When it came to trading insults, ten Alexes couldn't hold a candle to Miller. He met Alex's bluster with icy calm. "Just try it, Alex. I'll be waiting."
Alex, frustrated, threatened an "investigation," another hollow attempt to intimidate. Miller smirked. These childish tactics wouldn't faze him. Manchester City's future, and his own, were unfolding.
Two days later, Miller and Bernstein landed in Paris, ready to snatch Ronaldinho before Barcelona. They knew Paris Saint-Germain was struggling financially – a prime opportunity to exploit.
At the club's office, a young receptionist greeted them warmly. Bernstein, ever the charmer, tried to flirt, earning an eye-roll from Miller.
Lecornu, the sports director, awaited them with a practiced smile. He saw dollar signs in their suits. Today's PSG wasn't the powerhouse it would become. Facing a financial crisis, they needed to offload their prized asset – the "cute buck-toothed classmate," as Miller secretly nicknamed Ronaldinho.
Lecornu played the part, feigning reluctance to part with their "treasure." Miller cut to the chase, reminding him of PSG's financial woes. Lecornu's facade faltered.
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Negotiations began. Bernstein and Lecornu haggled over Ronaldinho's price. Miller remembered the historical transfer fee of €25 million but knew Barcelona's clout got them a better deal. His target was between €35-40 million.
The back-and-forth went on for ten minutes. Bernstein offered €34 million, Lecornu countered with €40 million. When they reached a deadlock, Miller stepped in.
He proposed €37 million, payable in a lump sum. Lecornu's eyes lit up. The price was good, and the immediate payment was a financial lifesaver for PSG. With chairman Grell's approval, they had a deal on the club's end.
Now came the biggest hurdle – Ronaldinho's approval. A rising star, would he choose a lower-tier Premier League club like Manchester City?
Miller's trump card? Cash. He knew Ronaldinho was on vacation in Brazil, so Lecornu placed a call.
To Miller's surprise, Roberto Assis, Ronaldinho's brother and agent, answered the phone. This was a stroke of luck. Assis, notorious for his questionable decisions, might be swayed by money.
As expected, Assis, hearing about the transfer opportunity, wasted no time booking a flight back to Paris. Here was a man who once got Ronaldinho a fake passport and a "Golden Prisoner Award." Perhaps, a hefty sum could secure their agreement.
Miller leaned back, a confident smirk playing on his lips. He had outmaneuvered the Parisian suits and was one step closer to bringing a world-class talent to Manchester City. The game was on, and Miller was determined to win.