Chapter 168: Extraordinary Popularity, Lin Quan Officially Debuts at Etihad Stadium!
After announcing the time for Lin Quan's public appearance, Manchester City also announced that all fans could come to the Etihad Stadium for free to watch Lin Quan's debut ceremony.
Meanwhile, the Manchester City store began reserving space for Lin Quan's number 10 jersey. On the day of his official debut, the number 10 jersey he wore would be released for sale.
However, the number 10 jersey was currently worn by the Bosnian forward Dzeko. For Lin Quan to wear the number 10, Dzeko would need to give it up.
Thus, Manchester City's chairman, Fahim, sent someone to talk to Dzeko's agent, Lucci, to inform him of the decision.
"This is impossible. Dzeko is Manchester City's top scorer. He deserves the core status and the number 10 jersey. Dzeko will not give up this number!"
Lucci reacted strongly, not wanting his player to lose the number that symbolized being a core team member.
"Mr. Lucci, please watch your tone. I am informing you of the club's decision, not negotiating with you!"
Fahim didn't want to upset a player like Dzeko, who had contributed to the team, but the boss Mansour had clearly instructed that the number 10 jersey should go to Lin Quan. Fahim couldn't disobey Mansour's orders, so he hoped Dzeko and his agent would be reasonable.
"Mr. Chairman, is this how Manchester City treats its distinguished veterans?"
Realizing the situation might not change, Lucci tried to play on emotions to see if they could get some other form of compensation.
"We have always been generous to players who have made significant contributions. Dzeko was a key player in the 2011-12 season when we won the title. The club won't disappoint him."
Fahim took out a new contract from his drawer and placed it in front of Lucci:
"Here's the renewal contract we prepared for Dzeko. Take a look."
Lucci glanced at the contract and was immediately attracted by the salary amount. Manchester City offered Dzeko a salary of 6 million euros after tax, which was top-tier in European football. Although Dzeko was a good player, he wasn't quite at the top tier. Last season, he played 46 games for Manchester City, scoring 16 goals—14 in the league, 1 in the Champions League, and 1 in the Community Shield. This wasn't top-scorer material in the major leagues, and there were many better players than him.
Given Manchester City's crowded forward lineup, the club offering him a 6 million euro after-tax salary was quite favorable. Lucci, who initially had many complaints, was silenced by the contract amount.
"I need to discuss this with my player. You know, Dzeko is very fond of the number 10 jersey. I need to do a lot of convincing."
"I understand. The club will not forget your efforts."
Fahim knew what Lucci wanted, so he promised a bonus for Lucci once the renewal was completed as compensation.
With this promise, Lucci quickly changed his attitude and happily took the new contract to Dzeko.
To his surprise, Dzeko firmly decided: "Submit a transfer request. I don't want to stay at a club that takes away my jersey number!"
"Are you sure about this, Edin? You won't get such a high salary anywhere else!"
"I'm sure. At Manchester City, I already have to compete with Tevez and Aguero. Now there's also Lin Quan. How much playing time do you think I'll get next season?"
Clearly, Dzeko's decision wasn't impulsive but a well-thought-out choice. Manchester City was wealthy and bought many players each transfer period. This summer alone, they bought three forwards: Negredo for 25 million euros, Jovetic for 26 million euros, and now Lin Quan, who joined as a superstar without a transfer fee.
The competition for forward positions at Manchester City next season would be intense. If the club didn't take Dzeko's number 10 jersey, he still had the confidence to compete. But with the jersey taken away and the club supporting Lin Quan's rise, Dzeko would naturally be marginalized.
Dzeko was a proud player who didn't like being overshadowed. If Manchester City took his jersey number, he wouldn't stay. Dzeko's reasoning was sound, but it only made Lucci more anxious. Remembering Fahim's promised benefits, he tried to persuade Dzeko:
"You're the team's top scorer. Besides Lin Quan, no one can threaten you! And Lin Quan can play as a winger or attacking midfielder. He might not compete with you for the striker position. If you stay at Manchester City, the main striker position will still be yours!"
