Chapter 79

"Today, all the matches of the first round of the National Championship have concluded. This year's National Championship has twenty-six teams participating, using a single round-robin format, with the top eight advancing to the playoffs..."

The TV was broadcasting news about the recently concluded first-round matches.

Of course, no one was watching the TV; it was just background noise in the room.

Kaka was sitting in the living room, completely ignoring what was on the TV.

What he was more concerned about was the person sitting in front of him.

His former teammate at São Paulo, his senior, and now a scout for AC Milan, Leonardo.

"I convinced Galliani, Kaka. AC Milan has decided to sign you this summer, Kaka!"

When Leonardo said this, he appeared very excited and proud, because it was indeed his doing.

AC Milan was indeed interested in Kaka, but they had not made a decision to sign him this summer.

It was Leonardo who had been working hard to persuade them. Finally, he managed to get Galliani to nod, indicating a willingness to consider signing Kaka this summer.

At this point, as long as Kaka agreed, there would be no major issues.

He didn't tell Kaka over the phone but chose to come to Kaka's home to tell him the news in person, to show how serious he was.

He thought Kaka would be very happy.

After all, who among Brazilian players, with some ability and talent, wouldn't want to play in Europe?

Not to mention a world-class club like AC Milan?

During his brief time at São Paulo, Leonardo had no shortage of introducing AC Milan to Kaka, praising it as the best club in the world, full of warmth, with a glorious history, and still a top team in Italy.

From Kaka's feedback, Leonardo knew that Kaka was very willing to join AC Milan.

So much so that he was only willing to join AC Milan.

Now, in European football, there were other teams vying for Kaka, but Leonardo knew Kaka's heart, so he was always confident.

He believed Kaka would also want to join AC Milan as soon as possible.

After all, who knew when the old fox Galliani might change his mind.

So, signing AC Milan early and making it a done deal would put everyone at ease.

But Leonardo saw Kaka frown, seemingly still hesitant!

"What's wrong, Kaka? Is there a problem?" he asked hurriedly.

Kaka shook his head: "No, no problem. I want to thank you, Leonardo. I know you've worked hard to help me go to Europe."

Kaka elegantly thanked Leonardo.

Seeing him say this, Leonardo was relieved and waved his hand: "I also hope you can showcase yourself on a bigger stage, Kaka. You know, Brazil is too small for you now. Haven't you noticed that your progress has slowed down recently? This means that staying in Brazil is no longer meaningful for you. You need to go to Europe, to the highest level of competition, to face challenges and tests. Only then can you continue to improve!"

Hearing Leonardo's words, Kaka fell silent again.

Of course, he knew Leonardo was right, and he had also felt his progress slowing down.

He was stripped of his starting position not just because he needed rest. During training, his performance was not as good as Rongguang's, which he had to admit.

However, if it weren't for Rongguang, this issue wouldn't have been magnified to the point of losing his starting position.

Because even if his progress had slowed, he was still the fastest-improving and strongest player at São Paulo.

None of the young players like Baptista or Luis Fabiano could compare to him.

But with Rongguang, the situation suddenly changed.

That rookie who suddenly joined São Paulo's youth team seven months ago... his progress was like a rocket!

His appearance made Kaka feel pressured.

Whenever Kaka thought of Rongguang, he remembered his father's words: "Competitiveness."

It wasn't the disdain or jealousy that Renaldo felt, but competitiveness.

The competitiveness of not wanting to be surpassed by Rongguang, not wanting to be left behind, and not wanting to be less powerful than Rongguang.

It stemmed from his inner pride and determination.

"I am Kaka, a devout believer in God. I cannot be inferior to others; I must be the best!"

"I want to be the best player in São Paulo... no, in all of Brazil!"

With this thought, Kaka lifted his head again.

The confusion in his eyes had vanished, replaced by a clear and determined gaze.

Even Leonardo was stunned when he saw Kaka's eyes.

"I am very grateful for your help, Leonardo. But I'm sorry, I want to stay in Brazil for another year." He said calmly.

Leonardo was shocked and reflexively asked, "Why?"

Going to Europe, especially to a club like AC Milan, was the dream of many Brazilian players!

Why would Kaka give up this opportunity now?

