From Reject to Legend

*** Before I continue further, just wanted to ask some things.

How do you feel about this story so far?

Is there any changes You like or dislike about the current style?

Or do you prefer the previous writing style?

Do you expect more realism for the matches and performance, or satisfied with current rate of achievements ?

Should Slice of Life chapters be increased or decreased? I won't cut the football related stuff as it's already pretty summarized.

Let me know and I'll see if I can do something about it.

ENJOY! ***

As the dust settled on an unforgettable knockout stage, the next chapter of the World Cup was being written with more exciting matches. With Portugal's stunning 3-2 extra time victory over Belgium, the quarterfinal draws were set.

Brazil would be facing Colombia as the favorites . Most people expected them to go through despite the magic of James Rodriguez. Neymar and the rest were determined to win this trophy at their home.

France would be facing Germany, a match that should be two heavyweights duking it out. Germany was the favorites, but France wasn't willing to give up just yet.

Netherlands vs Costa Rica was a pretty straight forward match . Many predicted Netherlands to win easily, but football isn't won by stats afterall.

Then finally, the last match .

In one corner awaited the indomitable spirit of Messi's Argentina, and in the other, Ronaldo's Portugal. Before, many would have just wrote off Portugal due to their unbalanced squad and Ronaldo's lack of support.

But this time, it was different. Portugal had another world class superstar who perfectly filled the void in their midfield that had made them lose countless times before. The 18 year old Adriano was exactly what was missing in their structure. And with him, they have already shown how deadly tuey can be.

Yet, even as the teams prepared for these epic clashes, a parallel drama was unfolding off the field—a transfer storm that was about to reshape European football and change the landscape of professional football.

In the wake of their dramatic win, the Portuguese camp buzzed with renewed energy. Coach Santos held intense training sessions, focused not only on physical conditioning but also on tactical refinements.

Video sessions replayed every moment of Argentina's matches —each chance, every brilliant counter, and the transcendent moments from Messi that had turned the tide every time. Not to mention Di Maria on the wing, Mascherano in defense, Higuain at front can also contribute when necessary.

The players, still wearing the stains of the hard-fought battle, understood that every subsequent minute on the pitch would be a battle that they must give their all to win.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who had once again proven his ability to change the game in an instant, led the charge. In press conferences, he spoke with conviction:

"We've shown our spirit on the field. Now, we must focus on our next challenge—Argentina. Messi is a good player with good teammates, but Portugal and I don't lack it either. It's a battle of skills and experience, and we have the quality and determination to succeed."

The atmosphere in the dressing room was electric with anticipation . Analysts predicted that the clash with Argentina would be a great match—a duel of contrasting styles, where Argentina's creative artistry would meet Portugal's disciplined resolve and clinical finishing.

For many fans, the prospect of a Messi-versus-Ronaldo showdown had been the holy grail of modern football, and now it loomed large on the horizon.

While the players honed their skills for the upcoming quarterfinals, the transfer market was heating up into a blazing inferno.

The World Cup had not only showcased breathtaking matches but also revealed a crop of emerging talents whose market values soared to unprecedented heights.

Clubs across Europe were busy recalibrating their strategies, and the summer transfer window for the 2014–15 season became the stage for one of the most dramatic bidding wars in football history.

World Cup performances had changed the value of many players overnight, and clubs were scrambling to sign their next big star. The spotlight was on the rising talents who had shined on football's biggest stage, and none captured the imagination more than a few standout names.

One of the earliest stories was the move of Keylor Navas to Real Madrid. Navas, who had impressed everyone with his agility and shot-stopping ability during the tournament, was signed for a bargain fee of €14 million. The deal was hailed as a masterstroke by Madrid's scouts. Fans and media alike marveled at how a player of his quality could be secured for such a modest price.

In another blockbuster deal, Manchester City snapped up Kevin De Bruyne for around £40 million. De Bruyne's vision and passing range had been evident during the World Cup, and City's supporters were ecstatic.

They saw his arrival as a key step toward challenging for the Premier League title and even champions league , and his transfer was celebrated on social media with hashtags like #DeBruyneMagic and #CityRising.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid had already strengthened their midfield by signing Toni Kroos. The deal, which included an exchange with Xabi Alonso and a cash component of around €20 million, was part of Madrid's long-term strategy to build a balanced squad.

