By August, the world was in a frenzy. Inter Milan wanted to keep me, but my heart was set on the grandest stage. I signed for Real Madrid for €46 million. I joined the Galácticos—Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos.
On my debut against Alavés, I came off the bench. Within 61 seconds, I chest-controlled a ball and volleyed it home. The Bernabéu erupted. I was the King of Madrid, the hero of Brazil, and a man with a secret that would change the world of football forever.
The year ended with me holding the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year. 2002 was the year I proved I was back. 2003 would be the year I proved I was immortal.