Chapter 27: Loyalty

After promoting Barton to the first team, Manchester City's lineup counted fifteen players, but this was still far from adequate, especially in defense. Reinforcing the center-back position was critical if the team hoped to compete seriously in the upcoming season.

Miller had two ideal candidates in mind: Thiago Silva and Nemanja Vidic. Silva was a promising Brazilian talent, and Vidic, a tough Serbian defender, was just as highly rated. But with their nationalities, securing work permits for them in England was nearly impossible at this time. Miller also considered other top defenders, but they all came with major roadblocks: Rio Ferdinand was locked in at Manchester United, Terry was Chelsea's blue-blooded captain, Puyol was Barcelona's indomitable flag-bearer, and Nesta had just transferred to AC Milan.

Among the other available options, Lucio had already declined Miller's offer. The Brazilian defender dreamed of playing for a larger, more established club and didn't see City as part of his future. Pepe was another possibility, but Miller knew his personality was explosive, and with Joey Barton already at City, adding another high-temperament player could be more trouble than it was worth.

So, after assessing his options, Miller decided to fly to Italy with Bernstein, Manchester City's CEO, to explore two other defenders: Walter Samuel from Roma and Giorgio Chiellini from Livorno. Samuel, known as "The Wall" for his formidable defense, was an essential part of Roma's lineup. However, with Roma finishing eighth in the Serie A that season and missing out on the Champions League, the club faced financial difficulties. This misfortune presented Miller with an opportunity; he hoped that a fair offer might convince Roma to part with their star center-back.

In Rome, Miller and Bernstein were greeted by Rosella Sensi, the daughter of Roma's president and the current acting leader of the club. The meeting went smoothly, with both sides negotiating until they reached an agreement to transfer Samuel for £20 million. It seemed like the deal was done, and just as Miller was about to shake on it, the office door creaked open.

In walked Rosella's father, Franco Sensi, with a serious expression on his face. "I heard you're selling Samuel?" he asked his daughter, who nodded. Franco frowned, shaking his head. "Selling Samuel means selling the backbone of our defense. Are you dismantling our club?"

"Father, I know, but we need funds to stabilize our finances," Rosella replied softly. She could see her father's disapproval and knew he wouldn't take kindly to this decision.

"I understand the situation, but selling Samuel is not the solution," Franco said firmly, his voice brooking no disagreement. "I can't support this transfer." He turned to Miller, giving a small, apologetic bow. "Mr. Miller, I'm truly sorry, but Samuel is too valuable to us, and I must refuse your offer."

The rejection took Miller by surprise. The deal had been set, only for Franco Sensi to veto it at the last moment. Disappointed but not defeated, Miller quickly came up with an alternative idea.

"If Samuel is unavailable, would you consider selling Daniele De Rossi instead?" he asked, eyes lighting up with a renewed sense of possibility.

Franco Sensi and his daughter exchanged glances. De Rossi was still a young player with potential, but he hadn't yet cemented his role in the first team. Sensi saw this as a way to keep his promise without completely turning down Miller.

"Mr. Miller, De Rossi is a promising talent for Roma's future," Rosella said, hesitating. "But for £15 million, we might consider letting him go."

Miller knew the value of De Rossi, but he also recognized this as his only shot. "I'll offer £10 million," he countered.

After a pause, the Sensis agreed to the offer. For a young player like De Rossi, the price was fair, and Roma needed the money.

With the club agreement secured, it was now a matter of convincing De Rossi. When the young midfielder arrived, Miller was struck by his demeanor—a youthful, earnest look not yet worn down by the pressures of stardom. He greeted the player with a warm smile. "Mr. De Rossi, Manchester City would be thrilled to have you. We have a renowned coach in Van Gaal, and young stars like Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo. Our club is set to grow, and we believe it would be the perfect environment for you."

De Rossi's face flickered with hesitation. The thought of leaving Roma, his hometown club, weighed on him, despite the attractive offer Miller was putting forth.

Sensing De Rossi's attachment to his team, Miller added, "We can offer a significant pay raise, potentially doubling your current salary." De Rossi's current contract was modest, and City could easily outbid Roma in terms of weekly wages, even offering up to £15,000 a week.

De Rossi took a deep breath. "Thank you, Mr. Miller," he began, "but may I ask Mr. Sensi if there's any chance I might stay at Roma?"

The room fell silent. This wasn't the typical response. Rosella looked surprised, and her father's face softened. Franco turned to De Rossi. "If Roma can't match City's offer, would you still want to stay here?"

Without a moment's hesitation, De Rossi replied, "I would."

Sensi's expression turned emotional, his eyes glistening with pride. He turned to Miller and said, "Mr. Miller, you have my deepest apologies. Our De Rossi's loyalty is to Roma, and we can't go against his wishes. I'm truly sorry."

Miller shook his head with a warm smile. "No apology necessary, Mr. Sensi. Loyalty like this is a rare treasure. If the time ever comes when De Rossi is available, please keep us in mind."

As he left the office, Miller couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for De Rossi's loyalty. Here was a young player who already embodied the values of loyalty and dedication that would one day make him a club legend in Rome. De Rossi's refusal reminded Miller that, while money and talent could build a team, heart and loyalty were what created legends.