"Want another bowl?"
"Really?!" Di María's eyes lit up."Of course!" Suker chuckled and filled him up.
"Today's just to get you introduced," Zorančić explained.
Di María reached out:
"I'm Ángel Di María, from Argentina."
"Suker," the Croatian said, shaking his hand.
Meanwhile, Pepe and Ramos quietly sized Di María up — skinny, baby-faced, not intimidating.
After Di María left with Zorančić, Pepe asked:
"That's the new guy?"
"Yep," Suker nodded."Doesn't seem like much."
"He'll surprise you."
"You don't know him?" "Nope," said Pepe
"I left Portugal before he joined Benfica — probably wasn't in the first team yet."
Suker nodded:
"He's got talent — and a special skill."
"What skill?" they asked."You'll find out. You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
Pepe asked:
"Like Benzema's 'talent'?"
Suker paused.Benzema? The guy with the 'IQ-drain aura'?
"No, no… totally different!"