THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
Big Money

"You've made headlines once again" Emily told Zachary when they met at a cafe near Trondheim square on the morning after the Sarpsborg-08 game. "You have a unique charisma about yourself that characterizes celebrities. Everything you say is making waves on social media sites and sports blogs across Norway. I'm amazed by your charm." He added jokingly.

"Stop joking," said Zachary, sipping his warm cappucino.

He didn't buy the whole piece from having a natural charisma. In his previous life, he faced ridicule from TP Mazembe fans in his home country— to the point that he could not raise his head in a public place. So, there was no way he had some sort of natural magnetism that could easily turn him into a celebrity as a person. That quality is for the select few in the world, like the Kardashian family, for example.

He was well aware that the starter's fame was the only result of his football. As long as he continues to play well, people will feed every word he says. But if by chance he lost his skills, he would end up like his previous incarnation, alone and helpless. That was why he was so focused on training and improving his skills to avoid facing the same difficulties in his new life.

"Tell me why I'm in the headlines again," Zachary asked after taking a moment to savor the incredible taste of his cappuccino. "Is my interview with Olav making a scene? Or have I been on the bench for the last two games?"

"This is your interview after yesterday's game" replied Emily, smiling at him from across the table.

"Do I appear like an arrogant player who has everything in the video once again?"

"Not at all" said Emily before also sipping her coffee. "This time it's the opposite. You project a good image as an unselfish player who cares about the team. The Rosenborg fans love everything you say and even ask the coaching staff to start using you in every game.The good impression of the fans on your side. That's a pretty good achievement."

"Oh," said Zachary, putting his coffee mug back on the table. "It looks like this interview with Olav is good for me."

"From what I've heard from Ryan and some of my other colleagues here in Norway, it seems like it is" Emily said, still beaming. "But not everyone likes your post-match interview. Molde fans search for your blood on social media. That reporter, Olav, has framed you against them. Some of them call you arrogant, and some others not so. - friendly names. Several times, they even mentioned the goal you missed against BK's Honefoss. They claim your lucky spell is over, and they'll deal with you when you face Molde next week."

Zachary smiled, shaking his head. "As long as Rosenborg fans don't mind me, I don't care what others say. Moreover, they will be silent if I manage to play well in the next game."

"Good, Zach," Emily replied, her voice excited. "I'm glad you're confident. As long as you keep your focus and keep playing well, then they can't take anything away from you, no matter how much they babble— on social media. They will all be quiet if you keep performing well. I support you to silence them with your extraordinary skills." He added, clenching his fists into the air between them.

The corner of Zachary's mouth twitched a little to see how Emily tried to comfort him. She can be the most passionate fangirl if she wants to. Zachary sighed, shaking his head to refrain from laughing out loud.

"But this Olav stays focused on me even when I'm on the bench" he said, raising an eyebrow. “Yesterday, he was supposed to interview Nicki, who was obviously the man of the match and also scored a hat-trick. But he kept chasing me—people who didn't even get to play a minute in the game. ."

Emily laughs. "I'm just guessing that the fans and the press are fascinated by you just because you're an anomaly in the league" he said. "Think about that. You are only 18 years old. However, you have made your debut for the top Rosenborg— club in Norway. You have even scored five goals in your first three games. Statistics are crazy—and because of your Outstanding Performance, the Norwegian football community expects a lot from you. However, try not to be distressed by what everyone is saying. Instead, focus on improving yourself and let everything else be background noise. If you do that, you won't face any problems."

"That's right," Zachary agreed. "I try to stay away from the media. I don't want the press to affect my life, and that's why I don't have a social media account right now."

Emily smiled, leaning back into her chair to lock her gaze with Zachary. "But hiding from the fans and what the public says about you is not the solution in the long run" he said. "Most celebrities and even professional athletes out there read articles about themselves, perhaps for motivation or other reasons. But in doing so, they are also accustomed to confronting public opinion and dealing with negative criticism. You should try to do the same. What do you think will happen when you become so popular and can no longer hide?"

