Chapter 414: Deep in Debt

"David, I heard from Philip that you're planning to go on loan to AC Milan next year?" Charles bumped into David Beckham at the party, and they started chatting.

David Beckham nodded. "Both sides are still negotiating, but it should be announced soon. The Major League Soccer season starts in April, and LA Galaxy finished last in the Western Conference this year and didn't make it to the playoffs."

"By the end of the month, LA Galaxy's season will be over. Joining AC Milan during the winter transfer window will help me maintain my form!" David Beckham added.

Charles smiled. Although David Beckham stepped down as the captain of the England national team after the 2006 World Cup, he hadn't left the national team.

He kept thinking about the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Joining Serie A's AC Milan in winter was the way to secure his position in the Three Lions squad.

"Soccer-wise, the European top five leagues get all the attention. The MLS still has a long way to go," Charles, who rarely followed MLS, commented, understanding that other fans felt the same way.

"This stuff takes time. America's four major sports leagues - football, baseball, ice hockey, and basketball--have a solid fan base," David Beckham croaked in his signature raspy voice.

"I believe that as the world's leading sports nation, America will also develop soccer to a high level!" Beckham continued.

"Ever thought about owning an MLS team?" David Beckham asked.

"Thinking about it, still considering. Maybe we'll set up a team in Miami," Charles replied. He seemed to recall that Beckham's contract with LA Galaxy had a clause allowing him to create an MLS team for $25 million if he played with them for five years, ignoring the typical franchise fee.

In the future, after retiring, Beckham led the establishment of Inter Miami, an MLS team. The entry fee at that time was $200 million, but thanks to his contract, he only needed $25 million to make it happen.

Beckham easily found a few investment partners and established Inter Miami Club, getting an MLS team without spending a dime himself.

"Arsenal edged out Manchester United to win the Premier League last season. This season started with beating Man U in the Community Shield, grabbing the first title for the 08-09 season. Congratulations to Arsenal!" Charles commented.

Beckham, clearly a Manchester United fan, kept a close eye on the Premier League. Man U won the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup, but missed out on the league title and the FA Cup.

"But back in May, Manchester United won the Champions League, while Arsenal got knocked out in the semifinals," Charles remarked, a bit regretful but happy they managed to hang onto the league title.

"There's only been one treble-winning season in the Premier League, back in 1999 by Manchester United. Arsenal hopes to replicate that feat," Charles smiled again.

David Beckham laughed too. "Winning the treble is tough!"

In Europe, the treble means winning the UEFA Champions League, the league title, and the domestic top cup. In the Premier League, that cup is the FIFA Cup.

The FIFA Cup stands above the Community Shield and the League Cup in England. To talk about the UEFA Super Cup or Club World Cup, one must first win the Champions League.

After chatting with David Beckham, Charles went to find Michael Jackson.

In June 2005, after being acquitted of another child molestation charge, Michael Jackson left his cherished Neverland Ranch. His lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, urged him to leave, fearing local officials wouldn't let the matter drop.

Jackson, scared of Neverland by now, packed his bags and, along with his three kids and nanny, left the U.S. for Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. He then moved around to France, Germany, and Japan, finally spending six months in Ireland.

Right before Christmas 2006, Jackson ended his self-imposed exile and moved back to the U.S., settling in Las Vegas.

Years of court battles and media smears had left Michael Jackson exhausted. Combined with his lavish lifestyle and heavy medication, he faced severe financial troubles.

Despite his valuable assets like Sony/ATV Music Publishing and his own music company, his liquid assets were meager.

His credit was so poor that a telecom company wouldn't activate his new iPhone unless he posted a $1,500 bond. His brother, Randy Jackson, even crashed his car through the gates of Michael's home, yelling "Pay up!" with bodyguards aiming guns at him.

The high yearly financial deficits were staggering. Earlier this year, things got dire when Fortress Investment Group announced the auction of Neverland Ranch's mortgage.

In May this year, Colony Capital announced they had purchased the mortgage for $22.5 million from Fortress.

To avoid bankruptcy amid his crushing debt, Jackson, with Colony Capital's help, began talks with AEG Entertainment to return to the stage.

"Hey, Michael!" Charles saw Michael Jackson chatting with Tim Leiweke, CEO and President of AEG Entertainment.

"Oh, hi Charles! Good evening," greeted Tim Leiweke, second in command at AEG Entertainment, only below Chairman Philip Anschutz.

"Good evening, Charles!" Michael Jackson looked pale, his face somewhat frightening.

"I heard you're planning a concert, Michael. Is that true?" Charles could tell Jackson wasn't in perfect shape.

Before Jackson could reply, Tim Leiweke nodded. "Yes, AEG Live, a division of AEG Entertainment, is organizing it!"

"Indeed, I've decided to make a comeback. We're still discussing the details, but we aim to start performing around next summer," Michael Jackson nodded.

"Tim, mind if I chat with Michael alone? I've been a fan for a long time," Charles smiled at Tim Leiweke.

"Sure, I'll go grab a few drinks!" Tim Leiweke left tactfully, knowing AEG's scale was no match for Capet Entertainment, and Charles's wealth far outshined Philip Anschutz's.

Michael Jackson looked at Charles. "Let's go sit over there."

Charles nodded and walked with Michael Jackson to a bench outside the villa.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.