Madrid fans were convinced that Kroos would add both experience and creativity alongside Modric, a perfect complement to their attacking stars.

The summer transfer window of 2014–15 was full of surprises. In addition to the high-profile moves mentioned above, several other transfers grabbed headlines:

Luis Suárez had moved to Barcelona from Liverpool in one of the most expensive transfers of the season, with the fee rumored to be around €82 million despite not eligible to play till December.

This move sent shockwaves through the Premier League and was a talking point on every sports channel. But everyone agreed he was worth it.

Xabi Alonso's transfer from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich also made news, as his departure marked the end of an era at Madrid and the beginning of a new chapter for Bayern.

Raheem Sterling emerged as another hot prospect, with early reports suggesting that several top clubs were interested in signing the young English winger. Manchester City seemed to be in talks with him.

Alexis Sanchez was also seem to be moving to Arsenal from Barcelona , with a transfer fee of 44 million euros.

Chelsea were keen on signing Diego costa from Atletico and Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona. They should cost around 40 million euros each.

Manchester United signed Anders Herrera and Luke shaw from Athletic Bilbao and Southampton with 36 and 34 million euros respectively.

Liverpool also bought Adam Lallana with 31 millon euros.

Media outlets like Sky Sports, ESPN, and Transfermarkt provided constant updates and analysis. Websites buzzed with news of record-breaking offers, and sports economists discussed the ripple effects such huge fees would have on player valuations.

One analyst on a popular football blog wrote, "The transfer fees we're seeing this summer aren't just numbers—they're a signal that clubs are betting big on the future. Adriano's bid is the most exciting of all, as it represents a new high in the modern transfer market."

Among these rising stars, one name captured the collective imagination—and wallets—more than any other: Adriano Riveiro.

Despite his initial struggles and the physical toll of his heroic performances, Adriano had become the poster boy of the tournament.

With 4 goals and 5 assists till just the knockout stages, his market value had soared well beyond the €100 million tag set by Malaga. Offers poured in from every corner of Europe.

The Media and fans predicted there would be a frenzy around the talented star, but the actual drama was even more intense than predicted. Just on the very first day, A total bid of more than 550 million euros were submitted to Malaga which stunned them , along with the rest of the world.

The bidding for Adriano was nothing short of a high-stakes auction. 5 bids were submitted officially with 1 more on the way.

Manchester United emerged with a staggering bid of £110 million, confident that the Portuguese midfielder could fill the void left by departing superstars. United fans were abuzz, chanting slogans in anticipation of a new era of creative brilliance.

Chelsea followed closely, with a bid of £105 million. Their supporters argued that Adriano's work rate and vision would perfectly complement the club's rising domestic ambitions.

Mourinho was adamant on bringing Adriano to Stamford bridge. He even told in an interview, " Even if we need to sell half the Squad to sign Adriano, that's more than worth it. I want to coach him and win the treble with him." He spoke boldly, but none could refute his claims.

Barcelona joined the fray with a bid of €100 million.

However, football fans were divided—many accused the club of hypocrisy, reminding everyone that Adriano had been let go from La Masia years earlier. Even many Barca fans had to feel ashamed at the insults they were receiving.

"Shameless hypocrites," some Madrid fans jeered openly online, as debates raged over whether Barcelona's interest was driven by nostalgia or genuine ambition.

Barcelona fans tried to respond, " This bid is for our redemption. Although Adriano was let go by us, the management acknowledged their mistake and tried to rectify it with this offer. "

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), with their deep pockets, offered a record €120 million. Yet, PSG's bid was met with skepticism by fans, who questioned the competitiveness of the French league , and doubted that a player of Adriano's caliber would thrive in a system known more for show off signings than tactical cohesion.

Surprisingly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic said arrogantly in an interview, " If he comes, I will welcome him personally. Adriano is the most worthy to play alongside Zlatan ."

Real Madrid put forth an offer of €115 million—a figure that resonated with Madridistas who believed that nothing could turn down the call of Real, especially when it came wrapped in world-record bids.

Madrid fans saw this as destiny, a sure sign that Adriano would don the white jersey of their beloved club this season. Who can deny the allure of Real Madrid, specially if they're going all out for you!

Manchester City was also rumored to be preparing a bid around €120 million, though their supporters were anxious. The fear was palpable: would Adriano become yet another superstar to pass them by, as had happened in previous transfer windows?

