WOSO Imagines

Only For You (Alessia Russo)

In my three short years as a professional soccer player, I have one yellow card to my name. When I played in college, for the Tar Heels, I made history as the defender with the least amount of fouls across four seasons. You would think that means I am terrible at my position. A centreback who doesn't misjudge a tackle once in a while? She's probably timid and inefficient. Tell that to the four year contract I signed last season at Arsenal. I had a stellar first season in England after spending a couple years playing for NWSL side North Carolina Courage. I would've stayed in the states had it not been for love.

Alessia and I met as freshman at UNC and instantly became inseparable. I knew I had a crush on her right away, but I kept it to myself, not wanting to ruin our friendship or make her uncomfortable if she didn't feel the same way. After our senior season, she moved back to England. We tried to stay in touch, but it was hard with our schedules and the time difference.

I sustained a hip injury during the end of the 2021 season that made me re-evaluate my entire career, and needing some time off, I impulsively bought a ticket for Manchester. During my trip, I went to a Manchester Derby and stayed after to great my old teammate, not knowing if she would even want to see me. She did, and the next day we went for coffee and spent the whole day catching up. It was as if nothing had changed. I felt the same spark between us that I had back in college.

A week later, she drove me to the airport and ended up confessing that she too had been crushing since our UNC days. I kissed her and flew home. It was hard at first, the long distance, but we visited each other as much as we could, never going a day without talking on the phone. When the Arsenal opportunity arose, I took it without a second thought.

When Alessia was considering leaving Man United after her contract expired, I made sure to be supportive but not pushy. She signed with Arsenal and moved in with me just before the World Cup.

Now our season was starting and I couldn't be more excited to be playing with my best friend, and now girlfriend, again. Champions League did not go our way, but Alessia showed why she was so vital to our squad. In our first game of the season, against Liverpool, I was benched, but Alessia was amazing. Again, it did not go our way, but we move on.

We are set to face her old team, and I did not know what to expect.

"Less, have you seen my shin guards?" I yell, looking under our couch. When I get no response, I make my way to our bedroom. "Lessi?"

She's sitting with her back to me, her old Manchester United jersey on her lap as she just stares at it, absentmindedly rubbing her thumbs over the number 23.

"Alessia, is everything okay?" I ask softly, sitting down beside her.

"I can't do it," she mumbles, balling the shirt up.

"Can't do what, babe?"

"I can't face them."

My heart aches hearing how defeated she sounds. "They're your friends, Lessi, and they're professionals. It's going to be okay."

She shakes her head. "Not the team. The fans."

"Never mind about them. You made the decision that was best for you. If they can't accept that, that's not your fault."

She finally looks at me, tears brimming her beautiful blue eyes. "They hate me, Dallas. They hate me and they aren't afraid to be vocal about it. I don't want to let down the team because I get distracted."

"Oh, sweetheart." I put my hand on her cheek, brushing away a stray tear. "You are the last person to deserve any hate. You are the sweetest, most caring woman I have ever met. You could never let down the team. I know it's hard, but you have to stop thinking like that. Focus on what is in your control. Score a goal and shut them up, that's the Alessia Russo way."