"We only fight for the championship!"
When Gao Shen delivered this line with a powerful, resounding voice in front of the live broadcast, even through the screen, the deafening roar from the stadium and the cheers of the fans could be heard loud and clear.
That's Gao Shen's influence.
He only needed to sit there and say one sentence to drive Real Madrid fans wild.
If Cristiano Ronaldo hadn't fully grasped the situation before, then at this moment, sitting on his sofa in Lisbon, Portugal, watching the live broadcast, he understood everything.
Gao Shen was now the undisputed king of the Bernabéu.
No one could replace him.
Ronaldo sat silently, eyes fixed on the screen.
After Gao Shen's speech, the press conference entered the Q&A session.
Most of the questions were focused on Gao Shen's plans for Real Madrid and the club's summer transfer activities.
Gao Shen praised the transfer window work highly.
"I want to sincerely thank President Florentino, our technical director Jorge, General Manager José, and all our staff who worked so hard behind the scenes."
"Please believe that my team, the players, and I will do everything in our power to live up to your efforts. We will deliver our best performance in the new season."
As for the goals of the new season, Gao Shen once again made it clear: Real Madrid would only fight for titles.
"I know the target is difficult, because our opponents are very strong. But I must remind everyone, whether it's on their home turf, neutral ground, or our own stadium, I have never lost!"
His tone was confident, even a bit domineering, but the media and fans erupted in cheers.
This was exactly the kind of boost Real Madrid needed.
The live broadcast from Real Madrid TV even cut to the Bernabéu stands to show the fans' excitement and joy.
As for the summer's controversial decisions, Gao Shen avoided giving direct answers.
"It's hard to make conclusions right now. I believe our players will prove their value on the pitch."
The issue of Casillas being benched last season had drawn heavy criticism. Gao Shen also addressed it, saying he had consulted multiple sources.
"What I want to say is that Iker is Real Madrid's captain and has made great contributions to the club. There are many misunderstandings about the situation, and the public doesn't know all the details."
"I can only say that I believe in Iker. His performance at the Euros proves he's still the best goalkeeper in the world. He remains Real Madrid's captain."
"I believe that under the leadership of our two captains, the dressing room will be more united and stable this season."
…
Ronaldo kept his eyes on the screen as the camera swept past Casillas and Ramos. Both looked relaxed, seemingly free of the tension that plagued last season.
So Casillas's issue had been resolved?
That meant Gao Shen had already removed the biggest obstacle in the dressing room.
Ronaldo and Mendes had people in Madrid providing information. While fans and the media didn't know what was happening behind the scenes, they did.
In recent days, Gao Shen had met with many people, made numerous calls, and discussed countless matters.
Now, the dressing room was basically under his control.
The only person Gao Shen had not contacted was Ronaldo.
Even today, when Gao Shen officially signed with Real Madrid, no one informed Ronaldo. He only found out from Mendes.
What did that mean?
Disregard? Disrespect? Or abandonment?
…
Gao Shen was in good spirits, answering question after question patiently.
Eventually, someone asked the question everyone was waiting for—about Ronaldo. It was sharp and direct.
Why wasn't Cristiano Ronaldo present today?
Gao Shen answered with a smile, saying it was because Ronaldo had just returned from the European Championship and was still on vacation.
But the excuse felt weak.
Both Casillas and Ramos also played in the Euros, yet they were there.
Gao Shen added with a smile, "They are the captain and vice-captain. We all felt it was important for them to be here."
Captain and vice-captain… needed.
The implications were obvious.
The reporters understood that Gao Shen wasn't going to elaborate. They'd have to investigate or read between the lines themselves.
The media then shifted the question to Florentino.
The Real Madrid president smiled and responded, "I want to reiterate that the board and management fully support Gao Shen, unconditionally!"
The room buzzed with chatter.
Ronaldo, watching from his living room, could feel the force behind Florentino's words.
Gao Shen really was different.
Since indirect probing wasn't working, someone went straight to the point.