Amid all this, Adriano's agent, Jorge Mendes, made a definitive statement: Adriano was busy with World Cup preparations and not available for negotiations at that moment. He will choose the best offer for him after the world cup ends.

Adriano has only told him not to consider any offers from Barcelona as he refused to go back to a club that don't embody what they keep parading around. He apologized to the Barca fans and said they should change how their club is run, before Messi leaves one day.

His terse announcement only added fuel to the fire. Speculation ran rampant on social media, with fans dissecting every nuance of Mendes' words and forecasting which club would ultimately secure the player's signature.

José Mourinho, known for his astute tactical mind, stated on a late-night show,

"Adriano is a game-changer. When you have a player who can create magic in the midfield, it's not just about the goals he scores—it's about the momentum he generates.

The club that lands him will not only strengthen their squad but also send a message to the rest of the league."

Thierry Henry on Sky Sports argued,

"The bids coming in for Adriano are astronomical. But it's not just about money—it's about the vision for the future. Real Madrid's offer of €115 million is tempting, but Manchester United and Manchester City are also throwing their weight behind him. It will be a battle of ambition versus tradition."

Former Barcelona star Ronaldinho offered a nuanced perspective:

"I've seen players like Adriano rise from obscurity to become legends. The transfer fees might be sky-high, but when you see his creativity and work rate, you understand that he's worth every penny.

However, his heart matters—if he's not inclined to return to a club like Barcelona, no amount of money will change that."

Michel Platini, in a rare interview, summed up the market sentiment:

"The World Cup is a showcase of talent and passion. Adriano's performance has reminded us all that football is unpredictable.

This transfer saga is not just about numbers—it's about dreams and the promise of a bright future for whichever club wins his services. He is the future."

Social media platforms were alive with transfer drama. Twitter was flooded with hashtags such as #AdrianoTransfer, #WorldCupRevolution, and #NewEraFootball. Fans from around the world expressed their excitement, frustration, and hope.

Manchester United supporters flooded Twitter with hashtags like #AdrianoForUnited and #RedRevolution, sharing nostalgic clips of past midfield maestros and arguing that Adriano's vision would light up Old Trafford.

Barcelona fans debated fiercely on forums about whether their club should try to win Adriano back. Barcelona fans were fiercely divided. Some decried the club's interest as hypocritical, citing past mistakes and questioning the financial logic.

"Why chase a player you once let go?" they argued in heated comment threads. Others, however, remained hopeful, dreaming of a reunion that could rekindle the magic of La Masia.

Chelsea was doing their best best not sure if it was going to pay off.

Real Madrid fans were largely confident, believing that their offer would be too good to refuse. "When Madrid calls, you answer," became a popular saying on fan pages, with countless memes reinforcing the idea that no one could turn down the chance to play for the Spanish giant.

Manchester City and PSG fans experienced a mix of hope and anxiety. Many City supporters expressed dismay that their team hadn't yet committed a serious bid, fearing another lost opportunity.

PSG fans, on the other hand, remained cautiously optimistic but acknowledged that the allure of European prestige might ultimately trump a lucrative salary.

The debate was intense and unending—every leaked figure, every cryptic comment from Mendes, and every piece of transfer gossip was dissected and discussed in detail.

In cafés, pubs, and even on public transport, football fans discussed these transfer moves like headlines in a daily newspaper. The excitement was palpable.

For many, the prospect of seeing Adriano in their club's colors was the ultimate dream. Some fans even organized viewing parties for transfer news conferences, eager to catch every word from club officials and agents.

As the summer transfer window of 2014–15 advanced, it was clear that football was entering a new era. Record-breaking bids, such as the rumored €115–120 million offers for Adriano, were setting new benchmarks.

These figures not only demonstrated the value of top performers but also signaled that clubs were willing to invest huge sums to build teams capable of winning titles.

The global impact was profound. Financial analysts discussed how such high transfer fees might reshape the economics of football, while cultural commentators noted that the passion on the field was now reflected in the billions of euros being exchanged off it.

For many fans, this was a reminder that football was evolving—where success was measured not only by trophies won but also by the astronomical sums invested in the next generation of superstars.

Just then there was another shocking news. On July 4th, right before Brazil and Colombia match, Jorge Mendes was spotted having a meeting with Florentino Perez that lasted about two hours or so. After the meeting, both parties seemed happy and left amicably.