Football: King of Penalty Area
Ch. 51 - Return to Germany

February 7, 2008, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

At Ashgabat International Airport, Raynaldi was gathering with his teammates at the Indonesian National Team. However, Raynaldi would not follow his team-mates back to Indonesia but instead went back to Germany.

“Well, I'll be back in Germany today. The plane to Frankfurt will fly in two hours.” Raynaldi talks to his friend Rangga. The reason Raynaldi returned directly to Germany was because Frans decided not to include him in the squad against Turkmenistan at Gelora Bung Karno in 5 days.

“We have won by a margin of 5 goals, if it can be reversed when playing at home then we do not need to think to play in the World Cup.” Rangga responded calmly.

“Hey, you're still the same... If your way of speaking was still like that, you wouldn't have any friends.” Canda Raynaldi's.

“What's the problem? In football as long as you have the ability then you will have a place.” Rangga still replied with a calm face and a flat look.

“Look at your face. At least make a little expression... Well, at least you got rid of the aura ‘get out of ku’ that you previously showed at SMA.” Raynaldi laughed a little.

“I'm just not used to expression and my face has been like this since birth.” Reply Rangga with a flat face.

“Oi, Ngga, Ray. What are you two talking about?” The Word interrupted their conversation.

“Just remember the past, Brother Firman.” Raynaldi replied politely.

“Ah, yes, you guys have been in one team during SMA huh? I was really surprised to hear that you guys never get professional training until SMA.” Word showed surprise.

“Yes, I always play relying on instinct and feeling when in front of goal.” Raynaldi chuckled, when he came to Germany he knew that relying on instinct alone would not work in professional football.

“It is a rare talent, it should be that almost all the world's top attackers have the same talent. Besides, I think you also have a broad vision. Otherwise you won't see Aji's better position than you yesterday.” Firman praised Raynaldi's talent and recalled Indonesia's 3rd goal yesterday.

“Thanks, Brother Firman.” Raynaldi received the praise of the Word politely.

“Then, me, Arnova, Kurnia, and Aji had a trial at SC Groningen who played in the Dutch league 2. In the end, only Aji managed to pass the selection, but Aji also decided to return to Indonesia after not being able to stand the European weather conditions during winter.” The Word remembers the past.

“But no problem at least we can play well in the Indonesian Super League now and become the main force of the Indonesian National Team since returning to Indonesia in 2005. I will advise you both, remember the most difficult thing when playing in Europe is not to improve your abilities, but to adapt to the new environment.” Firman advised Raynaldi and Rangga, because he knew Rangga would go to Germany in June.

Raynaldi nodded in understanding and Rangga next to him said. “I know, Brother Firman.” Rangga.

As they were still talking the sound of the flight call was heard.

“Well, it looks like our flight has started boarding. We'll get together before boarding together, how about you Ray? Has your agent arrived?” Firman asked Raynaldi about his condition.

“I'm fine, Brother Sas will come after talking to the coach.” Answer Raynaldi.

“Alright, then. Rangga and I returned to our group to gather.” The Word drew Rangga and said goodbye to Raynaldi.

“Oke.” Raynaldi nodded and looked for a seat while waiting for his plane boarding call.

Soon Joko Sasongko came to see Raynaldi. “How? Did you get along well? When viewed from your game yesterday, it looks like you have adapted to the tactics of the team.” Joko Sasongko greeted Raynaldi.

“I'm fine, and after two days of training I'm quite familiar with the rest of the team-mates. As for self-adaptation, it should be fine as the duties given by Coach Frans are similar to my roles while in the SC Leverkusen Youth Team and Koln Athletics.” Raynaldi replied after thinking for a while.

Joko Sasongko nodded in agreement with Raynaldi's thoughts. In the game yesterday although Raynaldi is not the player who most often holds the ball, but with a notch 5 goals from 5 shots proved his terrible ability in converting chances.

The data recorded in the game when Raynaldi was in the Leverkusen SC Team was 18 times played, he said, 69 shots and 35 goals which means Raynaldi's chance to score in every chance he gets is 51% or about 1.97 chances for each of his goals. It could also be concluded Raynaldi scored 1.94 goals or almost 2 goals every game.

While playing with Koln Athletics in 4 games Raynaldi scored 9 goals for a total of 14 shot opportunities, meaning Raynaldi's chance to score in every chance he got was 64% or about 1.56 chances for each goal. At the same time it can also be recorded with 2.25 goals every game.

Although the appearance of Raynaldi in Koln Athletics still can not be used as a benchmark of his ability. But the blistering raport in these 4 games also greatly improved Raynaldi's scoring as a dangerous forward when he had the chance to shoot.

“Honest of all, Ray... With your appearance now attracting many parties, I have received offers to ask you to become a product spokesperson for Southeast Asia and even Asia. But I decided to reject them all, because I believe you can get better next season.” Joko Sasongko began discussing his work.

“You rejected it because in your opinion, the price they gave was too low right? In addition, they must also ask for many demands in the appearance of advertisements and events that I must attend.” Raynaldi immediately saw the intention of Joko Sasongko's mind.

“Well, you really guessed it right. Honestly speaking, if the contract they submitted was not too far-fetched I would definitely think about it properly. But their proposed contract includes a 3-year term, 3-type advertising appearances, and 3 mandatory event events that will interfere with your performance in the league. So I decided to reject them all.” After seeing Raynaldi guessing his thoughts, Joko Sasongko immediately explained his intentions straightforwardly.

“Don't worry Sas, since I've decided to trust you then I'll trust you completely. Besides, as I've told you before, I have no intention of taking on any sponsors other than sports equipment sponsors before I get a good foothold in the five major leagues.” Raynaldi reassures Joko Sasongko.

Later, Raynaldi and Joko Sasongko began to talk about Raynaldi's career plans. In this case, Joko Sasongko feels lucky because Raynaldi has a clear path in his career, so he doesn't need to get too involved with Raynaldi's football career and enough help him to make ends meet off his pitch.

After they chatted for almost 2 hours, the sound of a plane boarding call for a flight to Frankfurt was heard. Raynaldi and Joko Sasongko left for the plane's departure terminal.