"No need. He took my jersey number. I don't want to play in the same team as him!"
Dzeko was determined, and Lucci's persuasion failed. He could only report the result to Fahim.
"Then contact other clubs and complete his transfer."
Fahim made the decision without showing any emotion. If Dzeko had wanted to leave before Lin Quan joined, Fahim would have been very anxious and might have personally tried to persuade him to stay. But now, with Lin Quan on the team, Fahim felt more confident. Whether Dzeko stayed or left didn't matter anymore.
Lucci was surprised by the lack of effort to retain Dzeko, realizing Dzeko's status at Manchester City had indeed declined. Since that was the case, it was best to part ways amicably. Lucci had no time to argue with Fahim. He needed to find a new club for Dzeko before the summer transfer window closed. Otherwise, Dzeko's position would be very awkward if he stayed at Manchester City after requesting a transfer.
Fortunately, Dzeko wasn't an unwanted player. After being listed for transfer, several clubs showed interest. The most sincere offers came from Arsenal and Roma. Arsenal needed a good forward and quickly offered 18 million pounds. Roma offered 20 million euros. The amounts were similar, but Manchester City didn't want Dzeko to stay in the Premier League, so they accepted Roma's offer and sold Dzeko to Roma.
With Dzeko gone, the number 10 jersey was available.
On July 28th, at 8:30 in the morning, Lin Quan arrived at the club's designated hospital for a medical examination. Thousands of fans had already gathered outside the hospital. These Manchester City fans had gotten up early and rushed to the hospital to see their superstar.
When Lin Quan appeared at the hospital entrance in a white casual outfit, the crowd went wild.
"Wow, Lin is so handsome!"
"King Lin! I'm your fan, please sign an autograph for me!"
"Lin, our whole family loves watching you play. Can we take a photo with you?"
Countless fans shouted Lin Quan's name and rushed toward him. The security personnel maintaining order were startled. They had been notified about a player coming for a medical examination. Manchester didn't lack stars, so they treated this as a routine event without preparing extra personnel.
After announcing the time for Lin Quan's public debut, Manchester City also declared that all fans could attend the event at Etihad Stadium for free.
Meanwhile, Manchester City's official store began reserving space for Lin Quan's No. 10 jersey. On the day of his official debut, the No. 10 jersey he wears will be officially released for sale.
However, the No. 10 jersey currently belongs to Bosnian striker Dzeko. For Lin Quan to wear it, Dzeko would have to give it up first.
Thus, Manchester City's chairman, Fahim, sent someone to inform Dzeko's agent, Lucci, about this matter.
"This is impossible! Dzeko is Manchester City's top scorer. He deserves the core position and the No. 10 jersey. There's no way he will give up this number!"
Lucci reacted strongly, unwilling to let his player give up this symbolic number. If Dzeko gave up the jersey, it would mean that the new star, Lin Quan, would become the top player.
"Mr. Lucci, please mind your tone. I am informing you of the club's decision, not negotiating with you."
Fahim didn't want to fall out with a key player like Dzeko, especially one who had contributed significantly to the team. However, the club's owner, Mansour, had explicitly requested that the No. 10 jersey be given to Lin Quan. Fahim couldn't disobey Mansour's orders, so he hoped that Dzeko and his agent would understand the situation.
"Mr. Chairman, is this how Manchester City treats its veteran players?"
Realizing the situation might be unchangeable, Lucci tried to negotiate some compensation. This way, he could go back and convince Dzeko.
"We have always been generous to players who have made significant contributions to the team. Dzeko was a key player in our 2011-12 championship season, and the team won't disappoint him."
Fahim took out a new contract from his drawer and placed it in front of Lucci: "This is the extension contract we prepared for Dzeko. Have a look!"
Lucci glanced at the contract and was immediately attracted by the salary figure. Manchester City offered Dzeko a salary of 6 million euros after tax, which is among the top salaries in European football. Although Dzeko is a good player, he isn't in the top tier of footballers. Last season, he played 46 games for Manchester City, scoring 16 goals, including 14 in the league, 1 in the Champions League, and 1 in the Community Shield. Compared to other top scorers in the major leagues, his stats aren't outstanding. Given Manchester City's abundance of forwards, the club's offer of a 6 million euro after-tax annual salary was very generous.
