Otamendi shouted so loudly that his voice was almost breaking, and everyone looked at him in astonishment.
At this point, Manchester City’s commercial director Belada couldn’t keep them in suspense any longer. Luckily, while the fans were crowding around Tang Long for a photo, he had already come up with a great idea.
Belada cleared his throat and solemnly addressed everyone:
"In the United Kingdom, becoming a professional player is always a dream children aspire to."
"But we mustn’t forget that many players in lower leagues end up in poverty after retirement due to various unfortunate reasons."
"At the end of this month, Manchester City will host a charity gala with the goal of raising funds to help these individuals live with dignity and regain the cheers of their former audiences. I hereby announce that the players who win the 3V3 tournament will represent the Manchester City Club at this charitable event!"
Belada waved his hand and called Tang Long, Sterling, and Otamendi to the front.
"You three newcomers, as you embark on this new journey, I expect you, not only to perform well in matches, bringing the highest honors to Manchester City Club; but also to actively bear the social responsibilities you should in daily life, showcasing Manchester City Club’s compassionate side to all the people of England!"
"It’s a great honor to represent the club at this event. Thank the club for its support!" Tang Long responded.
Upon hearing this, Gracie, standing next to him, was already picturing Tang Long, looking dashing in a fitted suit, attending the charity gala, immediately clapped and looked at him with a big smile.
The Mayor of Manchester, standing by, also joined in clapping.
Spurred by the two of them, the place erupted with a burst of enthusiastic applause!
Hearing this, Otamendi’s lips twitched and he hesitated to speak.
But when he looked at his teammates on either side, Tang Long and Sterling were also smiling and waving to the crowd, so he followed suit, thinking:
"Seriously, this is the reward, huh? I thought Manchester City was so wealthy that they’d at least give us a Rolex! How boring, a charity gala? Come on, how many British Pounds will I earn for attending?"
Standing afar, Milner was gnashing his back teeth in frustration.
His eyes flickered with deep jealousy that was about to overflow.
"This is so unfair, Hart!"
"How can those three rookies represent the club at such an important banquet?"
"We, born and bred Englishmen, having played at Manchester City for so many years, aren’t qualified to represent the club at such an event? It’s ridiculous, has Belada lost it?"
Actually, newcomer Otamendi, just arriving in the Premier League, hadn’t figured out the local social subtleties yet.
Little did he know that being able to represent Manchester City Club at such a significant charity gala would immensely enhance a player’s personal image and appeal.
The long-term benefits it brings to a player far outweigh a Rolex watch.
As an established and developed country, the United Kingdom places great emphasis on the social responsibility of high-income groups.
Social institutions strive to provide comprehensive welfare measures to ensure the livelihood of the lower classes;
And they often hold various charity banquets to raise funds to help those living below the poverty line.
Manchester City Club players are part of the high-income group.
As commercial director Belada hinted, representing the club at such a meaningful charity gala, being exposed frequently in front of the media cameras, helps build a player’s image as compassionate, kind, and socially responsible.
And the player’s commercial value will be invisibly enhanced!
Belada has a broad vision, a level of thinking that the straightforward Otamendi can’t comprehend.
No wonder Milner was so upset, such good opportunities were usually given to the club’s veteran English players.
Just last year, he and Joe Hart attended a charity banquet in London to raise funds for children with leukemia across England.
Why did Belada give this valuable opportunity to these three newcomers today?
Especially since one of them, Tang Long, is competing for his starting position!
Thinking of this, Milner turned green with envy, constantly complaining in Joe Hart’s ear.
Joe Hart, whose pain had now subsided, was a bit impatient, saying, "Do you still have the mind to complain about this? Consider your position in the team for the new season."
Just after Tang Long arrived at Manchester City and finished his live press conference.
On the other side, the Manchester United Carrington Training Base welcomed a young pass master.
De Bruyne, with his backpack on and wearing sunglasses, strode into the renowned Red Devils training ground.
Looking at the huge Manchester United red logo at the entrance.
De Bruyne’s thoughts soared like a high-flying eagle, eager for the upcoming Premier League matches.
"Kevin, oh Kevin, you are finally back in the Premier League!"
De Bruyne raised his head and took a deep breath under the gloomy sky.
It is said that, although Manchester United’s manager Van Gaal got his dream Serie A Golden Boot winner Icardi.
He was still dissatisfied with the current squad.
He insisted that for the team to dethrone Chelsea from the defending champion’s seat in the new season, just having the sharp Icardi in front of the goal wasn’t enough; they also needed a top-tier playmaker alongside him.