Chapter 5: Meeting the Players
I took a deep breath. The air in Barcelona was really fresh unlike in my country. The grass of the field was trimly cut and the skies... they were really blue with silver clouds drifting along.
I lowered my head. Beside me stood, Xavi... and in front of me, were a few of the most elite players in the football world, the cream of the top.
Robert Lewandoski, aka Lewangoalski. The man who scored 5 goals in nine minutes. Ousman Dembele. Rhaphina. The new Xavi and Iniesta duo, Gavi and Pedri. Frekie De Jong, an exceptional player, one of the most important for the team. Jordi Alba... Jules Kounde... the legendary playmaker... Sergio Busquets.
The entire Barcelona team stood in front. Xavi on the side was instructing them on some tactics and how they should train today.
I could feel the peering gaze of the players, curious about who I am.
"Lastly...." Xavi paused, he turned toward me, and prodded me a little.
"Introduce yourself, your likes, dislikes... hobbies."
Ah, I nodded to Xavi. I was a little nervous but my excitement overcame that feeling.
"Yo guys, my name is Storm, Bobby Storm. I like vanilla ice cream with hot chocolate syrup and French fries mixed in, I dislike Paella, and my hobbies are playing video games and reading novels when I am not out playing football."
Some felt a little weirded out by the combo of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and French fries but that is because they have not ever tried it.
Once they do, they will not be able to go back to normal food.
As for Paella... I could see some Spaniards clutch their hearts as if stabbed and look at me with fiery eyes. That included my coach.
Maybe I should not have said that... but I really do not like Paella. Not even the burnt part of the rice. It's overrated brah.
The Spanish have many other foods that I prefer. Um... like..... uhhhh. Well, Sangria? That's a really good wine and... it pairs well with cheese? I-I like the prawns Spanish people make too!
Fuck! I should have never said that. These Spaniards are looking at me as if they are gonna pierce me with a spear.
"Me encanta comer españolas."(I love to eat Spanish Women) I blurted out. Maybe this will chill them. Ugh... they are staring harder.
At that time Lewandoski spoke as if understanding my plight.
"You were the one I met in the locker room."
I nodded. Thank you for saving me, you beautiful polish lad.
"Si si."
"Also that number 69 jersey you are wearing... it looks... fake?"
I scratched my head. How do I tell him that, I made this jersey for myself before time to merge well with my new comrades?
Kinda embarrassing.
~
Aside from that, Barcelona welcomed me with open arms. Some of the players were suspicious about my skills maybe even jealous of a nobody stranger coming into the team and getting all the attention from the power houses... the players including Ansu Fati, Raphinia, and Dembele.
To be honest, I could care less about either of them. After all, I was hanging out with Lewandoski, Gavi, Pedri, and De Jong bruh. These guys already made me feel as if I am part of the team.
Especially, Lewandoski, he had a great attitude. He was going around helping all of us youngsters while practicing on his own.
He even gave me a few tips on how to score better.
•Small steps.
•Look at the goalie's position.
•Rely on your feet instinct and mind's first thought to then score.
The same for a penalty but adding a little jump alongside it.
I began to juggle with the ball as I glanced at the side, Gavi and Pedri were practicing together. At a glance, one may think they are gay for each other but to be honest, they gave best friend brother vibes.
Not to mention, it is a widely known fact that Spain's princess has a crush on Gavi. The dude even blushes when you mention it.
In matters of love, he is rather mushy but during practice... he is quite serious and sometimes lets anger get the quick of him.
Whereas Pedri is like the mature one of the duo, silent and a little sarcastic but humorous nonetheless.
Frankie meanwhile was a rather sweet and genuine guy. Honesty was one of his biggest virtues. One would often see him with a smile on his face.
What truly was amazing about him was his ability to adapt to situations and truly even his personality is similar to his play style.
He had a personality that was accepting of any decision, like as if he would be fine playing any position... but he wanted to be on the field playing some ball.
I could tell he was passionate about the sport, like everyone else on the team. This filled me with joy, these were comrades that shared the same passion as me in a very deep manner.
I do not have many friends and the ones I have are not as heavily invested in Football as I am... so this was a rather good change of pace for me.
It made me happy.
Xavi jogged toward me. He smiled a little as he spoke.
"C'mon let us leave now. I have arranged a house for you. We will talk about your salary, contract and Debut to the world as well during dinner."
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