Chapter 75: Teammates Turned Opponents

The Brazilian top-flight league had already begun, so everyone's schedules were quite hectic. They quickly returned to report to their respective teams, making their itinerary seem rushed.

On July 22, 2001, at the Brafonda training facility.

Kaká and Baptista walked into the locker room.

"Haha, our champions are back!"

"Kaká, what's it like being the captain?"

"Julio, you look like you've gained some weight? Were you really playing in Argentina or just on vacation?"

"Wait, wait, let me interview our best player first. Mr. Kaká, are the girls in Argentina beautiful? More passionate than Brazilian girls?"

Kaká was surrounded by his teammates until Alvarez arrived to rescue him.

São Paulo's current main tasks, aside from the Brazilian league, included the Brazilian Cup.

The result of this tournament would determine whether São Paulo could participate in next year's Copa Libertadores, so the club placed great importance on it. Unfortunately, São Paulo lost 5-3 to Flamengo in the first leg of the final.

Kaká and Baptista just made it in time for the second leg of the Brazilian Cup.

With almost no time for rest and adjustment, they immediately began preparing for the Brazilian Cup.

Baptista was a guaranteed starter, but the returning hero Kaká still had to come off the bench.

The one capable of keeping the now-soaring Kaká on the bench was not the young and inexperienced Harrison, but rather the team's other new signing.

A new signing, but actually an old acquaintance for São Paulo.

Leonardo Nasmondo de Alayo.

A key contributor to Brazil's 1994 World Cup triumph, he had played for São Paulo, Valencia, AC Milan, Kashima Antlers, Flamengo, Paris Saint-Germain, and others – a true footballing nomad.

It's worth mentioning that he was also the captain of the Brazilian Under-20 team in 1988.

His résumé was illustrious, to say the least.

He had joined São Paulo as early as 1990, winning the national championships in 1991 and 1992, the Copa Libertadores and Toyota Cup in 1992. He then transferred to Valencia in Spain, where he had an unremarkable stint before returning to São Paulo, winning the 1993 Brazilian championship, Copa Libertadores, and Toyota Cup again.

A true São Paulo legend, a creator and witness of the club's glorious history, he was immediately appointed captain upon his return.

With such a legend overshadowing him, Kaká couldn't complain about being a substitute. However, perhaps fearing his reaction, Alvarez had a private conversation with him before the start of training.

"Congratulations, Ricardo. I watched all your matches; you performed very well and improved greatly," Alvarez pointed to the sofa, indicating for Kaká to sit down. "You're our pride."

"Thank you." Kaká had heard such words too often lately, leaving him unmoved.

"Regarding your position in the team... you know, we now have Leonardo, you, and Harrison as midfielders. I can't possibly field two attacking forwards simultaneously, so the three of you will share playing time. Your spot is ahead of Harrison's but behind Leonardo's."

Just as Kaká was about to speak, Alvarez raised his hand, signaling him to listen first. "Of course, I can't let a World Youth Championship's best player stay on the bench for too long. Everyone says you're São Paulo's future, but to me, you're São Paulo's present, an essential part of the team. You've already proven in Argentina that you deserve this, so to increase your playing time, you may occasionally be pushed up to the forward line. I hope you're prepared for that and will work on the relevant training."

"Understood, don't worry, coach."

"Alright, go train, perform well tomorrow."

Kaká and Alvarez arrived at the training ground, where the players were warming up. Alvarez waved his hand, calling Leonardo over.

"Leonardo, guide this young man. He won't let you down."

"Of course, I will," Leonardo replied with a smile. "Ricardo or Kaká?"

"Kaká is fine, everyone calls me that."

"You were outstanding in the World Youth Championship, even better than I expected. I didn't think you could reach this level."

"Thank you, it's all thanks to the team's efforts. Without everyone working hard together, I couldn't have come this far. Compared to your generation..."

The two exchanged compliments and unexpectedly found they got along quite well.

Similar temperaments and shared views – it was a fortuitous meeting.

Leonardo had a wealth of experience and was very open-minded. In Kaká's memory, this gentleman only stayed at São Paulo for about half a year before returning to AC Milan and eventually retiring there. After retiring, he continued to thrive, serving as head coach for both Milan clubs, albeit with average results. Nevertheless, he was still treated as a distinguished guest by various big clubs and later became the sporting director at Paris Saint-Germain, demonstrating his substantial status in the football world.

Kaká's unwavering determination to join AC Milan in his previous life, ultimately joining the Rossoneri in a deal akin to paying the transfer fee out of his own pocket, was largely due to Leonardo's influence.

The Brazilian league's newcomer of the year and best player, hailed as the next Brazilian football icon and given the opportunity to gain World Cup experience as a super youngster, had a transfer fee of only €8.5 million.

Compared to other talented players of the same era, Kaká's price was discounted by at least 30%.

Kaká had a fondness for Milan but, like many European football fans, held no affection for the elderly individual in control of the club.

In this life, AC Milan would still be his first choice, but €8.5 million? They must be out of their minds...

Kaká and Baptista's return further strengthened São Paulo's squad depth and provided Alvarez with more tactical options. So, despite trailing on aggregate, Alvarez remained optimistic as the second leg of the Brazilian Cup final kicked off.

Little did he know that Flamengo would deliver a resounding blow to São Paulo right from the start.

Just six minutes in, Flamengo took the lead.

The scorer was none other than Kaká's former teammate from the Brazilian youth team, Adriano.

Brazilian international Vampeta had transferred from Internazionale to Flamengo, while Internazionale acquired Adriano for half of Vampeta's transfer fee.

This match was considered Adriano's farewell game before his move to the Apennine Peninsula. He desperately wanted to end his Flamengo career on a high note with a championship.

So far, he was succeeding.

Kaká's most crucial teammate from the previous final had become his most formidable opponent in this one.

(End of Chapter)