The Red Devils' revival starts with retaining Mourinho

But no one expected that Pepe would reject Manchester United's signing proposal a day later. Of course, out of respect for Manchester United, Pepe's agent Jorge Mendes personally came to Rowe's office to explain.

It was a not-so-bright day, and agent Mendes stepped into the office of Manchester United's chairman at Carrington Training Base with a heavy heart. He knew that this meeting would be a difficult conversation.

Manchester United chairman Rowe sat behind the huge desk that symbolized authority, with a serious expression, and his eyes revealed his expectations and doubts about Mendes's arrival.

Mendes took a deep breath and broke the silence first: "Mr. Chairman, I understand your confusion and dissatisfaction with Pepe's rejection of Manchester United, but please listen to my detailed explanation."

The chairman nodded slightly, motioning Mendes to continue.

Mendes cleared his throat and said, "First of all, Pepe respects Manchester United very much. He sincerely thanks Manchester United for the invitation. But you have to know that Pepe is 35 years old this year. His career may end at any time. In the last few years of his career, he needs a relatively relaxed competition environment, which is better in the Portuguese Super League than the Premier League. And Pepe's parent team Sporting CP has been inviting him to return. No one can refuse the temptation of returning to their roots."

The chairman frowned and interrupted, "Mr. Mendes, although Pepe is 35 years old, you and I know that he is still one of the best central defenders in the world. No one can shake his position in the Portuguese national team. It's a pity for a player of his level to play in the Portuguese Super League so early."

Mendes patiently explained, "President, don't worry. The intensity and rhythm of the Premier League are world-famous. For a 35-year-old For players aged 18, it is becoming increasingly difficult to recover and maintain physical condition. Every game is a high-intensity confrontation with almost no chance to breathe. Although the Portuguese Super League is slightly inferior in overall level, the pressure of the game is relatively small and the schedule is not so intensive. This means that Pepe can have more time to adjust and recover, thus extending his career. "

Luo Lie fell into deep thought, tapping his fingers lightly on the table.

Mendes went on to say: "Pepe knows that Manchester United is a great club, but his age does not allow him to continue to fight in a high-intensity environment like when he was young. He longs to enjoy football in a relatively relaxed way at the end of his career, while also contributing his experience and ability to the team."

Luo Lie raised his head with a hint of doubt in his eyes: "Can't we at Manchester United provide him with appropriate adjustment and rest time?"

Mendes shook his head: "Mr. Chairman, the competitive environment of the Premier League is holistic. Even if the team can make certain arrangements, the atmosphere and rhythm of the entire league cannot be changed. Moreover, the outside public opinion and the expectations of the fans will also bring invisible pressure to the players."

The chairman was silent for a moment, then said: "Okay, then tell me the second reason."

Mendes sorted out his thoughts and continued: " Second, Pepe needs a relatively long contract, after all, this is his last contract. "

Rolie crossed his arms over his chest and frowned: "Long-term contract is not a problem. I am not Florentino. I never hesitate to provide long-term contracts to high-level 30+ athletes. I fully believe that Pepe can contribute to the team."

Mendes explained: "Chairman, Pepe understands that his competitive state may gradually decline with age, but he hopes to have a stable guarantee in the last stage of his career. This long-term contract is not only a financial guarantee for him, but also a respect and recognition for his many years of professional career. He is willing to do his best to play for the team during the contract period, pass on his experience to young players, and help the team grow. "

Rolie stood up, walked to the window, looked at the training ground outside the window, and fell into deep thought.

Mendes quietly waited for the chairman's response.

After a long time, Luo Lie turned around and said slowly: "Mendez, your explanation gave me a deeper understanding of Pepe's thoughts. From my heart, I still hope Pepe can join. How about this? Manchester United Club offers Pepe a six-year contract, adopting a 2+2+2 automatic renewal model, with the 2020 European Cup, the 2022 Qatar World Cup and the 2024 German European Cup as the three world competitions as the main nodes. Whether to renew the contract will be determined based on Pepe's physical condition and his personal wishes.

