The Grandori neighborhood was located in the suburbs of Rosario, and most of the people living here were relatively poor families.
Jorge walked into the yard of his home in a daze. In the corner, Leo Messi was juggling the ball against the wall. He repeated some basic drills every day, while his two brothers were chasing after a ball on the other side of the yard.
Compared with Leo's outstanding talent, his two brothers seemed much inferior.
"You're back, so early today!" His wife Celia was cooking inside the house.
"Well, I'm free today, so I came back early!" Jorge sat down on a stone in front of the yard and watched Messi practice. Every time he watched, he felt Messi's skills were improving.
However, both his wife and mother said it was just psychological.
"It's better that you come back early, so you don't have to be busy until late. We can have dinner together as a family tonight." Jorge's mother said happily as she collected clothes in the yard.
The elderly's requests were always simple. They did not ask for much. As long as the family could sit together at every meal, that was happiness.
"Mom, let me help you!" Jorge stood up to assist.
"No, no, I can do it. You've worked all day, take a rest and then eat!" The old woman smiled and refused.
Soon, the aroma of food filled the house. His wife's cooking had always been good, and Jorge never grew tired of it.
"Kids, go wash your hands and get ready for dinner!" Jorge shouted like all fathers calling their children.
Messi's two brothers cheered, dropped the ball immediately, and ran off to wash their hands.
"Leo, stop playing and eat first!" Jorge urged again.
"Okay, Dad!" Seeing his father's stern gaze, Messi reluctantly gave up the football and followed his brothers to wash his hands.
On weekdays, Jorge was always busy and usually came home very late. By the time he returned, everyone had already eaten, and sometimes the children were even asleep. Tonight was rare, the whole family could eat together, and everyone seemed especially happy.
"Dad, after dinner tonight, let's watch the World Cup!"
This proposal immediately gained the support of the whole family.
Children were always restless. The three boys finished their food in a hurry and rushed to turn on the TV.
Because of the time difference, the first match of the French World Cup in the afternoon happened right after dinner in Argentina. The three children sat directly in front of the TV, their faces filled with excitement.
Seeing them so happy, Jorge felt relieved, but soon he thought of Ethan.
"The owner of a British football club is coming to Rosario today," Jorge said while eating.
"Well, has he taken a fancy to any of Newell's Old Boys' stars?" Celia asked casually, her focus still on the food.
"He said he was willing to cover all of Leo's medical expenses, provide us with jobs, and help the whole family move to Manchester, England," Jorge replied.
Celia froze, then looked up at her husband in disbelief.
"Could he be a scammer?" the old woman asked calmly. "You know the economy is bad now. Anyone could be a scammer."
"Yes, Jorge, don't trust people so easily!" Celia quickly agreed.
Jorge recalled Ethan's face in his mind. "That shouldn't be the case. He sounded sincere. Besides, we can investigate. After all, a football club in the UK run by him should be easy to find."
Celia nodded. What her husband said made sense.
"Does he have any other conditions?" The old woman seemed more convinced.
"Well, he wants Messi to play for his club in Manchester."
"The Manchester team, is it Manchester United?" Celia's first reaction was the English giants.
Jorge shook his head. "No, it's called New Manchester United. It's a new club formed independently by Manchester United fans who refused the takeover. I asked around this afternoon, and it's true."
"So it's real?" The old woman also became happy.
Jorge nodded. He clearly had a good impression of Ethan.
"But no matter what, it's better to check carefully." The old woman reminded him again.
"Yes, I'll ask around tomorrow and call the UK to find out more." Jorge said happily.
Both Celia and his mother also seemed pleased.
"If this is true, then going to England to play football might not be a bad thing. At least it's a way out, right?" Celia shared her opinion.
Messi's medical expenses had always been a huge burden. Now someone was willing to help, offer jobs, and support their family. This was a timely blessing. How could they not be grateful?
With his wife and mother's consent, Jorge did not go to deliver goods the next day. Instead, he went directly into Rosario, reached out to friends through his connections, and tried every means to learn more about New Manchester United.
The feedback surprised Jorge. This club was indeed just established that year. It was a semi-professional team in the lowest English league, but it was well-known across Europe because it was founded by Manchester United fans resisting Murdoch's takeover. Its nickname was the Red Rebels.
Although New Manchester United was newly formed, everything Ethan said had checked out. He had not concealed anything about the club, which made Jorge trust him more.
After finding out the club's situation, Jorge even made a long-distance call to the UK for further confirmation, and the answers matched exactly what Ethan had told him.
After several days of investigation, Jorge found no evidence of deceit. His only worry was whether Ethan could really fulfill his promise to treat Messi.
Ethan understood Jorge's concern. He decided to write this clause into the contract and also provided three free tickets to Manchester so Jorge, Celia, and Messi could visit first.
Jorge had nothing to complain about. Finally, with the family's unanimous consent, it was decided that Jorge would take Messi to Manchester with Ethan first. If everything was as promised, the family would move there together.
As for the paperwork, Ethan had already arranged it. David Pace's clothing company would handle the procedures for Jorge and his family to enter the UK to work.
The UK had strict requirements for football-related work permits to protect domestic players, but outside of football, things were relatively easier. David Pace also supported Ethan's plan.
After everything was arranged, Ethan and Jorge boarded the plane back to the UK.
...
Perhaps because it was his first time leaving the country, Messi seemed especially nervous during the journey.
Sitting in the back seat of the car, looking at the unfamiliar streets outside, Messi held his father's hand tightly.
After all, he was only 11 years old. Leaving his hometown made it impossible not to feel nervous.
"There are only two professional football teams in this city, Manchester United and Manchester City. The former is a giant, and the latter was just relegated from the First Division. But soon, a third professional team will rise and become this city's new darling. That is our New Manchester United!"
Ethan looked out the window and spoke with ambition.
After spending a few days together, Jorge had come to realize that although Ethan was young, he was a man with great aspirations. He also believed New Manchester United would not stay in the lower leagues for long.
"Ethan, is this the young player the club recently signed?" Jim, the driver who came to pick them up, asked with a smile.
Ethan glanced at Jorge, who made no move to deny it, then nodded. "Yes, his name is Leo Messi. Remember him, Jim. You'd better ask for his autograph now and become his first fan. Otherwise, in a few years, you won't even have the chance to line up for one!"
After saying that, Ethan added, as if afraid Jim did not believe him, "In a few years, he will be our club's Giggs. No, even better than Giggs. He will be a superstar who leads us to glory, just like Maradona did at Napoli!"
Hearing this, not only Jim but also Jorge and Messi felt flattered. Maradona's feats were well-known in Argentina. To compare Messi with Maradona showed just how highly Ethan valued him.
"Then I can't miss it, Ethan. You must arrange for Messi to live in my house. When Evra came, that bastard Walsh refused me, but this time you have to promise. At worst, I'll personally drive Messi to school and training every day. How about that?"
Jorge was surprised. On the way, Ethan had mentioned that Messi might live with a fan, but he did not expect Manchester fans to be this supportive, even offering to drive him every day.
In Argentina, this was a privilege even professional players might not enjoy.
"Since you said so, fine. But you must also take responsibility for finding a school for Messi. Our club will pay his tuition. We can't let him give up his studies just for football!" Ethan said with a smile.
Jim burst into laughter, then stepped hard on the accelerator. His wild driving made Ethan, Jorge, and Messi break into a cold sweat.
But Jorge could tell Jim was a simple and genuine fan.
At that moment, he truly felt he had made the right choice.
(To be continued.)
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