Still➛Declan Rice

F O R T Y T W O

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may 28th, 2024
the champions league final

Natalia hummed softly as she stood in the changing rooms of Wembley with her nerves on full alert, Jesse, Marcus and Cristiano all singing along to the explicit song playing over the speakers. She was in full concentration mode, her mind was blank apart from the constant reminder that it was the final of a major tournament, and it was her last chance to get the treble before she went back to West Ham.

Not only was the match being held in Wembley, but the final was also between the two Manchester teams. One red, one blue, and she knew damn well that City were still out to get their first Champion's League trophy, but there was no way in hell she was letting them get it.

"C'mon Skipper." Jesse patted Natalia's shoulder as they left the changing rooms and lined up in the tunnel. Her eyes stayed focused on the view in front of her rather than the team beside her, not daring to even smile at any of her friends because she couldn't crack her concentration now.

She led the team out of the tunnel and onto the pitch, the entire stadium divided with red and blue everywhere she looked. It felt a little weird to see so many Manchester United fans screaming their heads off with pride, but then again, they were excited to see the team finally back in form.

Her eyes wandered over to the stand filled to the brim with players families, catching Declan's proud smile and excited eyes in the sea of people. He smiled at her, not too bothered that she didn't smile back considering it was going to be a tough game, but he wanted to let her know he was supporting her no matter what.

The game soon kicked off, Manchester City having the first touch of the ball before Nat's team were all over them, tackling the ball away from their players before they could even get near their goal.

45 minutes had passed without a goal, but United had the upper-hand, so during half-time they listened to Ralf calmly state what needed to be done before they headed back onto the pitch. Natalia didn't feel one bit nervous anymore, she was more confident than ever, and it made her hungry to get that goal the team needed to fire them in front.

The goal didn't come too long after half-time, the brunette getting passed the ball by the goalkeeper who thought she was one of his own. She netted it swiftly, immediately sprinting to the corner and sliding on her knees whilst listening to the boos of the City fans in front of her. The whole team piled on top of her with delight, and if she wasn't wrong, she could hear her dad screaming from the commentary box not too far from the pitch.

The nerves had returned when she got back to playing, knowing she had to do everything in her willpower to stop them from equalising whilst also trying to score to secure their victory. Another goal was netted moments later, Marcus sprinting over to Natalia who had assisted and wrapping her in a tight hug, everyone else coming in to join whilst City stayed silent.

A few more missed opportunities and a red card later, the ref blew the final whistle as Natalia dropped to her knees with her face in her hands, tears falling from her eyes as the lads surrounded her in a hug. 

The United fans in the stands were cheering loudly as the substitutes, coaches and Ralf sprinted onto the pitch to join the group hug, everybody jumping up and down with delight at the victory. Natalia was buried somewhere in the human pool for a good few minutes before they all let go to run around the stadium cheering with the fans.

The second she saw her dad walking onto the pitch she left her club and sprinted over to him, wrapping her arms around his torso as he picked her up and spun her around with delight. Gary had never felt more proud of his girl.

"We fuckin did it, Nat, we did it." He hums as she pulls away from him, smiling at him like a kid in a sweet shop.

After the squad got to lift the trophy and celebrate with the fans, the stadium started to clear out and family members were let onto the pitch. Natalia immediately wrapped her arms around Declan's torso and buried her head in his warmth, Champion's League medal hanging from her neck with glory.

"Look at you scoring and assisting the winner." Declan beams.

"We'll be doing that for the Hammers next season, and you'll be up there with me." Nat smiles, standing on her tiptoes to kiss his lips.

"Alright, alright, shows over." 

"Shut up Jess!"

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