'Okay, so how the hell are we doing this?' Luca asked as we were going downstairs to grab something to eat.
It was currently 7:30am and the only game we had to attended was Morocco against Spain. Which was at 15:00 and one of them was going to go home at the end of the day.
'I have no idea.' I let out a sigh. 'The game is at three, which means that we have to meet up with the teams approximately two hours prior to that.'
'Spain's at 12:30...' Luca said.
'And so is Morocco.' I said plunging down on a chair. 'So what do we do?'
'Do we split up?' he shrugged his shoulders.
'Do we only go to one?' I asked confused.
None of us said anything after that, ordered our food and tried to think on how we can make it work.
***
'What if I call in a favour?' I asked.
'You want to ask Infantino for another favour?'
'Someone closer to home.' I smiled.
'Like who?' he asked curiously.
I took my phone out and typed Hakimi's name into my contacts and showed it to Luca.
'No harm in trying.' I shrugged my shoulders and dialled his number.
'It's 8:30am what makes you think he's going to pick up?'
'He's a footballer. His job is to be up early.'
'Irina, hey, what happened?' Hakimi's voice was heard on the other end.
'Hey, sorry to call so early, I was wondering if I could call in a favour.'
'Yeah, sure, what's up?'
'Your training is at 12:30pm, correct?'
'Mhmhm.' he said. 'You don't know how to half yourself?' he chuckled.
'Basically.' I chuckled. 'Do you think there's any chance you can convince them and make it earlier?'
'Of course, Irina. What time? Is 10:00am okay?'
'Works for us.' I smiled.
'Alright, I'll see you guys at ten.'
'Thank you, thank you, thank you.' I said excitedly.
'Anytime.'
I ended the phone call and put it in my pocket, looking at Luca triumphantly. 'What can I say.' I smiled, shrugging my shoulders.
'That you have footballers wrapped around your little finger maybe?' he rolled his eyes playfully.
***
After hanging out for a little bit more, me and Luca were now on our way to get to the training centre.
'So what team are you supporting today?' Luca asked chuckling.
'Spain.' I smiled. 'Obviously.'
'And how do you think Hakimi is going to feel about that?'
'Hakimi is my friend and Pedri is my boyfriend, so he'll understand.' I shrugged my shoulders. 'Not a big deal.'
***
'I have to confess, I love being around you guys.' I smiled as soon as they all gathered in front of me and Luca.
And that was the truth. They give off a different vibe. They're giggly and sweet but they know when to put their foot down and do their work.
And they have one hell of a defence. Amazing players, amazing team.