"Why do you want to stay another year, Kaka? You need to know that this isn't something you can decide. You can stay another year now, but if AC Milan doesn't want you next year, it won't be as simple as just staying another year..." Leonardo didn't understand why Kaka would make such a decision and tried to persuade him to change his mind.

In his view, Kaka's decision to "stay another year" was undoubtedly very foolish.

"I am confident that in a year, I will make AC Milan sign me without hesitation, Leonardo." Kaka showed his confidence.

Because he had already made up his mind. He wanted to stay another year, compete directly with Rongguang, and not lose to him.

Competing with Rongguang for a year... how much would he improve?

He was even looking forward to it himself.

So, this idea became more and more firm.

"Why? There must be a reasonable reason, right?"

"I don't want to be a deserter, Leonardo. Someone has challenged me, and if I run away, I will be laughed at by him."

Leonardo, who was quite familiar with São Paulo and Kaka, couldn't have been unaware of Rongguang. However, he had never taken that Chinese rookie seriously. A beginner who had only learned football for a few months wasn't worth leaving a deep impression on him.

The newspapers had mentioned Rongguang's challenge to Kaka, but even the media found it absurd and didn't give it much coverage, so it didn't cause much of a stir. Leonardo thought it was just the ramblings of an inexperienced rookie, not worth paying attention to.

He didn't believe a rookie could challenge the Brazilian football prodigy Kaka.

But now he was staring at Kaka, who looked calm, in disbelief.

What he thought was impossible had actually happened!

No... This can't be!

There must be something wrong!

Right, maybe it was because Kaka was on the bench in the recent match, which made him have this illusion?

Leonardo understood the root of the problem and continued to persuade Kaka: "You don't need to take him seriously, Kaka. Being on the bench for one match isn't a big deal. Everyone has their time on the bench. Compared to this, going to Europe is more important..."

"No, Leonardo. I have already felt the threat."

Hearing Kaka's words, Leonardo was stunned and couldn't speak for a moment.

That... rookie actually made Kaka feel threatened?

But how could this be? How could he have such ability?

"You are too anxious, Kaka. You are too perfectionistic... You don't need to be so hard on yourself. In reality, whether from technical statistics, the feel of the game, or even common sense, no one would think that the rookie could threaten you, Kaka."

Kaka shook his head: "This is a test from the Lord, Leonardo. I cannot choose to escape. I feel that I must complete this test, or I will stagnate forever."

Kaka was a devout evangelical believer, and when he invoked the Lord, it usually meant that his firm resolve could not be shaken.

Because it was the will of the Lord, and he could not go against the Lord's will.

Leonardo was also a devout believer and understood this very well.

So, he finally gave up trying to persuade Kaka.

"Alright, I understand your decision, Kaka. I will try to convince Galliani to delay the transfer by a year."

"Thank you very much, Leonardo." Kaka expressed his sincere gratitude because he knew that changing a decision at the last minute would put the intermediary Leonardo in a difficult position.

Leonardo waved his hand: "I don't know if this will anger AC Milan. But Galliani is a businessman. As long as you show him something that attracts him, I think he won't mind such a small matter..."

He laughed at the end.

Kaka nodded firmly: "In a year, I will be stronger, Leonardo. I will definitely join AC Milan successfully!"

***

After seeing Leonardo off, Kaka returned to the living room and saw his father.

His father was watching the news on TV.

The TV was showing highlights from yesterday's match between São Paulo and Botafogo at São Paulo's home ground.

"... In the match, the Chinese player Rong, who replaced Kaka as the starting attacking midfielder, was widely questioned... However, he performed excellently in the final part of the game, earning respect. He provided an unexpected assist to break the deadlock and then broke into the penalty area with a series of skillful dribbles... and scored a goal! With his assist and goal, São Paulo gained a decisive advantage in the home match and ultimately defeated Botafogo 3-0, securing their first victory in the new season of the National Championship..."

Kaka stood next to the sofa and watched the highlights.

After watching, Kaka's father turned to look at him.

"Have you made your decision?"

Kaka nodded: "I won't go to Italy for now, Dad. I want to stay in Brazil for another year."

"Because of competitiveness?" his father asked.

Kaka nodded.

"Good, the right decision. Facing challenges, running away is never the solution." His father nodded in approval of his son's choice. "Then, in this year, work hard to defeat your opponent. Then, with this glory and confidence, go to Europe and defeat even stronger opponents."