In the first two-year contract, Manchester United Club gives an annual salary of 10 million pounds in basic salary + championship bonus;

For the second two-year contract, Manchester United will offer an annual basic salary of 8 million pounds + championship bonus;

For the third two-year contract, Manchester United will offer an annual basic salary of 6 million pounds + championship bonus; in addition, the club hopes that Pepe will be able to join the first-team coaching staff at that time, with an annual basic salary of 800,000 pounds + championship bonus.

Listening to the contract terms listed by Luo Lie, Mendes took a breath. He did not expect that Manchester United's sincerity was much greater than he expected.

"After the six-year contract expires, it will be 2024. Pepe should be 41 years old at that time. If he still wants to continue playing, we will automatically renew the contract according to the terms of the third two-year contract. If he decides to hang up his boots, I hope he can join Manchester United's management or Manchester United's youth training academy."

"Mr. Chairman, to be honest, I have been moved by the sincerity of Manchester United Club, but you know, I need to discuss this matter with Pepe."

"No problem, Mr. Mendes. Please give Pepe a message for me. If it is convenient for him, I hope to meet him and talk face to face, whether he comes to Manchester, or I go to Portugal, or any third-party location. "I am a fan of him and Cristiano. Today I hope he will join Manchester United, and later I also hope Cristiano can go home."

"Cristiano?" Mendes looked surprised.

"No, no. Mr. Mendes, our topic today is only Pepe, not Cristiano. One hundred million euros is not a problem for Manchester United, but I know Juventus will definitely not sell, and Sir Alex Ferguson also told me that with Cristiano's character, he will not leave before conquering Serie A. Hahahaha."

"Mr. Chairman, I will definitely convey your words to Pepe."

"Okay, Mr. Mendes. Then I'll wait for your good news." After seeing off Mendes, Luo Lie sat back in his office chair. Although the topic of Cristiano Ronaldo just mentioned was a temporary idea, he did have plans in this regard in his heart. Of course, he knew it was not suitable this season, but there would definitely be a chance next season.

While Manchester United was busy introducing central defenders all over the world, Christmas 2018 came. But there is no Christmas holiday in the Premier League, and there is nowhere to go. Zhang Jingyi, Liu Xiaoyan, Zhou Yue, Ji Sihan and other girls returned to China as early as December 12. Zhang Jingyi ended her exchange student studies early and joined the agency jointly established by the well-known young actor Chen Xun and the well-known actress Zhou Kun. After the New Year's Day holiday, she will join the crew to star in her first TV series "The Blue Sky of the Rain Cat Girl"; Liu Xiaoyan, Zhou Yue and Ji Sihan returned to China to reunite with their families because the Turin Conservatory of Music was on vacation. They will not return to Europe until the school reopens around the Spring Festival in February.

On December 26, the winter wind blew through the Carrington base, but the base was a warm and joyful scene. Manchester United Chairman Rowley personally planned and organized a grand Manchester United Club Christmas party, which was destined to be an unforgettable night.

When night fell, the Carrington base was brightly lit, and the newly decorated building looked like a dream castle. At the door, Rowley personally greeted every guest who came to the party. The coaches were dressed in formal attire, walking steadily, their eyes full of anticipation for this special night. The fans' representatives could not hide their excitement, and they walked into this place full of festive atmosphere with their love for the team.

The staff were busy shuttling back and forth, making sure everything was ready. The players arrived with their families one after another, and the children were wearing cute Christmas costumes, and laughter echoed in the air.

Luo Lie smiled and shook hands and hugged everyone, and his enthusiasm made everyone feel the warmth of home.

Walking into the hall, a huge Christmas tree stood in the center, hung with colorful lights and exquisite decorations. There were sumptuous delicacies all around, and the aroma of roast turkey filled the air, making people salivate.

At the beginning of the party, Luo Lie walked onto the stage, his voice was steady and powerful: "Dear friends, I am very happy to be with you all here on this special day. Thank you to every coach and staff member who has contributed to Manchester United, thank you to the fans who have always supported us, and thank you to our players and their families. It is you who together constitute the big family of Manchester United. Let us enjoy this wonderful night together and welcome the new year together!"