"I'm not hiding" Zachary replied. "I just don't see the need to read about myself in the news or follow posts on social media that criticize my game. I don't want such a distraction."

"Then" said Emily, sipping her coffee. "But it reminds me. Have you set up the Twitter account we're talking about?"

"No, yet" Zachary replied, smiling sadly. "I've been busy with training these past few days."

"But opening an account takes a few minutes," Emily replied with a sigh. "We can do it even now, that's if you agree. With a Twitter account, you will be able to find out what the press is saying about you and make some clarifications to shape public opinion. That's great for your public image. , and that means more offers of support."

"Oh" said Zakaria. "We turned a good football career into a showbiz. It's pretty weird if you think about it. I just wonder if players like Pele and Maradona should think of such a problem in their time."

Zachary could only smile wryly hearing that.

"Zach, you have to believe me," Emily continued in a tone similar to a preacher serving a group of hesitant believers. "It's a good thing to keep in touch with your fans. Social media is the best way to do it because it will not cost you anything. So, should we go ahead and open an account now? It won't take longer than a few minutes."

"Why not talk about the business first" said Zachary, smiling at him. "You called me here to discuss an endorsement deal. Don't you? We can think of Twitter and other issues afterwards."

Emilia sighed. "Here he is again, trying to save himself from opening a social media account" he said, shaking his head. "But okay, let's discuss business first. So, where do I start? Good news, better news, or best news?"

"You can start with whatever you like" Zachary replied, his shoulders raised while shrugging. "I don't mind."

"It's boring," said Emily, a little pouty. "Well, the deal with Audi is finally forming. Over the past week, I have been working closely with Susanne and Camilla to draft final contract documents. We have added and revised all the clauses that are essential to drawing up the final contract. And all I can say is that this endorsement deal is the best we can get right now."

"Thank you for your hard work" said Zachary, leaning back in his chair and smiling at him.

"Together," replied Emily, beaming.

"So, how much do they offer this time," Zachary asked after a while.

"I was just about to do it" said Emily, putting her cup of coffee on the table. He then submerged the manicured hand into a handbag beside his chair before removing the document folder. "Susanne didn't budge in the slightest regarding the money they offered us. So, their bid still stands at 7.5 million Norwegian Kroner per year for three years. Does it live up to your expectations?" He investigated, first leaning his head to study Zachary's face.

"Money is pretty good on my side" Zachary assured him. "It's more money than I expected throughout my first season as a pro footballer. So, don't think of me and move on."

Emily smiles. "Then I'm happy" he said. "So, their offer is still 7.5 million a year, but Susanne has agreed to pay us the full six million instead of the previous 4.5 million, right after you sign the deal."

"Six million right after signing," exclaimed Zachary, grinning widely. "That's good money. I think I'll be sleeping in Norwegian Kroner's bed soon."

Emily laughs. "Loose the excitement, huh? We will get much better support in the future. This deal is just the beginning."

Zakaria breathed. "Then, I have to start thinking hard about where to keep all that money" he said.

"But you have to remember that out of those six million, there's my 6% tax and commission as an agent" Emily said as she stared at Zachary. "So, you'll eventually get about 5 to 5.2 million. But that is, of course, after you approve the offer and sign your name on the contract."

"Of course, I will sign," Zachary replied quickly. "Why did I turn down such a lucrative deal? Five million is still a good amount, and I'm glad you can finally make some money when you help me. Are there any other terms in the contract that have changed?"

"No" replied Emily, smiling at Zachary. "All the terms are very similar to what Susanne described in our meeting last Thursday. Audi will offer you another vehicle right after you sign the deal. In addition, they have added some wage hike provisions into the — contract that is to take into account your growth potential. All I can say is that this deal is interesting. We have to take it."

"Then, why don't we go ahead and finish signing today," Zachary asked, raising an eyebrow.

Emily laughs. "It will depend on how fast you can read this document," he said, handing Zachary a set of papers from across the table. "This is a copy of the contract document. Try to read it and understand it quickly. As soon as you're done, we can arrange to meet with Audi representatives and negotiate a deal."