A reporter asked Gao Shen about recent reports that Mendes had traveled to Manchester to explore Ronaldo's return to the Premier League, speaking with both Manchester United and Manchester City.
"What are your thoughts on this?"
Gao Shen joked first, "I read that on my tablet while having breakfast this morning."
Laughter broke out across the room.
"I don't want to comment on rumors. So far, I haven't heard any official statement from Cristiano himself, so I don't know if this even reflects his real intentions."
"We all know agents don't just represent one player. They have a lot of business with clubs. Sometimes, the agent's position doesn't always align with the player's."
"So, I'd still prefer to hear directly from the player."
It was a textbook response.
But the reporters pressed on.
"Mr. Gao, you've spoken with many Real Madrid players in recent days, but you haven't met with Cristiano Ronaldo. Have you called him?"
Gao Shen smiled, "He's still on vacation. I'm looking forward to sitting down and talking when he returns."
Another reporter chimed in.
"But The Sun reported that Mendes has discussed the possibility of Ronaldo joining Manchester City."
Gao Shen chuckled again, "The Sun also reported that I want to bring Gareth Bale to Real Madrid."
Then, Gao Shen suddenly stopped smiling and looked straight into the camera.
"Maybe I should consider a player swap with Manchester City."
His tone was calm. His expression even calmer.
Real Madrid TV's live feed zoomed in for a close-up, and Ronaldo, watching from his sofa, saw the look on Gao Shen's face clearly.
Beneath that calm, there was a trace of anger—but even more authority.
Ronaldo understood.
This wasn't addressed to the media or the fans.
It was aimed directly at him.
The message was clear: Have you thought it through?
Tell your agent to cut the noise. If you push me, I'll trade you for Gareth Bale!
The Portuguese superstar's first reaction?
He was furious.
But almost instantly, a wave of fear crept in.
Gao Shen might actually do it.
Especially after Florentino's earlier show of support. That comment now carried even more weight.
Did he really want to leave Real Madrid for Manchester City?
Could he even be the leader at City?
In the FIFA World Player rankings, he wasn't ahead of Suárez.
Not to mention other top names like Van Persie or Robben.
Many were already hyping Gareth Bale as the "next Cristiano Ronaldo."
If he went to Manchester City, would he really be better off than at Real Madrid?
…
On the screen, Gao Shen's solemn expression quickly faded into a light-hearted smile.
"It's just a joke. Don't take it seriously. Really, don't."
Many in the room breathed a sigh of relief.
"In fact, I want to say that Cristiano is the most important member of our team. He's the best attacker in the world. But I believe he can be even better. That's my most important task moving forward."
"I truly believe Real Madrid is the best club for him. And I don't believe he'll leave. That's why I've been waiting for him to finish his vacation and return to Madrid so we can have a proper conversation."
"Our goals are the same, and I'm confident we'll work together very well."
Just like that, Gao Shen brushed off the "joke."
He continued answering questions from reporters with his usual calm and professionalism.
After the press conference, he stepped down from the podium to greet Di Stéfano and other club officials, thanking them for attending his presentation.
On screen, Gao Shen looked confident and composed as he smiled and shook hands.
Ronaldo, still watching from his living room, felt a chill run through his body.
Was that Gao Shen's final warning?
Was he running out of patience?
Should Ronaldo bow his head, submit, and admit defeat?
But how could he?
And yet, what choice did he have?
Look at the TV. When Gao Shen walked out at the Bernabéu, the Real Madrid fans erupted in cheers.
The cameras panned over the crowd—every seat filled.
It was a full house.
Then the feed cut to the streets outside the stadium, packed with even more fans.
Gao Shen's place in the hearts of Madridistas was unshakable.
On the Bernabéu pitch, Gao Shen greeted the fans he hadn't seen in years. He promised to bring championships back to the club, and to restore beautiful, attacking football to the Bernabéu.
The stadium boiled over with excitement.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo sat frozen in front of the TV, trapped.
He could feel Gao Shen's pressure, but if he were expected to bow his head and admit defeat, he just couldn't do it.
So what now?
(To be continued.)
***
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