There was warm applause from the audience, and people's faces were filled with happy smiles.

The coaches sat together and talked about the team's tactics and future development. Their words were full of longing and confidence for the new season.

The fan representatives excitedly communicated with the players, sharing the exciting moments of watching the game. An old fan excitedly shook the player's hand and said: "Every game, win or lose, we are behind you to support you!"

The staff also temporarily put aside their daily busyness and enjoyed this rare moment of relaxation.

The children played and played on the side, curiously exploring this place full of novelties.

The players and their families depended on each other and enjoyed this warm time. A player said with emotion: "I always fight on the field on weekdays, and rarely have such an opportunity to relax with my family." His wife smiled and responded: "This is a beautiful memory for us."

Midway through the party, Luo Lie carefully arranged a series of interesting interactive games. There were riddles, football knowledge quizzes, etc. Everyone participated enthusiastically, and the atmosphere on the scene was extraordinary.

In the lottery session, everyone was full of expectations. When the surprise prizes were revealed one by one, cheers and screams came one after another.

When the music sounded, people stepped into the dance floor and danced to their heart's content. Luo Lie also joined in and immersed himself in the joyful atmosphere with everyone.

As the night deepened, the party was drawing to a close. People said goodbye reluctantly with full happiness and memories. Luo Lie prepared a beautiful gift for all the people who attended the party. These gifts were carefully selected by Luo Lie on behalf of four girls, Zhang Jingyi, Liu Xiaoyan, Zhou Yue, and Ji Sihan, and airlifted to the club two days before Christmas.

When the gift box was opened, the first thing that caught my eye was a set of exquisite Chinese tea sets. This set of tea sets is made of top-quality ceramic materials, white as jade, warm and delicate. The surface of the tea set is painted with exquisite traditional Chinese landscape paintings, with undulating mountains and gurgling water, as if presenting a tranquil natural painting in front of you. The teacup has a unique shape and smooth lines, and it is comfortable and light to hold in your hand. The spout of the teapot is exquisitely designed, and the water flows smoothly, which makes people feel elegant and calm when making tea.

In addition to the tea set, there is also a traditional Chinese silk handkerchief. The handkerchief is soft and smooth, and feels great. The handkerchief is embroidered with exquisite peony patterns. The peony flowers are delicate and beautiful, with distinct petals and bright colors without losing elegance. The embroidery is fine, and every stitch and every thread shows superb skills, as if giving life to the handkerchief. This silk handkerchief is not only a practical item, but also a fine work of art.

A string of exquisite Chinese knots is also placed in the gift box. The Chinese knot is woven with red thread, with a full shape, implying reunion, happiness and perfection. The knot is tight, the lines are smooth, and the details are handled very delicately. A pair of small bells are hung under the knot. When the breeze blows, the bells make a crisp and pleasant sound, as if conveying good wishes.

In addition, Luo Lie also prepared a beautiful thread-bound version of "The Analects" for everyone. The cover of the book adopts the traditional Chinese binding craftsmanship. The dark blue fabric is inlaid with golden patterns, which looks solemn and elegant. The paper of the inner pages is thick and smooth, with clear printing and beautiful fonts. Each sentence in the book is accompanied by detailed annotations and interpretations, allowing people to better appreciate the wisdom and charm of ancient Chinese philosophy.

Finally, each person's gift box contains a small and exquisite aromatherapy burner. The aromatherapy burner is made of bronze, and the surface is carefully polished, exuding an ancient luster. The body of the burner is engraved with exquisite dragon and phoenix patterns, symbolizing good luck. A piece of aromatherapy block with a faint sandalwood scent is placed in the burner. When the incense is lit, the rising green smoke and the faint fragrance instantly permeate the air, making people feel relaxed physically and mentally, as if they are in a quiet Chinese courtyard.

These gifts not only show the profoundness and unique charm of the traditional culture of the oriental country, but also reflect Luo Lie's deep friendship and good wishes for everyone who attended the party.

On this cold winter night, the Christmas party at the Carrington base has become the warmest memory in everyone's heart. It not only brings each other closer, but also makes the cohesion of the Manchester United family stronger.