THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
Completing the Deal And Jersey Number

"Miss Emily," Mr. Malvik said, frowning. "We've already discussed the terms. Why are we back to the current negotiations?" He leaned back into his chair, not bothering to cover up his displeasure. The situation on the table became grim as the other executives glared at Emily.

Emily smiled, seemingly unperturbed by the other's annoyance. "Mrs. Malvic. If I remember correctly, we just agreed that Zachary would get a bonus appearance every time he was in the starting lineup. However, in the contract, you have added a clause denying Zachary this bonus unless he plays a total of 75 minutes in one game. That's not fair to young players like my client." He added, his tone was grim.

"Furthermore, the Buy-Out and Release clauses are very expensive. Fifty million because the cost of release is too much for an eighteen-year-old player. Do you want to use this fee to tie my client to your club for the next eight years until he can pull that big?"

Mr. Malvik smiled gently, straightening his tie. "Miss Emily, for the past few months, you've been arguing that your client is one of Norway's most talented footballers."

"You specifically said that we have to treat your client as an adult player because he will easily adapt to the tempo of the senior team. That's the only reason we offer salaries in the mid-range of Rosenborg first-team players. Miss Emily, now that you've come to a good pay deal for your client, why are you playing the cards of a young player? Aren't you the same person who insisted we didn't treat Zachary as an inexperienced young player? "

Emily was about to answer, but Mr. Malvik raised his hand, gesturing that he had not finished his argument. He flipped through the paper in front of him before continuing.

"We've even added a pay rise clause to encourage your client to do the best he can this season. If he scores fifteen goals in a season or provides 20 assists, he will get a monthly salary increase of 100,000 NOK. If he managed to score thirty goals, he would get a 300,000 NOK raise. All of these clauses would be effective in the following month right after he reached the specified achievement."

"That means your client might get 800,000 NOK by the end of the season. It does not include match performance bonuses and other perks. Miss Emily, why are you even trying to change the clause for such a contract? Is it just because of the Buy-Out and Release clauses? Sorry to say it—but we will cancel the deal if you make such a proposition." She concluded that her body language emphasized that she did not want to hear Emily's nonsense.

Hearing the legal counsel's words, Zachary felt his heart sink. He wants to finish the deal so he will concentrate on playing for Rosenborg.

Zachary doesn't understand why Emily is still bidding at the last minute. Despite this, he did not voice his displeasure. He had promised Emily that he would not bother her during negotiations with the club's management.

Over the next few minutes, Emily exchanged arguments with Mr. Malvik, neither side giving any leeway during the negotiations. Emily insists that Rosenborg must cut half the costs required to trigger the Buy-Out and Release clauses. He also stressed that Zachary—ditung had appeared during his time appearing on the team. However, Mr. Malvik turned a deaf ear to all his pleas.

Zachary and the other executives secretly watched the two lawyers fight with words that made no sense to them all. If they were to be left alone, they would probably argue until the next day.

But, fortunately, the chairman raised his hand to cut off their heated verbal conversation after a few minutes. "Miss Emily," she smiled, facing him. "I wanted to make this summary because I had to attend another meeting in about an hour. I will take a step back and agree to the Appearance clause amendment."

Mr. Koteng raised his hand to be silent. “We will calculate that Zachary has featured as long as he is in the starting eleven or a substitute for match day. However, the Buy-Out and Release clauses will remain the same. That was my last offer. What do you think? , Miss Emily?" His deep voice echoed throughout the room, his tone grim.

Emily frowned, turning to glance at Zachary. The latter 'just' nodded, indicating that he should accept the deal. If it was him, he wouldn't bother negotiating for more clauses. He must have signed the contract thirty minutes ago.

"OK, deal," Emily recited, stood up and reached out to the chairman.

"Big." The leader grinned, grabbing his hand. "You've given us a hard time during these negotiations."

Emily smiled embarrassedly at it. "I'm just trying to do what's best for my clients. A good contract requirement would boost Zachary's morale, allowing him to perform beyond his limits. Surely, you can't blame me for that."

"Well, you have a point." The chairman nodded before turning towards Zachary.

"Once again, I welcome you to the Rosenborg team" he said, patting Zachary on the shoulder. "But please remember to keep doing your best to improve your skills. Only then will you stay in top shape and perform at the top of your abilities."

"Yes, chief," Zachary replied as he patted his chest. "I will continue to do my best both on and off the pitch. You keep my promise."

The chief smiled at him. "That's great. I've got great hopes for you. You can finish the rest with Coach Johansen and Mr. Erik Hoftun. You still have to pick your shirt number."

Zachary continues to mince words with the executive while Mr. Malvik and Emily change and complete the new contract documents. He had to meet with the sporting director, who was a bearded man named Erik Hoftun. He looked eager to include Zachary into the senior team on the day, even going forward—to inquire about his back number selection.

Zachary did not negotiate for long and asked the sporting director to—give him the number-33 just after a while. He wanted a unique number— that has never been worn by any famous football star in history. Moreover, the number 33 in accordance with the date of birth is December 3.

When Zachary finished selecting his back number, he felt like there was a heavy burden— lifted off his shoulders. A faint smile graced her face as she looked at Emily and Mr. Malvik edited a new contract on one of their laptops. In just a few minutes, he will become an official Rosenborg player. He finally achieved the dream of his previous life playing professional football in Europe. He could not contain his excitement.