Originally, Lucci had many complaints, but seeing the salary figure shut him up immediately.
"I need to discuss this with my player. You know, Dzeko is very attached to the No. 10 jersey. I'll need to do a lot of convincing."
"I understand. The club will ensure your benefits."
Fahim knew what Lucci wanted, so he promised: "After this extension is completed, there will be an additional bonus for you as compensation."
Hearing this, Lucci put on a smile and eagerly took Manchester City's new contract to Dzeko.
However, Dzeko quickly made up his mind: "Submit a transfer request. I don't want to stay at a club that takes away my jersey number!"
"Eden, are you sure about this? You won't get such a high salary elsewhere!"
"I'm sure. At Manchester City, I already have to compete with Tevez and Aguero, and now Lin Quan has joined. How many chances do you think I'll get next season?"
It was clear that Dzeko's decision was not made on a whim but after careful consideration. Manchester City is rich and buys many players every transfer window. This summer alone, they bought three forwards: Negredo for 25 million euros, Jovetic for 26 million euros, and Lin Quan, who joined with the aura of a superstar but no transfer fee. The competition for forward positions next season would be unprecedented. If Manchester City didn't take his No. 10 jersey, Dzeko would still be confident in competing. But if the club fully supported Lin Quan and took away his number, Dzeko knew he would be marginalized.
Dzeko is a proud player who doesn't like others stepping on him. If Manchester City took his jersey, he wouldn't stay. Lucci became more anxious, knowing that Fahim's promised benefits would be lost. He tried to persuade Dzeko:
"You are the top scorer in the team. Apart from Lin Quan, no one else can threaten you! And Lin Quan can play as a winger or an attacking midfielder, so he might not compete for the center-forward position. If you stay, the starting striker position is still yours!"
"No need. He took my jersey number, and I don't want to play in the same team as him!"
Dzeko was determined. Lucci, unable to persuade him, had to inform Fahim of the outcome.
"Then contact other clubs and complete his transfer."
Fahim decided without emotion. If Dzeko had threatened to leave before Lin Quan joined, Fahim would have been very anxious, possibly visiting Dzeko in person to persuade him to stay. But now, with Lin Quan in the team, Fahim felt confident. Whether Dzeko stayed or left, it didn't matter anymore.
Lucci was surprised by the lack of effort to keep Dzeko, realizing his status at Manchester City had indeed fallen. He had to find a new club for Dzeko before the transfer window closed; otherwise, Dzeko would be in an awkward position at Manchester City after a failed transfer request.
Fortunately, Dzeko was still a sought-after player. After being listed for transfer, several clubs showed interest. The most sincere offers came from Arsenal and Roma. Arsenal, lacking a good striker, immediately offered 18 million pounds. Roma offered 20 million euros. The amounts were similar, but Manchester City didn't want Dzeko to stay in the Premier League and agreed to Roma's offer, selling him to Roma. With Dzeko gone, the No. 10 jersey was vacated.
On July 28, at 8:30 AM, Lin Quan arrived at the designated hospital for a medical examination. Thousands of fans had gathered outside the hospital, eager to see their superstar. When Lin Quan appeared, the crowd went wild.
"Wow, he's so handsome!" "Lin! I'm your fan! Please sign an autograph for me!" "Lin, my whole family loves watching you play! Can we take a photo with you?"
Fans shouted Lin Quan's name and rushed towards him, startling the security personnel. They had been informed of a star player coming for a medical check, but Manchester had many star players, so they didn't expect this many fans. They had to call headquarters for backup, increasing the security team from 20-30 to over 200. Even with this many, handling thousands of fans was challenging.
Who is this guy? Why is he so popular? The last time Manchester saw such popularity was with the guy in the No. 7 Manchester United jersey. Lin Quan's popularity now rivaled that of Ronaldo back then.
