A Bet That Changed Us ︱Pablo Gavi

105: Dinner with Alina

The crisp morning air greeted me as I stepped onto the training grounds, still buzzing with the energy from yesterday's antics. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft, golden glow over the field, and I could already hear the familiar sounds of the team getting into gear. There was something comforting about the routine—arriving early, seeing the boys warming up, the hum of chatter mixing with the rhythmic thud of the ball being passed around. Ansu and Lamine, as usual, couldn't resist teasing each other. They'd started their own little rivalry lately, each trying to outdo the other in every warm-up drill. Today was no different. Lamine kept ribbing Ansu about his failed attempts at some trick shots yesterday, to which Ansu shot back with a smirk, "At least I don't need three tries to hit the net."

Their banter drew laughs from the rest of the squad, and I found myself grinning despite the early hour. I made my way to the sideline, setting up my equipment and making sure everything was in place for the day. Over by the corner, Pablo and Pedri were in the middle of their own competition. It seemed like a day for rivalries. Pedri was boasting about his speed, darting around Pablo in tight circles, while Pablo focused on his shooting accuracy, sending powerful shots into the far corner of the net, each one more precise than the last.

"Speed doesn't mean anything if you can't score, Pedri," Pablo called out, wiping sweat from his brow.

Pedri grinned, panting slightly. "Better hope you don't get left behind when I sprint past you, hermano."

Their back-and-forth was both entertaining and inspiring, showing how even friendly rivalries could push each player to their limits. Watching them, I felt a surge of pride. This team wasn't just a collection of talented individuals; they were a family.

As training began to settle into its rhythm, Xavi called everyone over for a quick team talk. The players gathered around him, forming a loose circle. The mood shifted instantly—everyone knew that when Xavi spoke, it was time to listen. He started discussing strategy for our upcoming match against a tough rival. His voice was calm but firm, emphasizing the importance of focus and discipline. "Listen up," he began, his gaze sweeping over the group. "We've had a few relaxed days, but now it's time to buckle down. Our next match is crucial, and we need to be at our best. I want precision. I want focus. No room for complacency."

Ferran, still buzzing from his birthday celebrations, couldn't resist throwing in a light-hearted comment. "Does that mean no more cake for us, Boss?"

The team chuckled, and even Xavi's stern demeanor cracked slightly. "Maybe just for you, Ferran," he retorted, half-amused, half-annoyed. "But seriously, I need everyone sharp. Let's show them who we are."

The talk ended, and everyone broke off to their respective drills, the atmosphere a mix of intense concentration and playful camaraderie. I kept my eyes trained on the players, especially the ones who'd been nursing minor injuries. Today would be intense, and I had to be ready for anything. It wasn't long before my instincts were proven right. During a small-sided game, Pedri and Ansu both lunged for the ball. Ansu twisted awkwardly, and suddenly, he was down. The collective gasp from the team made my heart jump.

I sprinted onto the pitch, my kit bag slung over my shoulder. The players parted, giving me space to assess Ansu. His face was twisted in pain, and he was clutching his ankle. "Hey, Ansu, look at me," I said calmly, crouching beside him. "Can you move it?" He winced but managed a nod. "Yeah, but it hurts like hell." I carefully examined his ankle, gently moving it to test his range of motion. "It looks like a mild sprain," I diagnosed after a moment. Relief washed over me—nothing too serious. "You'll need to rest for a bit, but you should be fine."

Ansu, despite the pain, couldn't resist a grin. "See, Pedri? I told you it was all part of your evil plan to get me out of the game."

Pedri rolled his eyes, grinning. "You wish, hermano. Just rest up and stop stealing my spotlight."