Bernstein had no idea what he was doing, but since Miller was the boss, he had no choice but to follow him to Brazil.
After all, the freezing temperatures in Manchester made a few days in Brazil sound like a perfect escape.
So, the two quickly bought their tickets and headed to São Paulo, Brazil.
Their target this time was a young player named Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, more commonly known by his famous name—Kaka.
Miller remembered that AC Milan would make a move to sign Kaka in the summer of 2003, so he was determined to strike first.
Upon arriving at São Paulo FC, the club's president, Juvencio, was already waiting for them in the reception room.
After exchanging pleasantries, everyone sat down.
Juvencio smiled and said, "Gentlemen, to be honest, you're the sixth club that's shown interest in Kaka."
Miller exchanged a glance with Bernstein, a sense of urgency creeping into his thoughts. This was clearly Juvencio's way of hinting at a price increase.
Without missing a beat, Miller asked, "Mr. Juvencio, if that's the case, why hasn't a deal been made yet? Are you not interested in selling?"
Juvencio's smile faltered slightly. "Of course, we've had offers, but none that met our expectations."
Miller grinned. "So what's your asking price for Kaka, Mr. Chairman?"
Juvencio hesitated for a moment. "AC Milan has offered us 8 million euros, but we rejected it."
Miller chuckled internally. He knew the deal would eventually go through for exactly 8 million euros. Juvencio was obviously trying to raise the price but didn't want to ask for too much.
Still, Miller found the negotiation amusing. People today were so straightforward compared to the ruthless haggling that would dominate football transfers in the future. In a dozen years, clubs like Benfica, Porto, and Brighton would demand 100 million euros for top players. But here was Kaka, and Juvencio didn't even dare ask for 50 million euros.
"10 million euros," Miller offered without hesitation.
Juvencio's eyes sparkled. He tried to negotiate further. "How about 12 million?"
He expected Miller to decline and perhaps lower his offer, but to his surprise, Miller laughed. "Deal!"
Juvencio was taken aback, realizing too late that he'd undersold the player. But there was no turning back now, and he could only agree.
"However," Juvencio added, "Kaka's own wishes are just as important. You'll need to convince him to join your club."
Miller nodded. "Please arrange a meeting with Kaka."
An hour later, the door opened, and a tall, handsome young man walked in. Miller couldn't help but admire him. "So damn good-looking," he thought. "Even I'd be overshadowed by this guy."
Bernstein gave a slight nod as well. "With a face like that, we'll make a killing in ticket sales alone."
Kaka greeted them politely. "Hello, gentlemen."
Miller extended his hand. "Hello, Kaka. I'm Miller from Manchester City FC."
Kaka looked slightly confused but maintained his courteous smile. He knew that AC Milan was interested in him, and he'd been considering the move. But Manchester City? That was unexpected.
Just as Kaka was trying to think of a polite way to decline, the door swung open again. Everyone turned their heads to see who had entered.
A young man with buck teeth and a wide, infectious smile strolled into the room. Kaka's eyes lit up in recognition.
Miller smiled to himself. The timing couldn't have been better.
Yes, before coming to Brazil, Miller had contacted Ronaldinho and asked him to meet them at São Paulo FC. The plan was simple—get Ronaldinho to help convince his fellow Brazilian to join Manchester City.
Despite being on vacation, Ronaldinho, always a good-natured guy, had agreed to come.
At the 2002 World Cup in Korea-Japan, Kaka had been part of the Brazilian squad, and he'd bonded well with Ronaldinho. It was hard not to like Ronaldinho, with his laid-back charm and friendly personality.
As soon as Kaka saw Ronaldinho, he jumped up and embraced him.
Ronaldinho grinned and turned to Kaka. "Hey, little Kaka, come with me to Manchester City! You'll have everything you want there!"
Kaka hesitated, unsure.
Miller seized the moment. "Kaka, Manchester City might be just another Premier League team now, but I promise you, in the next three years, we'll become one of the top teams in the league."
Ronaldinho nodded in agreement. "Miller has big plans, and I believe he'll follow through. Trust me, Kaka. Come with us!"
Kaka fell into deep thought.
Miller continued, "And if Manchester City doesn't qualify for the Champions League within three years, I won't stand in the way of your departure. You'll be free to go."
Kaka looked up, carefully studying Miller's expression.
Ronaldinho added, "My contract with Barcelona has a release clause that kicks in after June 30, 2005. If any Champions League team offers 80 million euros, they can trigger it and take me. If you join Manchester City, we can include a similar clause in your contract."
Kaka considered this carefully. "Alright," he finally said. "As long as my contract has a similar release clause, I'll agree to the transfer."
Miller breathed a sigh of relief. "It's a deal."
From there, the negotiations between Bernstein and Kaka's agent, Gaetano Paolillo, took over. While they hammered out the details, Miller relaxed, sipping coffee with Ronaldinho.
Miller winked. "Thanks for the help."
Ronaldinho laughed. "Just make sure I get a few more days off in the future!"
Miller threw up his hands. "I'm a ruthless capitalist, remember?"
Both men laughed heartily.
Before long, Bernstein and Gaetano had reached an agreement. Kaka signed a five-year contract with a weekly salary of 35,000 pounds.
Ronaldinho stood by Kaka, grinning ear to ear. With a fellow Brazilian at Manchester City, life in England would definitely be more fun.
Miller, observing the scene, sighed inwardly. "How can two Brazilians be so different in appearance?"