Читать книгу Brilliant - Greg Pius - Страница 7

The final was the spark which ignited Simon's sports fame.

Replays of his goals were shown in every soccer loving country. Some very rich International clubs suddenly became interested in this young Australian striker. Tanun was inundated with calls from talent scouts. The money on offer was very substantial and Simon was hot property on the global football market. Yet among all of this clamoring for his signature, Simon remained calm. He said to his father,

"Dad, I don't want to change clubs. I am happy living in Sydney with my friends and family close by. My teammates are familiar and they all respect my abilities, even if they don't all like me."

Nodding, Tanun replied,

"It would be nice to have you around, but I have to point out the opportunities you are passing up. Big money is on offer. You can earn more in one season that I have earned in my lifetime. One club will offer you an apartment in Paris and more money than many players get. Another club will offer you your own personal trainer, a high performance car and lots of money. You are the flavor of the moment, but that may pass if you don't take up what is on offer. "

Shaking his head, Simon said,

"No, they all want to put me on ice. One of the clubs has stated that I would not play for a year while their current strikers' contracts are played out. I don't want to loose a year, particularly when I am playing so well at the moment Who knows what will happen in a year."

Tanun pleaded,

"At least let me find you a professional manager. You are nio longer a schoolboy. Some of the contracts from those clubs were very confusing. I am out of my depth."

Simon was more than happy to let his father continue as his manager. He trusted and respected his father and knew that whatever advice his father gave him would be best for him. But he also respected his father's judgement and accepted that if his father thought he needed a professional manager, then he probably did. So, hesitantly, he said,

"Dad, If you think that I need a professional manager, then so be it. Do you have the time to find the right person for the job?"

Smiling warmly, Tanun said,

"Of course Simon, anything to help your career set into a firm footing. I will advertise for one immediately."

True to his word, Tanun obtained a short list of reputable managers from the players' association. Tamum was looking for someone who would care for Simon as a person and not just a player who they could charge a fee.

One candidate, Christopher Saltos, who had cared for many young stars as their careers took off, stood out. Knowing that eventually Simon would have to play overseas if he was to realize is full potential, Tamum asked,

"How would you protect Simon if he has to compete Internationally?"

Chris Saltos replied,

"There are many traps and pitfalls for a young player overseas. Bookmakers, vice peddlers and criminals prey on the inexperienced, looking to milk them of their playing fees and control their lives. I know who is good for Simon to be with and who he should avoid at all costs. A few have tried to get their hooks into my players. Having been in the special forces in a previous life, I was able to convince them with extreme prejudice to back off."

Tanun felt the chill of Saltos' words matched by his steely look and the set of his face sink in and knew that this man would protect Simon with his life . He said enthusiastically,

'You, sir, are hired."

Saltos met with Simon, determined that he and Simon would be the best of mates as well as workmates. Saltos asked,

"Well Simon, what are your long term goals."

Without hesitation, Simon replied,

"To be the best player I can be, to play for Australia and in the World Cup, if I am good enough."

Chris Saltos said warmly,

"Fine goals Simon. I have seen you play. You have what it takes to represent our country. When you do play for Australia, what number will you play under?"

Simon shot back,

"Number 4 and I will do all in my power to emulate the feats of our finest player who wore that number."

Nodding seriously, Chris Saltos said,

"Simon, you will go far in football and I am here to make sure that happens."