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#More than 10 Chapter ahead on my : /TrikoRex
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"You really set the internet on fire with that interview, you know," May said, grinning as she flipped her phone toward him. "People are calling you the Pettiest footballer in history since Zlatan. You sure you don't want to become an entertainer instead?"
Rakim let out a dry chuckle as he leaned back in his chair. "I just told the truth. If people want to run with it, that's on them. Plus, they are not wrong I've learned from the best when it comes to being Petty"
May leaned forward with an amused smile, "And who might that be? Don't you dare say me because I'm everything but Pettey!" her response caused Rakim to burst out laughing not at all minding the glare she was sending his way.
"Of course it's not you, you're just a little vengeful, headstrong, Vindictive, and the most charitable but petty you are not," he responded with a light smile as he met her gaze which started to warm before freezing up again. "Just because you say one nice thing at the end doesn't mean I didn't hear the bad stuff, Rakim Simon Rex,"
Hearing her say his full government Rakim stopped joking least he detonated a powder keg that would ignite World War 3. "Ok, Jokes aside all the great athletes growing up which one wasn't pettier than the last, especially my personal Goat's Kobe and King James."
Lisa at the side hummed in agreement as she stopped relishing her steak that looked mouth-watering. It was a tender piece of roasted beef topped with a creamy white sauce, with a drizzle of green oil. Thinly sliced, orange-hued vegetables, carrots along with butternut squash and with roasted mushrooms. Six small cubes of herb-infused gnocchi pincered the steak along with red spheres of tomato reduction, and small green leaves for added freshness and decoration.
"The truth is powerful son, and you answered those questions perfectly in my opinion. There is no good reason for you to take the blame for not playing for Team USA when it's not your fault. Plus, this gives Apex the needed buzz and more eyes will be watching the tournament." She quickly analysed almost off-handedly before taking another bite of her meal.
Rakim smirked at his mother's ability to turn everything to relate everything into a business move. "I can hardly believe you were hesitating whether to become my official agent more than at the start of the year. Now you are basically a shark in water, I've even heard rumours that Simon Rolfes tries to avoid you as much as possible."
His words gained a light chuckle from his mother, "You are not wrong, if not for the fact he has to run media plans that include you past me he would dodge me like the plague." She retorted before telling them how they would always be bogged down in negotiations for days on end when the Leverkusen Managing Director tries to pitch her advertisement proposals.
It's not that she doesn't want her client who is her son to appear in these ads it's just that she fully researches the companies to the slightest fault. And if they do something that doesn't align with his brand direction, she declines it, and they negotiate for hours or simply pivot to a different company. Thus, every time Simon Rolfes has to deal with her, he prepares as if he is heading out for a battle, with PowerPoint slides, excel data and even bar graphs.
"You should really think of becoming an agent full-time Mum, I know you love your gym and working with different athletes, but you could easily use this to your advantage. Especially since most of your clients will need a place to work out or a good dietary plan that your gym franchise can handle," he suggested with a genuine expression as he could see just how much his mother enjoyed being his agent and most importantly, she was good at it.
"Yes Lisa, you should really consider it, I would love to be your next client," May said from the side genuinely wanting her to be her agent as she found it difficult to balance both being a content creator, a full-time student and having to handle the business side of being an influencer.
Lisa wiped her mouth with a napkin before leaning back in her chair, a thoughtful expression settling on her face. "I won't lie; the idea has crossed my mind. But representing you and handling these negotiations is one thing—turning this into a full-time career is something else entirely."
Rakim shrugged, picking at the remnants of his meal. "You are already doing that with me, not to mention all the drama and trouble I've caused you. It's just about going all in plus Dad already handles the business side of your gym you just have to set the guidelines for hiring skilled trainers."
May nodded enthusiastically. "Seriously, Lisa. You have the connections, the experience, and let's be real, the intimidation factor. And as Rakim said, your gym franchise would only benefit. Imagine it—top athletes and influencers signing with you, training at Titan-Fit, exclusive dietary programs… you could build an empire."
Lisa hummed, clearly considering it. "I'd have to think about it carefully. I built Rex's gym which later became Titan-Fit from the ground up, and expanding into the representation business would require a different kind of dedication." She glanced at Rakim. "Besides, my number one client is already a full-time headache."
Rakim grinned. "And yet, I'm your most profitable headache."
Lisa rolled her eyes, "Sorry to break it to you son, but I earn twice what I make with you in a year from taking on one of my star clients through a 2-month training program. You do keep me on my toes, I'll give you that."
May leaned forward with a smirk. "Trust me you're not the only one whom he gives a headache to," May commented with a light chuckle. "But from what I'm hearing is… you're considering it."
Lisa exhaled through her nose, then took another sip of wine. "I'll consider it. But no promises."
"Good cause I could really use a saviour to handle the business sides of the industry," May said as she pulled her into a short hug before asking her advice on an offer, she received to promote a fashion brand and appear in their pop-up store.
[28/05/2019, DFB Camp, Bydgoszcz, 20:00]
The first round of the 2019 under-20 World Cup came to a close and the German contingent after spending two days resting and training were excited for their clash with Italy tomorrow. Right now, they could be seen seated in a conference room going over Italy's match tape. They had been there for about 40 minutes as they analysed their own gameplay and the way the Italians managed to overcome the resilient Mexicans.
It was mainly the Italian's strong defence and fluid attacking play that allowed them to score a late winner. Sandro Tonali acting as the team's brain in midfield expertly ignited the attacking quartet of Wilfried Gnonto, Giacomo Raspadori, Moise Kean, and Sebastiano Esposito. This allowed them to play stable football, launching quick and strong attacks truly showcasing the peak of Italian football.
"All right, pay attention to this sequence here," Baum said, pointing at the frozen frame of Sandro Tonali receiving the ball in midfield. "Look at how he positions himself—already scanning the pitch before the ball arrives. This is what makes him dangerous. He's the engine of their midfield, dictating the tempo."
Rakim, seated near the middle of the room, rested his chin on his hand as he watched Tonali turn on the ball with one touch, evading pressure before threading a pass between two Mexican defenders. Wilfried Gnonto sprinted onto it, forcing the opposition to retreat as Italy transitioned seamlessly from defence to attack.
"We have to disrupt Tonali early," Baum continued. "If we allow him time to dictate play, he will carve us open. That means whoever is our double pivot one of you is always pressing him. Do not let him settle."
Baum didn't wait for a response as he fast-forwarded the clip to Giacomo Raspadori, who was receiving a pass just outside the penalty box. "Their front four have an excellent understanding. Raspadori, Kean, Gnonto, and Esposito—each one of them can create something from nothing. We cannot let them operate freely. Armel, Kevin, this is where you two need to be disciplined."
Bella-Kotchap and Ehlers sat up straighter, watching as Moise Kean used his body well to shield the ball, holding off a Mexican defender before laying it off for Esposito, who smashed a low shot past the keeper.