"Hello everyone, please cooperate with the security personnel. Don't push to avoid accidents and ensure your own and others' safety!"
Seeing the situation getting out of control, Lin Quan took a loudspeaker and addressed the fans directly. His words excited them even more.
"Uh..."
Lin Quan was speechless for a moment. Then he had an idea: "If everyone behaves, I'll sign autographs and take photos after my medical exam if I have time."
This worked. Hearing they could get autographs and photos, the fans calmed down. The security personnel breathed a sigh of relief, amazed at Lin Quan's influence. Who is this guy? How can he have such high prestige among the fans before even completing his medical or signing his contract?
Some security personnel, not being football fans or only following their own teams, knew little about Manchester City and Lin Quan's transfer. After today, many became interested in Lin Quan and went home to look him up online. Watching his goal highlights from the Bundesliga and the Confederations Cup, many became his fans.
With the security escort, Lin Quan entered the hospital smoothly. Manchester City's medical team was already waiting, and under their supervision, the Spanish frontman underwent a thorough check-up. The examination included routine blood and urine analysis, ECG, ultrasound, cardiopulmonary function tests, and muscle nerve tests. Additionally, he underwent a full MRI scan to ensure no hidden injuries.
For the buying club, it's crucial that the player they sign is fully fit and able to play. Any hidden injuries could mean their transfer fee was wasted. Therefore, health checks are stringent. Lin Quan's physical indicators were all normal, with no significant injuries. The results reassured Manchester City's medical team.
"Lin, now you just need to go to Etihad Stadium to officially sign with the team. Then you'll be a part of Manchester City!"
Fahim, delighted with the medical results, told Lin Quan.
"Alright, thank you everyone for your hard work!"
Lin Quan politely thanked the hospital staff and took photos with them. Leaving the hospital, he fulfilled his earlier promise, spending half an hour signing autographs and taking photos with some fans before heading to the club's car to go to Etihad Stadium.
Thinking the crowd at the hospital was impressive, Lin Quan was stunned by the scene at Etihad Stadium. The stadium was packed inside and out with people. Even without entering, Lin Quan knew the stadium was full. Seeing so many fans outside, the inside had to be packed.
He was surprised by his popularity among Manchester City fans. Wait, there are Chinese fans in Manchester City jerseys here? Did they come specifically to see my debut?
The Chinese fans noticed Lin Quan and shouted excitedly: "It's Lin! It's really him!" "Of course, it's him! Quick, let's shout together!"
"Three, two, one!" "Lin! We are your fans! We will always support you!"
Speaking in Mandarin, the fans' shouts were understood only by Lin Quan. Smiling, he waved at them but didn't go over to avoid causing a disturbance. He remembered their faces, planning to meet them if they crossed paths later.
The fans were ecstatic: "Lin saw us!" "He waved at us!" "Too bad we forgot to bring our signs!"
Inside the club, Mansour and Fahim waited in the chairman's box. Seeing Lin Quan, Mansour stood up to shake his hand.
"You finally arrived!"
Though sure Lin Quan would come, Mansour felt nervous during the wait, fearing something might go wrong. But Lin Quan arrived on time, and Mansour's worries faded.
After shaking hands with Mansour and Fahim, Lin Quan signed his name on the prepared contract, officially joining Manchester City. Mansour, thrilled, felt like a dream had come true.
Following tradition, after the signing, Mansour presented Lin Quan with commemorative items, including a pen, watch, and a model of Etihad Stadium. Fahim handed Lin Quan a blue jersey with the No. 10, symbolizing the team's core position. Lin Quan held up the jersey for the press.
"Let's go greet the fans at the stadium!"
Mansour patted Lin Quan's back, smiling. Lin Quan nodded, changed into his new kit, and entered the stadium with Mansour and others. Etihad Stadium, offering free entry, was packed with over 50,000 fans eager to witness this historic moment. As Lin Quan stepped onto the field, he was met with thunderous applause. Manchester City fans, waving banners and shouting his name, warmly welcomed their new king.
For this moment, Manchester City fans had been waiting a long time.
End of the chapter