On the Pitch: Diego's Story

Chapter 13

Diego was up early, the first rays of dawn streaming through the curtains of his room. Determined to be at his best for the upcoming ÖFB Cup match against SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz, he began his morning routine. The air was cool and crisp, perfect for the series of exercises he had planned.

He started with some light stretching, loosening his muscles and waking up his body. Each movement was deliberate, precise, and focused. Following his stretches, he moved into a sequence of push-ups and sit-ups, feeling the burn in his muscles but pushing through it. Sweat began to bead on his forehead, a testament to his dedication and hard work.

Next, he transitioned into yoga, finding a sense of calm in the controlled breathing and smooth, flowing movements. The yoga mat beneath him provided a stable foundation as he worked through various poses, each one designed to improve his flexibility and balance. The rhythmic breathing and stretching not only strengthened his body but also centered his mind, preparing him mentally for the challenges ahead.

After about an hour of rigorous exercise and yoga, Diego felt invigorated. He toweled off the sweat, feeling a sense of accomplishment and readiness. As he caught his breath, he reached for his phone and decided to call his teammate, Pavlovic, to check on the day's plans.

The phone rang a couple of times before Pavlovic's cheerful voice answered. "Hey, Diego! What's up?"

"Hey, man," Diego replied, still slightly breathless from his workout. "Just finished my morning training. I wanted to check if we have a training session today?"

Pavlovic chuckled. "Nah, no official training session today. Coach gave us a rest day. But hey, why don't you come over? Solet and Sucic are here too. We can hang out, maybe kick the ball around a bit."

Diego smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie and relief. "Sounds great! I'll be there soon."

Diego quickly freshened up, grabbed his essentials, and headed out to join his teammates at Pavlovic's place. The journey there was filled with anticipation; a day of relaxation and fun was a rare treat amidst their rigorous training schedule.

When he arrived, Pavlovic greeted him at the door with a broad smile. "There he is! Come on in, man."

Diego stepped inside to the warm atmosphere of camaraderie. Solet and Sucic were already there, lounging on the couch with a few beers in hand.

"Diego, you made it!" Solet exclaimed, raising his beer towards Diego. "Come on, join us!"

Diego smiled, taking a seat next to them. Pavlovic handed him a cold beer, his grin mischievous. "Here, this one's for you."

Diego hesitated, eyeing the bottle. "I'm not sure, guys. I usually avoid alcohol during the season."

"Just one sip, Diego," Pavlovic urged, nudging the bottle closer. "You deserve to relax a bit. It's just beer, nothing too heavy."

Solet leaned forward, grinning. "Yeah, it's not like we're asking you to chug it. Just a sip to unwind. Trust us, you'll feel better."

Sucic joined in, his tone playful. "Come on, Diego. Don't be a buzzkill. One sip won't hurt. We all need a break sometimes."

Diego laughed, feeling the peer pressure but also the genuine care from his friends. "Alright, alright. One sip."

He took the bottle and raised it to his lips, taking a small sip. The cold liquid was refreshing, and the taste wasn't as bad as he remembered. He smiled, and his teammates erupted in cheers.

"There you go!" Pavlovic said, clapping Diego on the back. "See? Not so bad, right?"

Diego nodded, feeling a bit more relaxed. "Yeah, it's not too bad. Thanks, guys."